Retail’s BIG Show 2017 highlights: RISE Up, Gala and Student Program

January 16, 2017
Check out the official recap for photos, videos, articles, presentations and more from Retail’s BIG Show 2017 .

Check out the official recap for photos, videos, articles, presentations and more from Retail’s BIG Show 2017 .

Retail’s BIG Show is in full swing at New York’s Javits Center. The event began on Friday and Saturday with the NRF Foundation’s Student Program and the third annual NRF Foundation Gala on Sunday, and continues with NRF’s annual convention and EXPO through Tuesday. Here’s a summary of what you might have missed.

Student Program

Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff shared her story in an opening keynote at the Student Program, and rising stars shared tips for turning setbacks into success.

At the closing keynote, author and optimist Simon Sinek provided some sage advice for finding a fulfilling career.

NRF Foundation Gala

NBA great Kobe Bryant presented Nike CEO Mark Parker with NRF’s first ever “The Visionary” award at the Gala.

The People’s Shark and entrepreneur Daymond John shared a moment with the youngest honoree on the List of People Shaping Retail’s Future: Mikaila Ulmer is the 12-year-old CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade.

RISE Up

The NRF Foundation made a big announcement on Sunday morning, introducing its new RISE Up education and credentialing program for entry-level job seekers. The Associated Press and Retail Dive were among the first to share the news.

The announcement was part of a keynote panel discussion with CEOs from Walmart, Macy’s and Ashley Stewart, moderated by HSN’s Bill Brand. 

Read more about RISE Up and why retailers are focusing on attracting, developing and retaining talent from STORES Show Daily and the Huffington Post.

Session recaps

Before jetting off to New York, Essential Retail of UK contemplated what surprises #NRF17 might hold, including the hottest technologies on display. 

Forbes looks at which industry topics will be top of mind for retailers as they attend this year’s show.

Retail’s BIG Show and CES have more in common than you might think. 

Domino’s Pizza Vice President for Information Security Ethan Steiger explains how small businesses should tackle cybersecurity.

PYMNTS.com’s Karen Webster wonders whether retail stores face a tangible threat from online retail, a topic in discussion at this year’s show.

Executives from ShopStyle and Google helped retailers understand the cultures of different social media platforms and how a business could participate in the ongoing conversation — in an authentic, generous way.

Chief Sustainability Officer and Walmart Foundation President Kathleen McLaughlin shared insights on how the world’s largest retailer is creating business and social impact simultaneously.

Social media roundup

Sunday at Retail’s BIG Show featured more opportunities for learning and networking.

The EXPO opened for business and Jason Goldberg gave a quick tour of the floor. 

U.S. Astronaut and Retired U.S. Navy Captain Scott Kelly shared life lessons after his record-breaking year in space. 

///#FUTURE what a treat to listen to one of my personal heros @stationcdrkelly at #NRF17. His biggest message after a year in #SPACE @iss?: "We need to do a better job of taking care of our #earth and the #environment" YES . #speed #fashionretail #fashiontech #nasa . . . #pattern#architecture #inspiration #shape #angular . . . . . #peoplescreatives #vscostyle #vscophile #minimalist #vscogrid #mnswr #menstyleguide #mnswrmagazine #mensfashion#streetdreamsmag #parsons #SDMtravels#tlpicks

A photo posted by LUIS FERNANDEZ (@luisfern5) on Jan 15, 2017 at 10:09am PST

There were plenty of virtual reality shopping experiences to go around.

Virtual Reality Shopping Test #nrf17

A photo posted by HH (@harrison_hecht) on Jan 15, 2017 at 10:02am PST

Retail’s BIG Show is January 15-17 in New York. Find more photos, videos, articles and presentations on the official recap page.