Each year there are hundreds of huge retail conferences, conventions, and trade shows around the country, and thousands more around the world. They’re a great way for B2B vendors and retailers alike to meet, learn, network, and grow their businesses. But for many retailers, it’s difficult to find time to attend, and even harder to narrow down the shows that are truly worthwhile. Here, we’ve featured several of the top 2019 summer retail conferences from around the U.S. that you still have time to attend. Check them out and see which would be a great fit for your retail business. Sign up today and maybe we’ll see you there!
Where: Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., San Francisco, CA
When: May 19-21 (Sun-Tues)
Price: Varies ($0-$1,695)
Featured Speaker(s): Edmond Mesrobian, Nordstrom CTO; Brit Morin, Brit + Co Founder and CEO
What It Is: A more targeted event than it’s larger counterpart, NRF Show (every January in NYC), this two-and-a-half day event is geared toward various executives in the retail world, Fortune 500s and start-ups alike. The content will focus on how technology impacts the retail world and, more importantly, the customer experience. NRFtech brings together some of the brightest minds in retail all in the center of the tech world. They promise valuable content that encourages collaboration towards innovation rather than simple sales pitches.
Where: Omni Frisco Hotel, 11 Cowboys Way, Frisco, TX
When: June 4-6 (Tues-Thurs)
Price: $695-$795
Featured Speaker(s): Michael O. Browning Jr., Urban Air Co-Founder and CEO; Ryan Carver, Commerce Canal CEO; Sherif Mityas, TGI Friday’s CEO
What It Is: The Interactive Customer Experience (ICX) Summit provides retailers with new ways to enhance the customer experience. The three days also feature CONNECT, a branch of the summit that focuses exclusively on mobile technology. The conference is geared towards business-to-customer businesses that are looking to expand their in-store, online, and mobile experiences with more interactive technologies. Guests will hear from many executive-level speakers, while also having plenty of time to tour the floor and see the technology firsthand.
Where: The Sheraton Seattle, 1400 6th Ave., Seattle, WA
When: June 4-7 (Tues-Fri)
Price: $1,799-$1,999
Featured Speaker(s): Andy Adams, Starbucks SVP; Natalie Mackey, Glow Concept CEO
What It Is: The Future Stores conference prepares retail executives to get their companies ready for the future. The conference features presentations and conversation panels with some of the brightest and most successful retail leaders in the country. It’s a great opportunity for medium-sized retail businesses that are trying to elevate to the next level of technology and in-store experience. Most attendees are in operations and marketing in a senior role.
Where: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA
When: June 11-13 (Tues-Thurs)
Price: $950-$1,300
Featured Speaker(s): Sherri Davidoff, BrightWise Founder & CEO
What It Is: As the name suggests, NRF PROTECT offers retailers the opportunity to learn more about loss prevention, retail theft, cybersecurity, risk management, and asset protection. Like other NRF conferences, PROTECT focused on educational forums, peer-to-peer networking, and executive leadership training. In hands-on demonstrations, presenters will walk attendees through ways that most retailers are at risk from both internal and external threats. The end goal of the 2.5 days is for retailers to leave feeling more confident about the security of their business, staff, and assets.
Where: McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Dr., Chicago, IL
When: June 25-28 (Tues-Fri)
Price: $129-$2,400
Featured Speaker(s): Doug Stevens, Founder Retail Prophet
What It Is: Retail X is more of a trade show than any of the other conferences on our list. Attended by over 20,000 guests, the show features cutting edge technology of in-store design, floor planning, and digital merchandising. It allows business owners and managers to interact directly with the products, network with other retailers and potential partners, and learn through various educational sessions over the three days. Each year, representatives from some of the biggest retailers in the world attend Retail X, including Google, Macy’s, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Warby Parker, Verizon, and many others.
Where: The Venetian, 3355 S, Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
When: July 22-24 (Mon-Wed)
Price: $695 (NRF members) $795 (non-members)
Featured Speaker(s): Mike Earl, Timbuk2 Head of Omni Channel
What It Is: NRF NXT is the newest addition of NRF conferences, replacing the long-running Shop.org. The goal is to provide retailers with a glimpse into modern digital marketing, data, and shopping analytics. It features various executive-level speakers, small-group opportunities, and intimate networking. Each session follows the same structure seen below. They are meant to provide attendees with the tools necessary to make immediate changes at their place of business.
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Among other things, Michael writes about trends and tips in retail for KORONA POS. His focus is on bringing small business owners a more holistic approach to growth. In his spare time, you'll find him hiking somewhere in the southwest. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
