Retail: Powering America’s next 250
The NRF Retail Advocates Summit is the retail industry’s premier advocacy event, held every two years in Washington, D.C., during election years. It brings together retailers and policymakers to build relationships, discuss key policy issues and celebrate retail’s impact on the U.S. economy and communities.
The 2026 Summit theme, “Retail: Powering America’s Next 250,” honored the nation’s 250th anniversary by spotlighting the people and businesses driving economic growth and community enrichment through retail.
The Summit has earned national recognition for its impact and innovation, including awards from the American Society of Association Executives, Association Trends and the Campaign & Elections Reed Awards.
2026 event highlights:
Bipartisan participation from 109 House and Senate offices, including 66 members of Congress at The Retail Experience
Interactive exhibits and experiences featuring 11 leading retailers and technology innovators
50 small businesses highlighted as NRF's America's Retail Champions
More than 260 lawmakers recognized with NRF's Hero and Champion of Main Street Awards
Outstanding retail advocates honored including Rob Karr of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association with the J. Thomas Weyant Award, Aaron Brown of Town Center Music with the inaugural NRF Rising Star Advocate Award and Danny Reynolds of Stephenson's of Elkhart as the 2026 America's Retail Champion
2026 Retail Advocates Summit sponsors
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