Make NRF count - how to prepare for NRF 2026

NRF can be energizing, a bit overwhelming, and absolutely worth it. Three packed days, thousands of vendors, inspiring sessions, and a lot of walking. The difference between a productive NRF and an exhausting one comes down to preparation.

Here's a clear-eyed guide to getting more value from the show, while making sure you don't miss the moments that actually matter.

1. Sort the basics early

NRF rewards the organized. Pick up your credentials as early as you can, ideally on Sunday or at a satellite location, to avoid long lines.

Plan your hotel stay within walking distance or close to a bus route to Javits. When days are full, saving 20 minutes in the morning makes a real difference.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Check your clothes and take a photo of your ticket. These aren't super glamorous tips, but they help keep the focus on conversations instead of logistics. 

2. Don't waste time waiting in line

Time disappears quickly at NRF – and the Starbucks line inside Javits is long. Order ahead or grab coffee before you arrive.

Consider bringing a reusable water bottle and plan your lunch slightly early or late to avoid peak lines. Use the time you save to network. Some of the most interesting conversations at NRF happen at communal tables, not formal meetings.

3. Have a plan, but stay flexible

Go to NRF with clear objectives. What problems are you trying to solve this year? Is it labor costs, execution, retention, or all of the above? 

Make a shortlist of sessions, vendors and meetings that directly support those goals. Then leave some space to explore – NRF is too big to see everything, and some of the best insights come from unexpected stops.

4. Attend sessions to cut through the noise 

With so much happening at once, curated sessions and booth tours are one of the best ways to get signal instead of noise.

This year at NRF, Quinyx is both hosting a session and taking part in one of the official NRF Booth Tours.

Our session "Turning schedules into action – how Kendra Scott drives performance with optimized scheduling and AI", is all about how unified scheduling, AI execution, and employee engagement in one platform, empowers frontline teams. 

Retail success depends on flawless execution in every store, every shift, yet leaders often struggle with fragmented tools and disconnected teams. In our session, you get to see how Kendra Scott linked scheduling to business outcomes with their strategic workforce management transformation.

5. Join one of the official NRF booth tours

Get the full picture by joining an official NRF Booth Tour, where Quinyx is one of the stops on the tour themed "Creating a winning retail experience with seamless customer journeys". Each stop is just 10 minutes, making it an efficient way to see how workforce management connects to the wider retail tech ecosystem, without committing half a day. 

Our tour is led by Angela Gearhart, Retail Experience Advisor and former retail executive. Today, Angela works with Fortune 100 and growth-stage brands on customer experience, retail transformation and go-to-market strategy. The tour brings together a group of vendors that show how different parts of the retail stack connect in practice, not just theory. It's a must if you want a curated view of what's actually shaping modern retail execution.

6. Capture insights while they're fresh

NRF moves fast, so be ready to take notes in whatever format works for you. Phone, notebook, or voice notes. 

At the end of each day, review your notes to see what stood out and write down one or two actions while the context is fresh. That way, you'll make sure to turn inspiration into impact once back at work. 

Go in prepared, come back with clarity

NRF isn't about seeing everything. It's about seeing the right things. 

With a bit of preparation, comfortable shoes, and a clear focus, you can leave with ideas you'll actually put into practice, not just a heavy tote bag. And if optimizing labor, improving execution, and making schedules work smarter are on your agenda – make sure to book a meeting with us at booth #5369, level 3.

See you there!