Retail Innovation Week, happening September 15-18, 2025, is set to transform Bentonville, Arkansas into a living hub of retail, tech, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs) and startup energy.
Co-hosted by Fieldbook Studio, dunnhumby Ventures, Plug and Play, Endeavor, 8th & Walton and more, the event brings together over 1,000 executives, founders and investors to explore the future of omnichannel retail.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect across the week:
Innovation at the Embark Summit (Sept. 16)
Held at The Momentary, the Embark Retail Innovation Summit is the flagship event of the week.
Expect:
- A keynote from Jesse Itzler, entrepreneur, author and co-founder of Marquis Jets
- Three themed tracks:
- Omni-Commerce Realized
- CPG Go-To-Market Strategies
- New CPG Ideation & Validation
- Fast-paced presentations, panels and pitches from founders and operators
Strategic Networking Opportunities
Throughout the week, attendees can join:
- Curated networking dinners with executives, VCs and innovators
- Startup-investor matchmaking events
- Casual meetups and social mixers at local venues and Bentonville landmarks
Retail-Focused Side Events & Sessions
With over 10 events in total, the full week includes:
- Innovation showcases hosted by 8th & Walton
- Workshops led by CPG and retail marketing experts
- Demos and panels on data, personalization, logistics and more
Local Immersion Experiences
Attendees are encouraged to explore Bentonville’s unique assets:
- Tours of Walmart’s new global campus
- Visits to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- Guided excursions on Bentonville’s acclaimed bike trails
- Community-focused events highlighting the region’s quality of life and creative scene
DBB's Editorial Coverage
Doing Business in Bentonville (DBB) will be:
- Covering the week live through podcasts, social media and article spotlights
- Highlighting key conversations around omnichannel, supply chain and retail strategy
- Connecting event insights to our broader mission of advancing omnichannel retail
Why Bentonville Matters
Bentonville isn’t just the home of Walmart – it’s ground zero for the future of omnichannel retail.
With over 1,300 CPG suppliers, a surging startup ecosystem and deep retail talent pipelines from local colleges and universities, Bentonville offers a unique blend of corporate scale and entrepreneurial agility. It’s a place where big ideas get tested, launched and scaled faster, making it the perfect host city for Retail Innovation Week.
