The National Retail Federation (NRF) has been helping retail thrive for over a century. And every January in New York City, its Big Show — aptly named since it’s the world’s largest retail conference and expo — shines a spotlight on the best retail brands, their latest technologies, and what they’re doing to reshape their customers’ experiences and behaviours.

This year’s show promises to be packed with incredible events, speakers, demos, and a party or two. And, as always, we’ll be there to immerse you in inspiration, innovation, and a lot of fun.

NRF is not just a conference; it’s a community full of best-in-class experiences, ideas, and partnerships, with some of the biggest and brightest people transforming retail today. With 37,000 attendees, 16,000 retail brands, and 700 exhibitors from 99 countries, it can get overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easier. Here are the 5 hottest things to catch at this year’s retail wonderland:

 

1. Blaze new trails in the Expo Hall

We will be out in full force at booth #3719. See how customers like Lacoste and Shinola bring their brands to life during live demos, and discover how you can personalise every shopping experience, unify customer engagement, and integrate everything using Salesforce for Retail.

Take part in 45 speaker sessions over the course of NRF that run the gamut of innovation to intelligence to integration. They’ll feature select customers (think: Crocs, Mulberry, The Container Store, and Brunello Cucinelli) with extraordinary stories to share. Did we mention there’ll be Godiva chocolates and s’mores?

And don’t forget to add our keynote to your schedule where we’ll literally talk shop about all the incredible ways we can help you be the brand your customers love.

 

2. Think big with Shinola

Forget “retail as usual” — it’s time to be the brand your customers love. That’s exactly what we’ll talk about during our Big Ideas session with Rob Garf, VP of Retail & Consumer Goods, and JR Linne, Sr., Manager of Retail Industry Solutions. They’ll sit down with Shinola to discuss how they’re connecting with modern shoppers in a whole new way.

 

3. See how trailblazing retail brands are thriving in Tuesday’s mainstage keynote

Join us for Fast Company’s discussion of the anatomy of a purpose-driven organisation with moderator Jeff Beer, featuring panelists Stephanie Buscemi from Salesforce, Bill Bettencourt from TOMS, and Jostein Solheim from Ben & Jerry’s.

This panel will bring a whole new meaning to conscious capitalism and inspire you to find brand new ways (pun intended) to do good and do well.

 

4. Learn how to connect your data with MuleSoft

Consumers expect digital experiences to be connected, yet many retailers struggle to deliver consistent experiences across their different engagement channels. But, with demo stations, meeting spaces, and more, our recent acquisition MuleSoft makes it that much easier to empower brands to integrate any application, data, and device.

Visit them at booth #1340 to learn more.

 

5. Wind down at the Big Party

There’s no party like a Salesforce party. Let loose at the end of an action-packed day at the best soiree at NRF. A surprise band (if the rumors are true, it’s a good one), open bar, phenomenal food, and more. Space is limited, so sign up now.

 

Be the brand your customers love. Join us for the unbelievable retail experience that only happens once a year. In the meantime, learn more about NRF’s Big Show and get the full NRF schedule. We’re counting down the days — and we can’t wait to see you there.