NRF is where retail’s big ideas and bright minds come together. This industry trade show is a great event for networking, learning from industry leaders and forming strategic partnerships. It’s also an excellent opportunity for retailers to further innovation at their companies.
At NRF, you can explore new ideas, learn from others who are innovating and make connections with the vendors helping to move the industry forward. With so much to do at NRF, and only 3 days to do it, here are 6 ways to get innovative at NRF this year:
Hear from Industry Innovators Directly
Attend presentations by leaders from some of 2018’s most forward-thinking companies. Learn how brands like BJ’s Wholesale, Gap Inc. and others have been leveraging new strategies and technology to optimize talent, customer experience, operations and more. Make sure to also catch Big Ideas sessions presented by solution providers on the products helping companies innovate.
With so many presentations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, so we curated a list of the can’t-miss innovative NRF sessions, including Big Ideas topics. You’ll definitely want to catch our CEO, Brett Patrontasch’s fireside chat with Andrea Madigan, Senior Manager of Field Profitability for
Set Up Meetings with Exhibitors
Connect with suppliers who can help your company strategically tackle business goals this year. On the EXPO floor, learn more about the products you may be curious about by meeting with company representatives, attending product demos and discussing how various solutions can impact your company’s bottom line.
If you’re interested in mobile workforce management and mobile shift swapping tools, come see us at Booth 1131. Reserve a time to meet with the Shyft team and learn more about how a mobile solution drives conversions, reduces inefficiencies and helps companies attract and retain talent.
Tour Forward-Thinking Stores
New York City is a hub of retail innovation. From Nike’s House of Innovation to Covergirl’s flagship retail location, there is a slew of retailers to learn from in the city. NRF’s curated retail store tours are a perfect way to visit innovative stores around New York. (It’s also a great way to see the city while being productive.) They run from January 11 to January 17, making it easier to add one to your itinerary if you don’t have time during the conference.
Explore the Innovation Lab
If you want to see artificial intelligence, facial recognition and other cutting-edge concepts in action for retail, the Innovation Lab is a crucial stop. Interact directly with the latest technologies changing customer experiences and the retail industry. Ask questions, try things out and discuss how various solutions can be leveraged strategically to support your business goals.
Visit the Startup Zone
We’re biased, but we believe startups are key to helping to move the retail industry forward. And with the new Startup Zone at NRF, it’s easier than ever to learn more about some of the latest ideas from startups. Get hands-on with emerging technology, talk to innovators and make connections. You never know what big idea you might come across or who you might meet.
Attend a Live Taping in the Podcast Studio
The Podcast Studio offers a unique way to engage with emerging trends in retail. You can sit back and hear from innovators – all while witnessing a live podcast recording. There are a number of shows you can be in the audience for, including the following innovation-focused podcasts:
- Future Commerce
Future Commerce looks at the future of digital, cognitive and conversational commerce and augmented/virtual reality. - Innovation Answered
The “podcast for corporate innovators”, Innovation Answered covers a major roadblock to change in each episode. - Reinventing Retail
Reinventing Retail explores emerging retail technology, shifting consumer demands and the increasing importance of the shopper experience.
With so much to do, it’s almost impossible to not get innovative at NRF this year. Whether you attend Big Ideas sessions or fill your time with meetings on the EXPO floor, you can’t go wrong as long as you’re making connections and exploring new ideas.
If mobile workforce management is on your list of topics to explore at NRF, schedule a time to meet with us at NRF 2019.
