As you prepare to walk the halls, schedule meetings and choose from dozens of breakout sessions at the NRF Big Show this month, you’ll need to plan ahead and prioritize if you’re going to make the most of your time. With more than 30,000 attendees and 700-plus exhibitors and dozens of educational sessions and workshops, there’s simply not enough time to do it all. As you prepare for the show, here are five things that we recommend you see, do and explore while you’re there.
1. See the latest/greatest technologies.
Whether you visit the innovation lab or simply tour the exhibit hall, take time to experience some of the cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping retail. From virtual reality to advancements in video and digital signage, seeing these technologies can help you more clearly assess use cases in your own retail environment and prioritize as you make technology plans and budgets for 2019.
2. Attend a session on security.
No matter the size, specialty, location or annual revenue of your retail store, physical and cybersecurity are relevant to your business. With retail data, financial and personal information transacting digitally for both in-store purchases and online shopping, data security is critical. In-store, customers expect to feel safe, comfortable and protected. Yet achieving truly integrated physical security is not evident and requires careful consideration. Attend a session, speak with physical security vendors or participate in the half-day workshop on cybersecurity on Wednesday. Find out what challenges retailers face, the technologies being used to combat security breaches and understand what it means to your retail business.
3. Participate in a social event.
From NRF-hosted cocktail hours to vendor-sponsored events, and exhibitors’ dining extravaganzas, there are plenty of social events that take place over the course of the NRF Big Show. While these events may seem to be a distraction from your agenda at the show, they offer an invaluable opportunity to engage in in-depth conversations with your peers, colleagues and technology providers to discuss challenges, best practices, surprises, and trends. These conversations may impart some of the most meaningful insights you gain at the show.
4. Experience new age retailing for yourself.
With some of the most cutting edge, high profile stores right there in Manhattan, NRF is offering guided tours of retail stores that are transforming the way we shop. While you’re in New York for the show, why not take a tour and experience the new age of retail for yourself? Reading about the newfangled shopping experience is one thing, but actually experiencing it live and in person is another and lends a true understanding of the connected store.
- Visit Telaid's booth and take a self-guided tour.
Make your way to Telaid’s booth (#1963) to see how easy we make it for you to make the switch to a full-service integrator that supports your IT team with complete technology lifecycle solutions. Take our virtual tour to understand the full range of service and support we offer and how it can help accelerate technology adoption in your business.
If you’re really a planner, and you want to schedule a time to meet with us at the show, feel free to contact us. We look forward to seeing you at the show!
