29–30 October 2026 | Focus Rooms, Modderfontein, Gauteng | Hybrid Conference
“Wholesale and Retail Re-imagined: Next Generation Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship”
The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) proudly presents the 2026 Research Conference a strategic national platform bringing together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, academia, labour, entrepreneurs, and skills development stakeholders to shape the future of the wholesale and retail sector.
Registrations Open: 2026 Research Conference – Fill out form
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
Why Attend?
At the heart of this conference is a simple goal: turn knowledge into impact. Participants will gain:
- Exclusive access to research findings that illuminate pressing sector challenges and opportunities.
- Opportunities to connect with leaders across government, academia, industry, and labour.
- A front-row seat to discussions on how skills development can future-proof the workforce.
- Insights into innovative models that strengthen the township economy, digital transitions, and sustainability practices.
A platform to help position wholesale and retail as a career of choice for the next generation
What We Aim to Achieve
The conference is designed to:
- Promote Research and Evidence-Based Planning: Strengthen the role of research in informing skills planning, policy development, and programme implementation across the sector.
- Drive Sector Innovation: Explore innovative approaches that improve competitiveness, productivity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
- Strengthen Skills Development Systems: Align education and training with current and future labour market needs within the wholesale and retail sector.
- Encourage Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Create opportunities for engagement between government, industry, labour, academia, research institutions, and development partners.
- Shape the Future of Work: Generate practical insights on digital transformation, automation, data-driven retail, and evolving workforce demands.
Who Should Attend?
Industry Stakeholders
- Wholesale and retail companies
- Industry associations
- Employers and business leaders
- Entrepreneurs and SMMEs
Government and Public Sector
- National and provincial government departments
- Skills development institutions
- Public entities and agencies
Education and Research Institutions
- Universities
- Universities of Technology
- TVET Colleges
- Researchers and academics
- Research institutions and think tanks
Skills Development and Labour Structures
- SETAs
- Training providers
- Labour organisations and trade unions
- QCTO and related quality bodies
Youth and Development Organisations
- Young professionals
- Graduate researchers
- Innovation hubs
- Entrepreneurship support organisations
International and Regional Partners
- Regional training authorities
- Development agencies
- International collaborators and sector partners