VMSD magazine is excited to host the 2026 International Retail Design Conference (IRDC), taking place October 7–8, 2026, at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. Recognized as the premier industry event, this annual two-day conference features engaging education and networking experiences for visual merchandising and store design professionals. Following the success of our 25th anniversary celebration, IRDC 2026 will continue to push boundaries with fresh insights, hands-on inspiration, and unmatched industry connections.
Professionals from every sector of the retail design industry are invited to join IRDC!
You should attend if you are a retailer or brand owner involved in:
… or a non-retailer, whose primary business is:
Attend IRDC this fall to explore new ideas and approaches to creating engaging consumer experiences at retail. Bring your passion and expertise for retail design to IRDC 2026 and connect with your peers through interactive sessions and networking opportunities. Together, we have the power to drive the industry forward and elevate the in-store experience!
If you’re a manufacturer, supplier, or solution provider to the retail design industry, sponsoring IRDC is an excellent opportunity to establish high-level business relationships with executive decision makers from the world’s leading retailers and brands. Each year, the attendee profile includes a heavy presence of upper-level decision makers including presidents, VPs, owners, principals, directors and managers – and no other event immerses sponsors with attendees like IRDC!
Interested in sponsoring IRDC? Contact Market Strategist, Emily Kasmenn to learn more.
VMSD & ZENGENIUS INC. PRESENT:
The annual Iron Merchant Challenge is a mashup of improvisation, creativity and design science — plus one secret ingredient guaranteed to shake things up!
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of this legendary IRDC tradition, celebrating two decades of bold ideas, friendly competition, and unforgettable displays.
Together, six teams will dive in blindly to conceive and create a winning display focused around a theme, a hodgepodge of materials and one secret ingredient. Are you ready for the challenge? Sign up to participate when registration opens.
EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, RECOGNITION
Join us for Thursday’s celebratory Awards Luncheon where we’ll recognize the winners of VMSD’s 2026 competitions & industry awards including:
Join the IRDC Insider List to receive program updates and we’ll send you a discount code to save $100 when you register!