What I Learned: 3 Highlights from the eCommerce Expo 2024
Earlier this month, the Rixxo team attended the 2024 eCommerce Expo, the UK’s biggest eCommerce event, held at ExCel London. It was my first time at the event, as I had just joined Rixxo and the world of eCommerce a few weeks earlier.
One thing stood out to me more than anything else: the amazing networking opportunities.
With thousands of industry leaders, suppliers, partners, tech vendors, and innovators all under one roof, it was a fantastic chance to build relationships, learn about the industry, and connect with key players in B2B eCommerce. Whether through formal meetings, spontaneous conversations, or networking events, the connections we made were invaluable.
My top three highlights from the eCommerce Expo 2024
1. B2B eCommerce is (still) underrepresented, but fast becoming a hot topic
While B2B eCommerce doesn’t get as much attention as its ‘more glamorous’ B2C and D2C counterparts, it’s quickly becoming a key focus for many businesses. Throughout the expo, discussions on B2B growth highlighted how this space is evolving.
While still a smaller part of the event, B2B eCommerce is gaining momentum as more companies look to streamline and scale.
The key takeaway? B2B isn’t just a trend—it’s a major growth area businesses can’t afford to ignore.
2. Fringe events were incredible!
The real magic of eCommerce Expo happened in the fringe events. These smaller, more focused sessions were just brilliant.
The standout for me was the eCommerce Partnerships Agency Challenge at The Cube, hosted by Rachel Jacobs. I
It was everything you would expect (if you have watched the game show), extremely competitive and amazing fun.It was a great way to round off the expo, and even made me forget about the 22,000 steps I’d done in the previous 36 hours.
If you’re attending the expo, comfortable shoes are a must!
The fringe events were plentiful (more on another favourite below), and I wish we could have made it to more! It was a great opportunity to relax and chat to like minded industry folk.
3. Valuable partnership and supplier networks
One of the biggest advantages of attending the expo was the chance to meet key suppliers and potential partners. The expo is the event for anyone looking to expand their supplier network or explore new partnerships.
We part-hosted the B2B eCommerce Association networking event on the first night of the expo, sponsored by Hokodo and OroCommerce and it was amazing to see so many there focused on the B2B space.
It provided the perfect platform to connect with tech vendors, merchants, agencies, logistics providers, and consultants who are revolutionising B2B ecommerce infrastructure, all while building relationships and extending our networks. The Expo reaffirmed that success in ecommerce is not just about having the right strategy—it’s about having the right partners and a robust network.
I left the 2024 eCommerce Expo with more knowledge than when I arrived, lots of new contacts, and a sense of excitement about the industry’s future!
I’m excited for the upcoming eCommerce events! The Rixxo team will be attending the following events this year, and we’d love to see you there.
Manchester B2B eCommerce Association Networking Drinks: 16th October at Dukes92
BOLD B2B: eComm Summit, London: 6th November
Birmingham B2B eCommerce Association Networking Drinks: 14th November at Dirty Martini
If there are any events you think we should be at, drop us a line using the contact form below.
