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.
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.
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.
How it works
Participation in the Breakthru Program requires registration by the Breakthru 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 a specialized part of Future Proof Festival that includes Breakthru Hosted Meetings, Experiences, and Talks. It’s designed to connect Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Executives with key players in the industry.
When you register to attend Future Proof you will be asked if you want to get the most out of the event by participating in Breakthru. Simply check the box, and you will be enrolled in the event!
These are 15-minute, double opt-in meetings where you can meet with everyone you want to meet at Future Proof!
Breakthru Experiences are unique activities. They offer a less formal setting for networking and are exclusive to the Breakthru Program attendees.
Breakthru Talks are peer group roundtable discussions on key industry topics. Unlike general sessions, these are smaller, focused groups of 5-8 peers, making for in-depth conversations.
You will receive email updates and calendar holds for the Breakthru activities you’ve opted into. Make sure to accept these to finalize your participation.
Yes, you can. You’ll have the opportunity to select which Breakthru Talks and Experiences interest you the most. However, Meetings are double opt-in, ensuring mutual interest.
Qualified attendees may be eligible for up to $750 in travel and hotel reimbursement. This is part of the exclusive benefits of being in the Breakthru Hosted Program at Future Proof Festival.
Unlike casual networking, these are pre-scheduled, 15-minute, focused meetings. Both parties have to “swipe right,” meaning there’s a mutual interest in meeting, which increases the chances of a beneficial interaction.
If you can’t attend a scheduled activity, it’s crucial to notify the Future Proof Retreat team immediately. Failure to participate in scheduled activities may affect your eligibility for reimbursements and future participation.
You’ll receive timely updates and reminders via email and text. Make sure to check your spam folder and keep an eye on communications from our registration team.
You’ll select your preferred Talks and Experiences during a designated period before the Future Proof Festival. These are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so act quickly to secure your spots.
Each Breakthru activity has its own deadline for profile completion. Typically, you’ll have a window of about a week for each. All deadlines will be communicated well in advance.