IRCE Chicago 2025: The Operations-First Ecommerce Conference Guide

Last Updated: November 2025

IRCE (Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition) is the OG ecommerce conference that still delivers for operators who want tactics, not hype. With 10,000+ attendees and 600+ vendors at McCormick Place, IRCE provides comprehensive industry coverage with particular strength in operations and B2B commerce.

For ecommerce operations managers, fulfillment directors, Midwest-based brands, and B2B ecommerce teams, IRCE delivers practical content and efficient vendor evaluation.

Table of Contents

1. Event Overview
2. Who Should Attend
3. Agenda Highlights
4. Expo Hall Strategy
5. Operations Focus
6. Chicago Tips
7. Accessibility Considerations
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Event Overview

IRCE combines educational content with one of the largest ecommerce expo halls.

Event Details

• Dates: June (check irce.com for exact dates)
• Location: McCormick Place, Chicago
• Format: 3-day conference with massive expo hall
• Attendance: 10,000+ attendees, 600+ vendors

History and Evolution

IRCE has evolved from the Internet Retailer Conference to today's comprehensive ecommerce event, maintaining its strength in operations and practical content while expanding marketing and technology programming.

Who Should Attend

Ideal Attendees

• Ecommerce operations managers seeking technology and process improvements
• Fulfillment directors evaluating logistics solutions
• Midwest-based brands benefiting from geographic convenience
• B2B ecommerce teams with dedicated programming track

Best Fit

IRCE is optimized for:

• Operations-focused professionals (not just marketing)
• Brands evaluating multiple vendors simultaneously
• Teams with specific technology requirements
• B2B and B2C ecommerce operators

Agenda Highlights

Check IRCE's agenda for current programming.

Operations Deep-Dives

Practical operational content:

• Fulfillment technology: Warehouse automation and WMS
• Platform comparisons: Detailed technology evaluations
• Process optimization: Operational efficiency improvements

B2B Track

Dedicated B2B ecommerce programming:

• B2B platforms: Commerce systems for business buyers
• Customer portals: Self-service and account management
• Integration strategies: ERP and business system connections

Marketing and Growth

Balanced marketing content:

• Acquisition strategies: Channel-specific tactics
• Retention programs: Loyalty and lifecycle marketing
• Personalization: Customer experience optimization

Expo Hall Strategy

Scale and Navigation

With 600+ vendors, strategic approach is essential:

• Pre-event research: Identify priority vendors before arriving
• Map the floor: Know booth locations for efficient navigation
• Schedule meetings: Book appointments rather than walking in

Vendor Evaluation

Come prepared for efficient evaluation:

• Defined requirements: Know what you need before conversations
• Standard questions: Consistent evaluation framework
• Decision timeline: Communicate your purchasing timeline

Annual Contract Negotiation

IRCE is an effective place to negotiate:

• Competitive pressure: Vendors know competitors are nearby
• Face-to-face: Personal relationships aid negotiation
• Year-end timing: Some vendors have fiscal year pressure

Operations Focus

Operations-First Perspective

IRCE provides depth other conferences lack:

• Practical sessions: Implementation-focused content
• Technical depth: Detailed platform and technology discussions
• Operator speakers: Practitioners, not just vendors

Technology Evaluation

Efficient platform assessment:

• Multiple platforms: Side-by-side comparison opportunity
• Integration partners: Full ecosystem evaluation
• Demo environment: Hands-on experience with solutions

Infrastructure Planning

Sessions for building ecommerce operations:

• Platform selection: Choosing the right commerce foundation
• Integration architecture: Connecting systems effectively
• Scalability planning: Building for growth

Chicago Tips

Getting There

• O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW): Both airports serve Chicago
• Transit: Blue Line from O'Hare, Orange Line from Midway
• McCormick Place: South of downtown, transit accessible

Staying in Chicago

• River North: Best dining and nightlife access
• The Loop: Close to McCormick via transit
• South Loop: Closest to McCormick Place

Dining Recommendations

• Girl & the Goat: Reservations required, worth it
• Pequod's: Essential Chicago deep dish
• The Chicago river: Evening cruises for networking

Conference Navigation

• Chicago river networking cruises: Evening boat events
• Neighborhood exploration: Chicago neighborhoods reward exploration
• Weather preparation: June is pleasant but variable

Accessibility Considerations

As you evaluate technology and plan infrastructure at IRCE, include accessibility in your platform decisions. With ADA lawsuits targeting online retailers at record rates, ensuring your store meets WCAG 2.2 compliance standards should be part of your technology evaluation.

Platform Evaluation Questions

When evaluating technology at IRCE:

• Accessibility support: How does the platform handle accessibility?
• Theme accessibility: Are available themes accessible?
• App ecosystem: Do integrations maintain accessibility?

Operations and Accessibility

Accessibility is an operations concern:

• Continuous monitoring: Ongoing accessibility management
• Process integration: Including accessibility in workflows
• Vendor requirements: Accessibility in technology contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IRCE?

IRCE (Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition) is a 3-day ecommerce conference at McCormick Place in Chicago. It features 10,000+ attendees, 600+ vendors, and comprehensive programming covering operations, marketing, and B2B commerce.

How is IRCE different from Shoptalk?

IRCE has stronger operations and B2B content, while Shoptalk emphasizes retail innovation and brand marketing. IRCE's expo hall is larger, making it better for comprehensive vendor evaluation.

Is IRCE relevant for DTC brands?

Yes. While IRCE includes significant B2B content, the operations depth and vendor access benefit any ecommerce operation. DTC brands focused on operational improvement find significant value.

What's the best strategy for the expo hall?

Pre-identify priority vendors, schedule appointments rather than walking in, bring defined requirements and standard evaluation questions, and plan your floor navigation in advance.

How can I ensure accessibility is part of my platform evaluation?

Use TestParty's free scan to understand accessibility requirements before IRCE. Include accessibility questions in vendor evaluation—TestParty fixes WCAG compliance issues at the code level across platforms.

Evaluate Technology with Accessibility in Mind

Before evaluating platforms at IRCE, understand your accessibility requirements.

Get Your Free Scan →

Establish your accessibility baseline before IRCE—know what you need from technology partners.

Book a Demo →

See how TestParty works with your technology stack—accessibility that fits your platform.

Last updated: November 2025

Related Articles

• Ecommerce Events in Chicago 2025: Complete Guide
• Shoptalk Las Vegas Guide
• eTail West Palm Springs Guide
• The Most Accessible Shopify Themes in 2025
• The Complete Guide to Shopify Digital Accessibility

TestParty helps ecommerce and DTC brands build accessible online experiences. Discover accessibility solutions for Shopify stores →