NRF 2022: Retail’s Big Show brings together industry visionaries at the Javits Center in New York City to tackle retail's biggest topics and forecast what's next. Getting together for the first time since January 2020 will be different as we prioritize the safety of all attendees, but the experiences will be bigger and even more unforgettable. Here’s what you should know about the event taking place Jan. 16-18, 2022, to prepare you to move full speed ahead.
Get your vaccine verification ready
Health and safety is the No. 1 priority at Retail’s Big Show and NRF requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to provide valid proof of vaccination before they enter the Javits Center. Negative COVID-19 tests will not be accepted as a substitute for being fully vaccinated. Quick-access entrances will be available on-site at the Javits for those who have already been verified and received a wristband. Visit NRF’s COVID-19 Guidelines page on our website for the latest updates.
Take a look at all upcoming NRF events to stay on the pulse of the retail industry.
Download the NRF Events mobile app to experience everything the show has to offer
- Find daily agendas, session information and a list of exhibitors
- Receive event notifications
- Rate sessions
- Use the search feature to find specific companies and products
- Participate in retailer-to-retailer messaging
- Find your way with maps of the Javits and Expo floorplans
- Dive into the virtual conference bag containing exhibitor collateral, fun giveaways and an assortment of other information
- Play the Scan Fan game (retailers only) to win daily prizes by visiting sponsor booths
A bigger space means more room for social distancing and connecting
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for lots of walking — all featured sessions and keynotes will take place in the new expanded Javits Center space. That means more exhibits and networking than ever before, including lounges, concessions and plenty of areas to sit, relax, recharge and engage.
The Expo
With more than 700 exhibiting companies and two full levels of exhibits, the Expo at Retail’s Big Show brings all the excitement of creativity and tech for the retail industry. The Innovation Lab is back and bigger than ever, with more than 60 retail tech companies showcasing the latest technologies, including many new companies focused on sustainability and recommerce such as Trove, Recurate and Returnity. Be sure to visit 50 booths showcasing companies changing the way we retail in the Startup Zone. The Expo also features three new pavilions highlighting specialized vendors showcasing solutions related to supply chain, ecommerce and food service technology.
World-class speakers and exclusive sessions
Leaders from the biggest companies in retail have test-driven the latest tech, grown their businesses both online and in-store, and are geared up to share tangible takeaways to transform your business and help you move forward with confidence.
Keynotes
Brian Cornell, Target Corp. Board Chairman and CEO and recipient of the NRF Foundation’s The Visionary 2022 award, will join NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay for a conversation on how Target is scaling and driving continued growth to achieve significant societal and sustainable ambitions.
Best Buy CEO Corie Barry will discuss recent efforts to differentiate from competitors to match new habits of shoppers and how investments in modernizing its supply chain have minimized disruptions and allowed increased inventory. And, Nordstrom Inc. President and Chief Brand Officer Pete Nordstrom will share the retailer's digital-first approach to merchandising and how it enables merchants to leverage customer insights to ensure the company is deploying the right product to the right place at the right time.
Featured sessions
Retail sustainability experts from Walmart and Rothy’s will share their secrets on launching successful environmental initiatives. Bain & Company Inc. will give an eye-opening deep dive into the facts, figures and future of all things supply chain ― the pressures facing supply chain executives, strategies to address disruptions, how stresses will impact profitability and what the future holds.
Brands like Food52 that have created a community of loyal followers who not only buy their products, but act as ambassadors, will share how they produce content and cultivate community to gain a distinct edge over competitors.
Explore more about diversity and inclusion in the retail industry.
Diversity and equity take center stage
The DE&I Stage and Showcase program is a new event spotlighting 30+ Black and Latinx/Hispanic brands at Retail’s Big Show. The showcase is open to all retail pass holders of Retail’s Big Show and will feature sessions on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and leadership, plus roundtable discussions on these topics Monday, Jan. 17.
Also be sure to visit the FQ Equality lounge Sunday, Jan. 16, and Tuesday, Jan. 18, for conversations from retailers on workplace diversity, leadership and building brand values as a top priority.
Additional activities
Retail pass holders can participate in guided retail store tours and tours of the Expo focusing on artificial intelligence, future tech, supply chain and digital marketing, as well as retailer table talks. All pass holders can attend the 100 Exhibitor Big Ideas sessions, as well as Saturday’s Opening Reception, which features a DJ, cash-grab machine, selfie stations and more.
Don’t miss daily Expo Happy Hours and Snack Attacks, grab a bite to eat at the food trucks outside the Javits, and stop by the NRF Membership Lounge to take a breath and learn more about the benefits of membership.
Related content
