DMEXCO 2025: Rethinking E-Commerce

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

DMEXCO 2025 stands under the motto “Be Bold. Move Forward.” – a call to action for businesses to shape the future of e-commerce rather than waiting passively. In times of economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and global challenges, companies are urged to push boundaries and embrace innovation. Verena Gründel, Director Brand & Communications and Host of DMEXCO, shares in the ECommerce Masterminds podcast how Europe’s leading digital marketing and commerce event is preparing to meet these demands. The focus is on innovation, new formats, and rethinking e-commerce – both globally and locally.

More Than Just a Trade Fair: DMEXCO’s New Role

Verena Gründel no longer sees her role primarily as an observer, but as a shaper: she aims to build a platform where networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation come alive.

Her perspective has broadened from journalism to a more global outlook. By looking across Europe and into the U.S., she gathers insights and impulses to bring back to the German and European e-commerce landscape.

New Formats & Programs: Strategic and Practice-Oriented

Commerce Summit and New Stages

For the first time, DMEXCO 2025 will host a Commerce Summit dedicated to the entire value chain of digital commerce – from customer engagement and after-sales to loyalty programs. Both D2C and B2B companies are part of this holistic perspective.

Alongside, DMEXCO is introducing networking formats such as a Commerce Lounge, an E-Commerce Meetup, a Female E-Com Leadership Breakfast, and even live podcasts featuring international speakers. The aim: more personal exchange and interactive learning opportunities.

From Practice to Strategy: Masterclasses & Summits

DMEXCO doesn’t just stay at the strategic level – it offers hands-on formats. Masterclasses allow deep dives into operational practices, while Summits focus on trends and strategic orientation. The combination ensures that participants not only listen but take actionable insights home.

Key Growth Drivers in Focus

Retail Media, Digital Out-of-Home & Social Commerce

Three growth areas stand out for the future of e-commerce:

Retail Media: Already well established, it creates new revenue streams for both brands and retailers. Yet, many businesses have not tapped into its full potential.
Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH): Programmatic booking, digital billboards, and innovative targeting options are driving this field. In Germany alone, revenues are projected to reach around €650 million in 2025.
Social Commerce: More than just transactions – it’s about inspiration and experience. Especially for younger audiences, social commerce offers untapped opportunities.

Courage & Action: Strategic Impulses

Gründel emphasizes that in times of uncertainty, many businesses tend to hold back. But precisely in such times, countercyclical investments – in marketing, research, and new business models – pay off. Those who act boldly today are better positioned for tomorrow.

The motto “Be Bold. Move Forward.” is more than a slogan. It’s a call to action: rethink strategies, embrace change, and grow despite challenges. DMEXCO 2025 aims to provide the tools and inspiration to make that possible.

Conclusion

DMEXCO 2025 is not just a trade show – it is an impulse generator for the future of e-commerce. With new formats, practical insights, international exchange, and a strong focus on growth fields, it sets the stage for transformation. For companies, the key question is: how much courage and readiness for change is already embedded in their current e-commerce strategy?