Creating Futures – 76th International Retail Summit

The Creating Futures – 76th International Retail Summit, hosted by the GDI Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, is the leading retail strategy conference in Switzerland, held under the theme "Retail Reality Check: Confidence over Crisis". It runs 16–17 September 2026 at the GDI in Rüschlikon (Park im Grüene, overlooking the city of Zürich), Switzerland.

More than a traditional trade fair, this is a conference for decision-makers in retail and consumer-facing sectors. The programme challenges the prevailing narrative that proven business models have reached their limits, arguing that bricks-and-mortar retail remains resilient and still generates over 80% of sales. Speakers encourage a shift in perspective "from doom and gloom to well-founded optimism", showcasing benchmark innovators, opportunity-led corporate cultures, and confident communication of the sector's strengths.

Featured speakers

• Oliver Kahn – football legend and entrepreneur
• Daniela Schwarzer – President-designate, Hertie School
• Anna Rosling Rönnlund – Co-founder & VP, Gapminder
• Ingo Kretzschmar – CEO, Thalia
• Fredrik Engman – Global Brand & Marketing, IKEA
• Samuel West – Founder and Curator, Museum of Failure
• Moderated by Carolin Roth, CNBC journalist

The event also features an exclusive pop-up exhibition from the acclaimed Museum of Failure (17 September).

Venue

GDI Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, Langhaldenstrasse 21, 8803 Rüschlikon (Zürich), Switzerland.

The summit is held in German and English with simultaneous interpretation. Hashtag: #iht26.

Register on the official website