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.
Become an Insider to get a $100 promo code when you register and be the first to receive program updates!
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:
IRDC offers the perfect setting for you to chat with some of the industry’s leading vendors and solution providers. Come discover the latest products and services that are creating engaging experiences at retail and develop new strategic partnerships along the way.
IRDC’s dynamic conference program allows you to explore new trends while also sparking your creativity. Through interactive workshops and everyone’s favorite Iron Merchant Challenge, you’ll flex your creative muscles and leave with new insights and perspectives for your upcoming projects.
IRDC brings the industry back together again. Outside of conference hours, there’s ample time for attendees to mix and mingle during the Tuesday evening Welcome Reception, Wednesday evening Iron Merchant Challenge Reception and Thursday evening Closing Party.
Enjoy ample time for laid back networking with your retail design peers during daily group meals, evening receptions and the new Offsite Disruptive Mystery Experience. Unwind while you share your successes, challenges and new ideas for elevating the in-store consumer experience.
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!
VMSD invites in-store experience, retail and design experts from every sector of the industry to submit speaker proposals for consideration. Take the stage at IRDC and share your insights with your peers!
Build your brand and make new business connections face-to-face as an IRDC sponsor! Join us in Providence for two days where influential leaders will come together to learn and network in an intimate setting.
Interested in sponsoring IRDC? Contact Market Strategist, Emily Kasmenn to learn more.
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.
Co-Founder, CEO, Creative Director, ZenGenius Inc.
From humble beginnings as a visual merchandiser for Lazarus Department Store in Ohio, to his role as a visual manager for Macy’s/The Broadway stores in the 1990s, Joe’s passion for visual merchandising has followed him throughout his retail career. After returning to Ohio in 1996 to work with the renowned Columbus-based design firm Chute Gerdeman, Joe later co-founded ZenGenius, Inc. with partner Paul Cook in 1999. Their fierce entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to give back to the community, established ZenGenius as industry-leading visual merchandising experts in Columbus, later expanding nationwide. Often you’ll find Joe emceeing community and industry events, supporting the local arts community, or mentoring students from The Ohio State University and beyond. In recent years, his passion for education and fostering a new generation of talent has brought him closer to the mission of PAVE and its fundraising efforts.
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!
