Retail, e-commerce and logistics innovation leaders will convene in London next month for the return of the annual The Delivery Conference (TDC), organized by Metapack and ShipStation, offering two days of forward-looking insights, industry debate and essential networking opportunities.
TDC 2026 opens on February 2 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London with customer user groups and a welcome reception, followed by the full-day main conference on February 3. The program features 20+ sessions on technology, sustainability, customer experience and cross-border delivery, including keynotes, panels, AI-driven showcases and workshops. The day concludes with a closing party featuring live music and a special performance from X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, offering attendees a celebratory finale alongside networking with peers and industry leaders.
“TDC 2026 is focused firmly on the future,” stated Al Ko, CEO at Auctane, Metapack and ShipStation’s parent company. “As delivery becomes more intelligent, AI and data are fundamental to how retailers scale and compete for customers with increasingly high expectations.
“This year’s program explores how predictive intelligence, automation and real-time decision-making are actively reshaping everything from fulfillment and last-mile operations to customer promise and profitability.
“TDC 2026 is designed to empower today’s leading brands to move beyond experimentation and embed intelligence in the areas of their businesses that will lead to tangible impact.”
Closing keynote announcement
BAFTA-winning comedian, writer, director and presenter Richard Ayoade will headline TDC’s closing session on February 3 with a sharp, refreshing perspective on the cultural and technological shifts redefining e-commerce, from logistics to AI-powered delivery. He will bring his unique blend of wit and insight to unpack what’s next for retailers, carriers and consumers in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Key speakers and panelists for TDC 2026
This year’s agenda brings together top thinkers, analysts, founders and operators across retail and delivery. Featured speakers include:
- Richard Ayoade – BAFTA-winning comedian, writer, director and presenter
- Mary Portas – founder, Portas UK
- Arka Dhar – AI strategist, Google DeepMind
- Al Ko – CEO, Auctane
- Adam Coventry – director, Scala
- Andrew Norman – SVP and GM EMEA, Commerce
- Andrew Thomson – director of partnerships EMEA, Linnworks
- Beth Chapman – managing director, Starlinks Global
- Bob Phibbs – CEO, The Retail Doctor
- Cian Wright – vice president, market development, Swap
- Chloe Thomas – podcast host, eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast
- Chris Dawson – editor-in-chief, ChannelX
- Chris Haighton – retail logistics consultant, Haighton105 Consultants
- Clare Bailey – founder, The Retail Champion
- Dr Daniel Hulme – CEO, Satalia
- Emma Clarke – senior director of product management, Metapack
- Graham Smith – account director, Gophr
- Ian Jindal – founder, RetailX
- JJ Karambelas – channel director, OneStock
- Katie Searles – contributing editor, InternetRetailing and DeliveryX
- Matthew Mitchell – director, global sales e-commerce, FedEx
- Matthew Trattles – VP of product, ShipStation API
- Natalie Berg – retail analyst and host of Retail Disrupted
- Oksana Dambrauskaite – digital operations leader, Decathlon UK
Event highlights
The human touch: reclaiming retail in a tech-driven delivery world
Mary Portas and Arka Dhar, an AI strategist with Google DeepMind, in conversation with Al Ko, CEO of Auctane, exploring how delivery can be more than a technical function, using purpose, empathy, and storytelling to create emotional connections that drive loyalty
Unveiling the future of intelligent delivery
Metapack and ShipStation showcase their latest AI and data-driven innovations, demonstrating how smarter automation and predictive intelligence are reshaping fulfillment and logistics.
Debrief: 2026 delivery trends
Richard Lim presents findings from a new study on AI in delivery, offering actionable insights on predictive analytics, operational efficiency and customer experience for retailers and carriers.
Delivery that delivers: turning fulfillment into a strategic advantage
Led by Chloe Thomas, this panel highlights how leading retailers are using intelligent delivery to turn fulfillment from a cost center into a competitive differentiator, leveraging technology to enhance flexibility, resilience and customer loyalty.
Closing keynote
Richard Ayoade, acclaimed writer and presenter, delivers a witty, insightful look at the cultural and technological shifts shaping e-commerce and logistics, reinforcing the conference theme of AI-powered, adaptive, customer-led delivery.
Exhibition hall
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with 30 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in e-commerce delivery technology.
For more information and to register for TDC 2026, visit the official website: https://www.thedeliveryconference.com/
Parcel and Postal Technology International is proud to be an official media partner of TDC 2026.