Top 5 Happenings at the NRF Big Show

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The NRF Big Show is one of the biggest events for the retail community, and it’s back in 2023. Over the course of three days, attendees will have access to 175+ sessions, 350+ speakers and 800+ exhibitors. It is sure to be an amazing experience for networking and learning the newest trends in the retail industry.

In case you’re not sure what to take advantage of at the NRF Big Show, we rounded up the five key happenings we think you should look out for to optimize your experience!

1. Consumer Product Showcase

NRF’s Consumer Product Showcase is a new event that will take place on Sunday, January 15 and Monday, January 16. This event will give attendees the opportunity to see the latest breakout products from a range of suppliers, entrepreneurs, small businesses and brands. It will also provide a forum for small businesses to showcase their consumer-facing products to the industry’s leading retailers. This is an excellent chance to learn more about what is new in the industry.

2. Amazing Keynote Sessions

Some of the greatest parts of the NRF Big Show will be its keynote sessions. NRF will host several keynote sessions for attendees to learn about several different facets of the industry. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will talk about the three P’s—Power, Perseverance and Passion—and how she embraces teamwork to inspire the next generation of young women. 

Actor and producer Kal Penn will share his experience working with the Obama administration to connect with young America about issues like climate change. He will share his perspective on the global economy and impactful policy. These are just two of the many amazing speakers who will offer their unique perspectives to inspire and motivate NRF attendees. 

3. Ultimate Ecommerce Leaders Party by CommerceNext

If you are a retailer or brand exec, you do not want to miss the Ultimate Ecommerce Leaders Party (UELP). UELP is an after-dinner party starting at 8:30pm on January 16. You can expect delicious food and drink as well as an excellent environment for networking among a curated group of ecommerce leaders. This is an exclusive event for the top brands in the industry that you will definitely want to attend. 

Join brands like AEO, Express, Ralph Lauren and Tapestry and apply to register for UELP now!

4. Retail Store Tours

To see firsthand how retailers are using their knowledge of technology and changing behaviors to improve customer experience, you should attend NRF’s Retail Store Tours occurring throughout the conference. These are curated walking tours that showcase the newest industry trends and insider insights. This event is only open to retailers.

The themes for this year are: 

  • Brooklyn/Williamsburg: Where Trends, Technology and New Business Models are Created
  • Hudson Yards: Merging Brick-and-Mortar with Digital
  • SoHo + NoHo: Visionary Innovation Meets Savvy Reinvention

5. Industry Experts’ Top Tech Priorities

If you’re an early morning riser, be sure to check out the industry experts’ top tech priorities discussion at Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop on January 16 at 7:30AM. This is a great way to set your agenda for the day by hearing from four industry experts about what tech to prioritize in 2023. 

This is an exclusive breakfast which will feature:

  • Ray Marciano, Managing Director, Accenture Retail Practice
  • Anne Mezzenga, Co-CEO OmniTalk, Top 100 Retail Influencer
  • Gerry Hough, Leader of McKinsey’s Modern Retail Collective
  • Dave Ritter, Partner and Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal Consumer & Retail Group

Join to drink hot coffee, eat fresh pastries and hear expert insights on the most important tech trends in the industry. 

We are thrilled to see many of you at the NRF Big Show! Be sure to join us at our Ultimate Ecommerce Leaders Party and apply to register now.

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