It’s been more than 2 years since I started writing the Tour de e-commerce series, where I show what events I go to, which are worth it and which I enjoy, or not. And since the 10th issue is now coming out, it will also be the last. Or not quite. We’ll rebrand it a bit and leave the counter, okay? Because quite a few things are changing. What was worth it in recent months and what events are worth checking out next year?
From e-commerce to networking
Tour de e-commerce is changing to Tour de networking. Why? Because it just makes sense. I go to events primarily for networking, and not always for e-commerce events. The new Tour de networking series will be released regularly, at the end of each quarter. You’ll find in it mainly the events I visit, that interest me, or that I wanted to visit.
The “first issue” of Tour de networking vol11 will be released on 31.3.2024. Along with this rebranding comes another one. The project E-COMMERCE AKCE, where you can find the most interesting events in the Czech Republic and abroad in one place, will now be called NETWORKING AKCE. It’s simply no longer just about e-commerce. But that should be clear to you.
More careful selection bears fruit
And now finally to why you’re here. You certainly know that I’m more selective about the events I choose. And you should do the same, because going through dozens of events a month is not really sustainable in the long run. At the end of October, I wrote that I had gone through 9 events in 2 months. Now I don’t even want to count them, but there really weren’t that many. Meet&Deal vol3, Money Maker, Networking Party and a few Christmas parties. But what events would I highlight this year? And which ones are definitely worth not missing next year? Let’s get into it.
What events were worth it this year and had some relevance for me personally? I would definitely highlight ShopMasters, ShopRoku, Reshoper, Startup Awards, Upterdam, Money Maker, some Restarty from Taste, and of course also Meet&Deal. But expect a separate article soon on Meet&Deal this year and next. It’s going to be big, I promise you.
What to look forward to next year
All the events I listed above entertained me this year, and I know that they will all be held again next year. From what I’ve talked to the organizers, they will be even bigger and better than this year. So we have a lot to look forward to. Take a look at what the big players told me themselves.
“This year, Reshoper will be completely in a new outfit! We’ve prepared a lot of new things for the participants, and even party people will get their money’s worth. You can expect the best Reshoper ever! In a new location – Křižíkovy pavilons and with a new date September 4, 2025 We’re looking forward to seeing you!” says Ivo Mrena, CMO of Shoptet and Reshoper.
What is Ladislav Vašek, head of events from CzechCrunch, preparing for you? “In January it’s the Longevity Revolution Festival and then we will definitely repeat Money Maker, follow up on our People First series for everyone working with people, announce the Startup Awards winners, but we are also preparing brand new concepts that we will announce soon…”
And thirdly, I reached out to Jakub Jarabica, CEO of Blueweb, who organizes the largest e-commerce conference in Slovakia: “Upterdam – you can mark September 25, 2025, Bratislava. We will announce the exact location soon. 1,000+ participants, international participation…”
A few events to add to your calendar
I’m bringing you right away a few more events including dates that are worth having a spot in your calendar. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t invite you to Meet&Deal events. There will be several of them throughout the year, not only in Prague, but also in Bratislava, Brno or even in Pilsen. Check out the Meet&Deal website to learn more. I recommend visiting the regular Restarty from Taste, such as E-mail Restart (January 23) or Project Restart (April 24). Every month there is a Networking Party in the premises of Václavák22, where Meet&Deal vol2 took place. The same goes for Marketing Thursdays in Slovakia, which will run from February to November around the middle of the month. Among the interesting events is also ShopMasters (February 13).
In the coming months, I personally plan to attend several events. In March, I see it as Yellow Event of Brand Building (March 10-11) and Event Fest (March 27). And since the beginning of April is Meet&Deal, I’m just thinking about Project Restart. After the May Meet&Deal in Brno, I’m thinking about Content First and the FORBES BUSINESS FEST 2025. In June, I see it again at the FORBES BUSINESS FEST this time in Prague, and then we’ll wrap it up at the June Meet&Deal in Pilsen.
If you’re planning to go to some events abroad (if you don’t count Slovakia), I have several tips for you right away:
- RemaDays Warsaw (January 28-31)
- E-commerce Berlin (February 19-20)
- Affiliate World Dubai (February 26-27)
- ECOMMERCE.PL EVENT 3.0 (March 13) – Warsaw
- E-commerce day by Kaufland (April 11) – Cologne
- NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific (June 3-5) – Singapore
- GROWTH MINDED SUPERHEROES (June 18) – Frankfurt
- Cannes Lions 2025 (June 16-20) – Cannes
- MAD//Fest (July 1-3) – London
For attending events, networking skills will come in handy. If you don’t have networking down to a tee yet, I recommend the NETWORKING e-book by André. In 16 pages, I put together experiences from over 500 networked events I’ve had. You’ll find advice and tips that you can put into practice immediately. Plus, it’s almost free.
If this load of events is not enough for you, check out our website NETWORKING AKCE. There, with a premium access for the price of one lunch a month, you’ll find plenty of other events.
