January 11-13, 2026 | Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, NYC
Attending NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show is not just an opportunity – it’s a strategic investment in the future of our business. However, attending often requires time away from work and financial investment. That’s why many professionals need to present a strong case to their leadership team – highlighting how the event aligns with company goals, delivers ROI and supports professional development. Whether you’re looking to explore new technologies, meet solution providers or bring back actionable insights, our well-crafted justification letter can help secure the support you need to attend.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Retail’s Big Show!
Download the sample letter below and tailor the text to fit your needs before speaking with or sending an email to your supervisor.
Dear [Manager's name],
I'd like to request approval to attend NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, taking place January 11-13 in NYC. This event is the largest and most influential gathering in the retail industry and attending would provide significant value to both my professional development and our team's strategic goals.
Reasons to prioritize NRF 2026:
Make Priceless Connections
NRF brings together thousands of retail professionals, solution providers, and potential partners. The networking opportunities — through peer events, curated meetups and the Expo are invaluable for building relationships that drive innovation and collaboration.
Gain Practical Education
The event features inspiring speakers, data-driven insights and hands-on workshops. I'll return with actionable strategies, tools and "a-ha" moments that can be immediately applied to our initiatives.
Explore Futuristic Solutions
The Expo showcases cutting-edge technologies and visionary partners. It's a chance to see the roadmap to the "Next Now" and evaluate solutions that can elevate our customer experience and operational efficiency.
New for 2026: The AI Stage
NRF is introducing the AI Stage, open to all retail attendees with an All-Access Pass. These sessions will deliver actionable insights into integrating AI, agentic AI and emerging technologies into business strategies that are critical areas for our team as we explore new capabilities.
Attending NRF 2026 will help me bring back fresh ideas, new connections and practical solutions that align with our goals for the year ahead. I'm happy to share a summary and key takeaways with the team after the event.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you for considering this request.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
