IGD Future of Category Leadership 2026
23 June 2026, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM BST
CodeNode, 10 South Pl, London EC2M 7EBJoin 300+ category, commercial, and insight leaders - including senior retailers - for a focused day of case studies, ideas, capability building, and practical tools to elevate category performance.
The retail landscape is shifting fast. Shopper behaviour, retailer expectations, commercial pressure, and new technology are reshaping how categories grow. IGD has been working across industry with the people shaping change and defining the future of category to create IGD’s 2030 Blueprint for Category Success - this conference will turn the blueprint into action.
What you’ll gain from attending:
Drive category growth
Walk away with practical approaches that strengthen category performance, build brands and create sharper, category first visions and selling stories that win.
Understand the retailer mindset
Gain direct insight into retailer expectations so you can shape proposals, plans, and decisions that gain agreement.
Unlock supplier collaboration
Learn proven ways to collaborate more effectively, improve joint planning, and create mutually beneficial growth.
Future-proofing skills
Identify the competencies needed for category leadership through to 2030 - and learn how to start building them now.
Recognise how shoppers are changing - and how to respond
Get clarity on the behavioural shifts shaping missions, value, demand, and growth, so you can adapt your strategy with confidence.
Leveraging growth technology
Understand how to use technology and AI to make faster, smarter decisions and how emerging tools can help you analyse, plan, and activate more effectively.
Testimonials
This event will influence how the industry plans, partners, and grows. Join us and be part of the group leading that change — not the ones following it.
Pricing
IGD Member | IGD Non-member | Discounted rate * | |
Early booking | £319 | £479 | |
Standard rate | £399 | £599 | £249 |
Early booking offer – Limited to 100 tickets
Take advantage of our exclusive early booking rate and secure your place at a significantly reduced cost before standard pricing applies. Early registrants benefit from the same high-impact programme — at the best possible value.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
For assistance with your booking, contact [email protected]
What’s included in your ticket?
Access to IGD’s latest category leadership research, including exclusive insights shaping the Blueprint for Category Leadership in 2030
A full day of future-focused content: keynotes, fireside chats, panels and real-world case studies
Practical frameworks and tools to strengthen category visions, selling stories and partnerships
Clear guidance on retailer expectations in today’s performance-driven environment
Networking with 300+ senior professionals across category, commercial and insight roles
Actionable takeaways you can apply immediately to future-proof your capability
* Discounted rate explained
To encourage broader representation across the value chain, we offer a discounted rate for eligible organisations, including:
Small manufacturing businesses with global turnover under £10m
Government organisations or NGOs
Registered charities
How to apply:
Place your order via the booking form and email your annual global turnover, charitable status or company information, to [email protected], or contact us with any questions.
Bring your team and save more
Unlock even greater value by booking multiple tickets. Team attendance helps you align on strategy, share learning, and maximise impact back in the business — all while saving against the standard rate.
Become an IGD member and save more
Not an IGD Member? Join IGD and save up to £1,400 per individual across the year, while unlocking year-round access to insight, tools and industry expertise.
Partnership opportunities for service providers
Partnership offers a powerful way to:
Ensure delegate representation among a highly relevant audience
Elevate your brand in front of category managers from suppliers and manufacturers across the value chain
To get in touch about partnership opportunities, contact [email protected]
The small print
Tickets
Prices displayed ex-VAT. IGD reserves the right to alter any element of the programme, such as speakers, times and venue, should the need arise. All bookings are subject to your acceptance of IGD Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Your identity data will be used by IGD for the purposes of administering the event. IGD reserves the right to reject any order at their discretion. We may also use your identity data and contact data in the virtual platform/app for the event you are attending including: a) in a delegate list; and b) allowing other delegates to send you messages within the platform/app.
Cancellation Fees
Cancellations to be confirmed in writing.
Over 30 days notice - Full refund
15 - 30 days notice - 50% refund
Less than 15 days notice - No refund/transfers
Please email [email protected]
For more information, please see the FAQ’s.
General information
What's the format of the event?
This event is a physical 1-day event designed to strengthen capability to drive category growth
There will be keynote speeches from key influences, fireside chats, case studies, and panels with industry leaders and disruptive brand founders
Where is the venue?
The Future of Category Leadership conference is being held at CodeNode 10 South Pl, London EC2M 7EB.
Is there a dress code?
Most attendees opt for business casual, we would certainly suggest comfortable shoes as you move around the venue.
Can I get access to the presentations after the event?
Yes, abridged slides will be available to view within 5 working days of the event ending. You will receive an email once slides are accessible via our virtual event platform and your MyEvents section of IGD.com.
Booking details and communication
I am registered for the event but haven’t heard anything in a while. What should I do?
All communications regarding the event will be sent via [email protected]. If you feel you have missed any communications, please reach out to [email protected]
I can no longer attend, can I get a refund or transfer my ticket to someone else?
A reminder of our refund policy:
Over 30 days notice - Full refund
15 - 30 days notice - 50% refund
Less than 15 days notice - No refund
If you wish to transfer your ticket to a colleague, this is free of charge, please send over their details as well as those of the individual they will be replacing, to [email protected]. Please make sure the request is with us one week prior to the event to ensure access to the event app.
Can I make a name change?
Name changes remain free of charge, we do ask that your request is with us one week prior to the event date, to enable access to our event app. Name changes must be made in writing to [email protected].
Could I please get a VAT receipt?
A receipt will be sent to your company’s finance department once your order has been processed. If you would like a copy, please send your order number & request to [email protected].
Our responsibilities to you
How do I communicate my accessibility needs?
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive event experience for all attendees. If you have an accessibility-related requirement or request for this event, please let us know in your registration profile (which you’ll be sent once your ticket has been purchased).
For more information, please contact [email protected].
What is your commitment to inclusion and diversity?
Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our culture at IGD. The following measures are in place to support attendees feel included at our events:
Include your gender pronoun on your badge, via your registration profile (which you’ll be sent, once your ticket has been purchased).
A dedicated inclusion and diversity room will be available, please do email [email protected], for further details.
How does IGD ensure I'm kept safe at this event?
IGD is committed to providing safe and secure environments for our attendees. All local and national authority guidance and regulations will be adhered to by IGD and the venue team.
What is IGD doing to reduce the carbon impact of this event?
We are dedicated to minimising our environmental impact wherever possible, the following measures are in place to continue our mission in this area:
Access to our interactive Event App.
Using recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable materials where possible.
Minimising food waste.
Monitoring and reducing our carbon footprint year on year.
You can help support this mission by considering the following options:
Travel by public transport to the event.
Reduce travel for meetings: Utilise your time in London to conduct other meetings around this event.
Lanyard reuse: Please drop your badge and lanyard back to us at the end of the day, so we can clean and reuse this.
Key event contacts
General enquiries – [email protected]