Where the people shaping commerce meet.
POWERING FANDOM – CREATING ICONS.
D-Congress brings together the people, ideas and technologies shaping what comes next in commerce.
GOTHENBURG · MARCH 10–11, 2027
TICKETS RELEASE NOVEMBER 5
When everyone has access to powerful technology, what makes a brand matter?
Powering fandom – creating icons
AI is changing how commerce works. But technology alone doesn’t make people choose you. Remember you. Care about you. D-Congress 2027 explores what comes next – across commerce, technology, brands, consumer behaviour and culture.
Gothenburg · March 10–11, 2027 – Tickets release november 5
Two days of ideas, people, conversations and unexpected encounters. Some things can be consumed afterwards. D-Congress isn’t one of them. You have to be there
Ebba Andersson on stage at D-Congress 2026
HOW BRANDS BECOME ICONS
– WHAT LEGO CAN TEACH US ABOUT BUILDING BRANDS PEOPLE CARE ABOUT
Sara Riis-Carstensen created LEGO’s first global brand strategy, connecting its iconic brick to creativity, play and communities across generations. She has since worked with brands across industries, including De Beers, Carlsberg and Lufthansa. At D-Congress 2027, Sara explores what it takes to move beyond recognition and become genuinely relevant to people. How can a brand earn a place in the cultures and communities its customers already care about? And what can LEGO teach us about building the lasting relationships that turn a product into an icon?
Sara Riis-Carstensen created LEGO’s first global brand strategy. Her work has since spanned Carlsberg, Giorgio Armani, De Beers, Zurich Insurance and Lufthansa Group. She brings a perspective on how brands earn cultural relevance and become meaningful in people’s lives.
TO SUCCEED WITH AI, STUDY PEOPLE
Companies are racing to understand what AI can do. Linda Leopold asks what people are doing with it.
A former editor-in-chief of fashion magazine BON who went on to spend seven years in senior AI roles at H&M Group, Linda brings a rare mix of cultural and technical insight. She explores how employees and consumers use AI, when they trust it and where they still want human judgement—and how people and AI can combine their strengths. As AI begins to shape advice, discovery and purchasing decisions, understanding those behaviours becomes critical for retailers and brands.
Linda began her career in journalism and culture, including as Editor-in-Chief of BON. She then spent seven years in senior AI roles at H&M Group, working across AI strategy, Responsible AI, digital ethics and generative AI. Today she works as a strategic advisor and public speaker focusing on human-centered AI transformation.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE AI BOOM?
AI is eating the world. But what happens when powerful AI becomes available to everyone?
Benedict Evans is one of the world’s most widely read independent technology analysts, known for seeing what comes after the initial wave of excitement. In this session, he explores how AI could reshape business models, organisations and the way customers discover what to buy. As the technology spreads, where will value move? Who will become the new gatekeepers? And how will companies stand out when access to AI is no longer an advantage in itself?
Benedict Evans opens D-Congress 2027 with a keynote on ICONS, our main stage.
Wednesday, March 10. ICONS
EVERYONE IS HERE.
➡ 4,474 ATTENDEES IN 2026
➡ 1,000+ RETAILERS & BRANDS REPRESENTED
➡ 1,142 C-LEVEL ATTENDEES
➡ 68.8% OF RETAILERS & BRANDS ARE C-LEVEL OR MANAGEMENT
The people shaping commerce meet at D-Congress.
Put your brand in the room.
D-Congress brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of retail – and the companies building it. Put your brand, your people and your ideas at the centre of the conversation.
Nataliya Chichkova on stage at D-Congress 2026
The people worth listening to.
Global thinkers. CEOs. Founders. Brand builders. Entrepreneurs. Innovators. Creators. Challengers. People with something to say about what happens next.
First speakers revealed soon.
Discover what’s next.
AI. E-commerce. Brands. Retail media. Marketplaces. Payments. Stores. Consumer behaviour. New business models. We don’t cover everything.
We curate what matters.
Jacob Lovén on stage at D-Congress 2026
The Cultural Heartbeat of D-Congress.
D-Congress Festival
One night. Two stages.
Live music, discovery and a room full of people shaping what comes next.
2027 Artist Revealed November 5
Stay at Gothia Towers with an Exclusive D-Congress Discount
Participants of D-Congress receive an exclusive discount at one of Gothenburg’s premier hotels – Gothia Towers – conveniently located in the same building as the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre. Availability is limited, so we recommend booking as early as possible, as rooms tend to sell out quickly.
Stay updated on D-Congress
Subscribe to the D-Congress campaign newsletter and get the latest updates straight to your inbox. You’ll receive news about the programme, speakers, key highlights and everything you need to know ahead of the event. The newsletter is delivered in English and is dedicated exclusively to D-Congress.