Breakthru Networking at RetailClub
Breakthru powers thousands of meaningful meetings and curated experiences that help you advance your AI strategy, expand your partnerships, and strengthen your perspective.
Join one of the most dynamic and data-driven networking programs in retail. Whether you’re looking to connect with potential partners, evaluate new AI solutions, or deepen your understanding of emerging opportunities, Breakthru makes it simple, focused, and effective.
You must register by Aug 28 to participate in the Breakthru Networking Program.
September 22-24, 2026
Huntington Beach, CA
Sept 22-24, 2026 | Huntington Beach, CA
Breakthru Networking at RetailClub
Breakthru powers thousands of meaningful meetings and curated experiences that help you advance your AI strategy, expand your partnerships, and strengthen your perspective.
Join one of the most dynamic and data-driven networking programs in retail. Whether you’re looking to connect with potential partners, evaluate new AI solutions, or deepen your understanding of emerging opportunities, Breakthru makes it simple, focused, and effective.
You must register by Aug 28 to participate in the Breakthru Networking Program.
What is Breakthru?
Breakthru is RetailClub’s official networking platform, driving over 30,000 opt-in meetings and 50+ curated experiences during the event. It includes:
Breakthru Meetings
Double opt-in, 15-minute targeted conversations with retail and brand executives, AI leaders, operators, innovators, and technology partners
Breakthru Talks
45-minute, topic-based roundtable discussions to exchange insights and solve challenges in peer groups
Breakthru Experiences
Fun and informal networking experiences, such as yoga, gourmet cooking classes, photo walks, and more
Breakthru Networking Dinners
Curated small-group meals at premium venues designed for building deeper professional relationships
Who is Breakthru for?
Breakthru is designed for every type of RetailClub AI Festival attendee:
Hosted Retailers & Brands:
Complimentary pass plus $1,250 travel and hotel reimbursement for participants who complete required double opt-in meetings and attend a Breakthru Networking Dinner.
General Attendees & Startups:
Participate in non-hosted meetings and curated Breakthru Experiences across AI themes and industry priorities.
Sponsors & Exhibitors:
Host targeted meetings, lead sessions, and organize dinners and activities to engage with pre-qualified, high-intent retail and brand decision-makers.
Media, Innovators, Students:
Connect with peers across job roles, AI focus areas, and company types to learn, collaborate, and expand your network.
Why Breakthru Works
High satisfaction rates driven by purposeful, well-matched conversations.
Double opt-in meetings ensure mutual value, relevance, and shared priorities.
Tens of thousands of unique connection points powered by structured profile data across role, function, company type, and business focus.
Custom meeting recommendations based on filters such as company size, category, strategic goals, and operational needs.
You must register by Aug 28 to participate in the Breakthru Networking Program.
How it works
Participation in the Breakthru Program requires registration by the Aug 28 deadline. Selections open closer to the event, and final schedules are shared just ahead of RetailClub AI Festival. We will send reminders at every step.
Register & Create Your Profile
Share key info about your role, company, and interests
Select Talks & Experiences
Select all Talks and Experiences that interest you
Request Meetings
Filter by category, use case, company type, and more
Opt-in to Meetings Requests & Accept Talks
Respond to incoming interest and accept your Talks assignments
Accept Matches & Calendar Invites
Confirm your calendar
Attend Onsite Meetings, Talks, & Experiences
SEPT 22-24
Details will be in your event app
Submit Feedback & Get Reimbursed
POST-EVENT
For Hosted Attendees Only
Have Questions?
Have questions? Email us at hello@retailclub.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Breakthru Hosted Program is how qualified retailers and brands attend RetailClub AI Festival at no cost. Decision-makers responsible for buying technology, solutions, or services can attend as Hosted Attendees, receiving a free ticket (up to a $2,395 value) plus up to $1,250 in travel and hotel reimbursement. In exchange, they complete up to eight 15-minute onsite Hosted Meetings with participating sponsors, which help them discover new AI solutions and partners.
You must register by Aug 28 to participate.
Anyone who registers for RetailClub AI Festival by the August 28 deadline can take part in the Breakthru Program. Retailers and brands whose decision-makers buy technology, solutions, or services may also qualify for the Breakthru Hosted Program, which offers a free ticket and travel reimbursement in exchange for completing a set of Hosted Meetings with sponsors.
Breakthru Meetings are 15-minute, double opt-in conversations at RetailClub AI Festival. A meeting is only scheduled when both people have indicated they want to meet, so you connect with exactly the retail and brand leaders, operators, and technology partners you want to.
You must register by Aug 28 to participate.
Breakthru Experiences are unique activities that offer a more informal setting for networking, from beach bootcamps to cooking classes to the AI Playground. They're exclusive to Breakthru Program participants at RetailClub AI Festival.
You must register by Aug 28 to participate.
Unlike standard content sessions, Breakthru Talks are more intimate and interactive. You're not just listening to a speaker; you're actively discussing topics with other industry professionals. It's a chance to both learn and share your own insights, making it a two-way exchange of valuable information.
You'll select the Talks and Experiences that interest you and request meetings during a set window before RetailClub AI Festival. You'll then receive email updates and calendar holds for what you've opted into. Accept them to finalize your schedule.
Yes. You choose which Breakthru Talks and Experiences interest you most. Meetings are double opt-in, so they're scheduled only where there's mutual interest.
If you can't attend a scheduled activity, notify the RetailClub team as soon as possible. If you're part of the Breakthru Hosted Program, missing scheduled meetings may affect your eligibility for reimbursement and future participation.
You'll receive updates and reminders by email and text throughout the process. Keep an eye on messages from our registration team, and check your spam folder so nothing slips by.