The NRF Big Show 2026 is fast approaching, taking place January 11–13 in New York City. As emerging technologies, shifting consumer expectations and new economic realities reshape retail, NRF offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in what’s next.
To help you navigate the packed agenda, we’ve highlighted five events CommerceNext believes will deliver the most strategic value for retail and ecommerce leaders.
1.Vendor in Partnership (VIP Awards)
Taking place on Friday, January 9 at Gotham Hall, the Vendor in Partnership (VIP) Awards offer a celebratory kickoff to NRF week with a focus on what moves the industry forward: strong, collaborative partnerships. The VIP Awards are intentionally designed to feel personal, energetic and community-driven, bringing together retailers, solution providers and industry peers for a night that blends recognition with real connection.
2. Retail’s Big Concert with Joe Jonas
NRF’s signature entertainment event is back, offering a chance to unwind, connect and enjoy a high-energy experience in the heart of Times Square. Retail’s Big Concert returns with a live performance from Joe Jonas at the Manhattan Center on Monday, January 12, from 7–9 p.m.
While it’s a fun night out, it also serves as an informal gathering place for retail leaders to strengthen relationships in a relaxed setting.
Tickets are exclusive to registered NRF 2026 attendees.
3. CommerceNext’s Consumer Tech Playground
We’re introducing the Consumer Tech Playground during NRF on January 12th—an interactive showcase designed for retail and brand executives who want a firsthand look at the emerging technologies shaping consumer behavior.
Expect:
- Hands-on demos of next-gen consumer devices and intelligent tools
- A relaxed environment to decompress after the show
- Networking with senior retail, ecommerce and DTC leaders
- Conversations about how emerging tech will influence marketing, customer experience and commerce in the years ahead
Plus, join us at a brand new venue, Shift Midtown, with immersive 360° screene displays. Unwind from the day with a cocktail and a tech demo, all while building new connections with the community.
4. Retail Store Tours
NRF’s Retail Store Tours offer curated, expert-guided visits to some of New York’s most innovative retail concepts. These tours go far beyond simple walk-throughs—they provide insider perspectives on how leading brands are approaching store design, experiential retail, tech deployment and operational excellence.
Participants can expect to:
- Access behind-the-scenes insights from standout retailers
- See how brands are navigating real-world challenges like workforce training, omnichannel execution and inventory flow
- Spot emerging trends before they hit the mainstream
- Connect with fellow leaders who care about the future of in-store retail
5. What’s in Store for Retail Media
Retail media is one of the industry’s quickest-growing areas, and continues to be a hot topic at industry events. Now in its third year, What’s in Store for Retail Media has become the gathering point for leaders defining this rapidly evolving space.
The agenda leans toward practitioner discussions, often spotlighting senior retail media leaders sharing where they’re experimenting, where they’re stuck and how they’re thinking about the next phase of growth.
Bonus: NRF Rev
NRF Rev is a new program dedicated to one of retail’s most urgent and overlooked opportunities: the post-sale journey. Returns, refurbishing, recommerce, circularity and reverse logistics are no longer afterthoughts; they’re levers for profitability, sustainability and customer loyalty.
At NRF Rev, attendees will explore:
- How modern reverse logistics can reduce operational costs
- Approaches to recovering product value through refurbishment or resale
- The emerging technologies reshaping returns and circular processes
- Practical frameworks for turning a historically costly function into a competitive advantage
The program blends expert-led content, peer roundtables and an expo showcasing solution providers focused on the post-purchase ecosystem.
As you plan your NRF week, make time for the experiences that spark new ideas and meaningful connections. To kick things off with innovation and great company, be sure to register for the CommerceNext Consumer Tech Playground on January 12th.
