You’re almost there, Retailers. No, I’m not referring to the end of the holiday season, but to the kick off of NRF’s Big Show. Happening January 15-17 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, this show is the retail industry’s flagship event. This three-day extravaganza is toting over 3,300 retail companies, 510 exhibitors, and 300+ industry speakers discussing the latest trends, innovations and their very own successes (and maybe even some failures). Talk about an amazing community to network with like-minded industry peers!
A quick overview of this year’s agenda and you can tell the theme is heavy on how to become data-driven, expand globally and refocus digital spend to deliver smart, connecting customer experiences via technology. With consumers becoming more savvy and expecting seamless personalized experiences, it’s no surprise. From keynote speakers that were thoughtfully chosen to challenge and encourage the retailers sitting across from them to the exhibitors that are available to help redefine brand's digital, omni-channel and in-store experiences, this event has something for every merchant depending on the area they are looking to improve upon.
I’m also happy to report that this year the Innovation Lab will be bigger and better than ever. This area is about products and technologies that are futuristic and creative, but by the end of 2017 many of them could easily become mainstream -- so pay attention! Taking center stage this year in the River Pavillion on level 4 of Javits, the Innovation Lab is sponsored by VISA and will be focused on: 3D printing, AI, AR/VR, drones, robotics and wearables. (Sidenote: Looking to learn more about Virtual Reality before the show? Echidna’s VP of User Experience, Michael Braun, discusses possible VR scenarios and UX considerations of VR in this article.)
Echidna, the leading eCommerce agency for retailers, will also be back to discuss your most pressing eCommerce concerns going into 2017. From increasing conversion rates through defining a better User Experience of your site, to reviewing eCommerce platforms based on your requirements and creating that innovative mobile application, or simply driving more ideal buyers to your site through proper use of digital marketing- they have worked with brands across the globe on solutions to these pressing issues. You will also have the opportunity to demo the latest cloud-based eCommerce platforms, including Echidna’s proprietary CloudCore which can help reduce eCommerce implementation projects up to 50%! All retailers that meet with Echidna will leave with not only a lot more knowledge in the space, but a FREE Mini Jawbone Jambox (fits perfectly even in the smallest carry-ons). You can expect to leave this meeting with advice from experts on how to approach your project. To request your meeting, click here. (Echidna proudly partners with the following eCommerce platforms and marketplaces: Kibo/Mozu, Magento Commerce, Mirakl, Oracle and OrderCloud.io)
What sessions and events are not-to-be-missed in your book at the NRF Big Show? What vendors are on your list to visit and why?
For tickets and more information on Retail’s Big Show by NRF, click here.