The e-Commerce Day 2024

The e-Commerce Day 2024 kicked off the evening before with a fantastic pre-event: Over 400 guests gathered at the beach BBQ at the Playa Beachclub in Cologne to gear up for the trade fair, make new connections, and exchange ideas with industry peers. Despite the cool temperatures, the relaxed beach atmosphere, a plentiful barbecue buffet, cocktails, and a beach volleyball tournament ensured a great mood all around. Congratulations to the "Sand Heroes" team from Mailody and Ratepay for securing the tournament victory – a perfect start to the e-Commerce Day!

From the beach to the stadium

The following morning, Dr. Gerald Schönbucher, CEO of Kaufland e-commerce, kicked off the trade fair day with his opening keynote. In his speech, he provided exciting insights into the latest developments of the Kaufland Global Marketplace and set the tone for a day full of inspiration.

More than 2,000 participants enjoyed a diverse program featuring hands-on masterclasses, exciting e-commerce insights on three stages, and around 100 innovative exhibitors showcasing their solutions across 4,000 m² in the RheinEnergieSTADION.

E-commerce meets stadium atmosphere

Beyond the lectures and exhibitor stands, the 1. FC Köln stadium offered a special highlight: Participants had the chance to enjoy VIP seating and soak in the unique atmosphere. Exclusive stadium tours provided a behind-the-scenes look—a true experience, even for those who aren’t soccer fans.

Top-notch speakers and trending topics

‍The expert presentations on the stages covered a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and internationalization to multichannel strategies and user experience. The talks from the VIP speakers were particularly inspiring:

Matthias Sammer shared his insights on leadership in hierarchical structures, drawing fascinating parallels between professional sports and business management. In a conversation with Dr. Gerald Schönbucher and the audience, he delivered valuable takeaways that resonated beyond just football enthusiasts.
Smudo, co-founder of “Die Fantastischen Vier,” captivated the audience with his perspectives on the impact of AI on the music industry, paired with humorous anecdotes from his career.

Ending the day together
The day concluded with a grand finale at the after-show party: With beats from David Puentez, the dance floor became alive as participants and exhibitors celebrated in high spirits.

Thank you!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who enriched the e-Commerce Day 2024 with their presence. We can’t wait to welcome you back next year at the e-Commerce Day 2025!