Call for Speakers

Be a part of The Next Now

NRF invites industry experts to submit presentation proposals to present as a Featured Session at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show.

Have you implemented a new initiative and want to speak about your success? Do you have a panel of industry professionals who want to discuss a key issue or topic?

We’re always looking for a diverse set of forward-thinking speakers who can share proven tactics, success with innovative technologies and best practices to help our audience stay ahead of where consumers are going.

 
Apply to speak
 

Apply to speak at NRF 2026

If you have something to say, we want to hear about your presentation proposal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and sessions can fill up as early as nine months ahead of the event. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

All proposals will be reviewed by NRF content teams and industry advisory councils for relevancy, time allowance and educational content. Please ensure your proposal provides enough information to allow for proper review and expectations.

Although NRF reviews proposals on a rolling basis, we recommend applying as early as possible.

No proposal submitted after October 24, 2025, will be considered.

 

Presentation proposal requirements:

  • Retailers, academia, analysts and other industry groups can submit proposals for review.

  • Solution providers may submit proposals on behalf of retail clients but are not permitted to speak at NRF Big Show Featured Sessions — speakers must be from the above categories.

  • At least one speaker must be director-level or higher.

  • No vendor sales pitches or extensive mention of individual vendors will be accepted.

  • Presentation proposals must provide detailed information for reviewers to easily understand the concepts, themes and expected deliverables of the proposal.

  • Accepted speakers must adhere to a deliverable schedule set forth by NRF, including all speaker approval agreements.

 

NRF prioritizes speaker applicants who:

  • Share tangible takeaways with attendees

  • Organically engage with a varied audience of industry professionals

  • Bring diversity across our industry and our audience