NRF moves annual 'Big Show' to June; adds virtual events

The biggest retail trade show in the U.S. has been moved back a few months.

The National Retail Federation’s annual exposition and conference, often referred to as the “Big Show,” has been moved from January 2021 to June 6-8, 2021. The in-person event, which attracts attendees from around the world, will take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.  

In addition, NRF is hosting virtual events January 12-14, 19, and 21-22, 2021. Both events will feature the theme “Forward Together.”

“The health and safety of our team, industry partners and global attendees is our number one priority,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “Given the understandable concerns among all of our stakeholders regarding the availability and effectiveness of treatments or a vaccine for the coronavirus, we have concluded it is not feasible to maintain our original schedule of an in-person January 2021 trade show, and have decided to reimagine the NRF 2021 annual meeting and convention.”

NRF said it received unanimous support from its major exhibitors, sponsors and partners regarding the decision to move the “in-person” event to June 2021. 

“For over 100 years, NRF’s annual convention has been the biggest, best and most impactful event that convenes industry leaders to exchange visionary ideas, build partnerships and experience new technologies. In 2021, we are able to double down on our efforts to explore an exciting future for retail with two unique events,” said Shay. “This is the time for creative and practical ideas that will shape retail’s future, and these are the events that will showcase those ideas with our visionary and innovative retail leaders and industry partners as we chart the path forward together.”

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