Who Should Apply?

To be considered for the NRF 2026 Innovators Showcase, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Solving Significant Retail Challenges:
  Your technology must address key pain points in the shopping journey in one of the following areas:
  • Sourcing and Supply Chain 
  • Product Awareness and Consideration 
  • Customer Engagement 
  • Loyalty 
  • Delivery and Returns 
  • Retail Operations 
     
• Leveraging Advanced Technologies:
  Solutions must incorporate the latest advancements, such as artificial intelligence, extended reality, robotics, facial recognition, machine learning, Web3, automotive, logistics, data analytics, and other transformative technologies.
   
• Demonstrated Market Readiness:
  Your technology must be live in a retail environment or in a paid pilot phase (concept-stage solutions will not be considered).
   
• New to the Market:
  All technology must have been introduced and validated in the market in the last three years. 
   
• Immersive, Interactive Demonstrations:
  Selected companies must provide engaging, hands-on demonstrations that bring their innovations to life.

With an increasingly competitive selection process, applicants should provide a detailed and thoughtful submission that highlights their company’s innovation and impact.

Applications will open on March 1st.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and all finalists will be required to participate in an interview and screening process.

What do previous exhibitors have to say?

• “Being featured in the NRF Innovators Showcase was an incredible opportunity for our team to connect with forward-thinking leaders, generate valuable business leads, and showcase our native AI platform with enterprise solutions. The event’s organization and atmosphere made it an exceptional experience from start to finish.”
  Sara Meza, SVP & Chief Digital Officer, Digital Wave Technology
   
• “The showcase was invaluable for connecting with retailers, whether they were actively seeking our services or discovered us by chance. It was flawlessly organized, featuring a diverse mix of companies offering unique services, creating a rewarding experience for both attendees and exhibitors.”
  Ayleen Adler, VP of People at Turn Technologies
   
• “We absolutely LOVED being part of the Innovator's Showcase at NRF! The event far exceeded our expectations—we connected with an incredible number of qualified leads, engaged with investors, and had the chance to meet the press. It was truly a dream experience, and we couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to drive growth for our company." 
  Mary Brendza, Co-founder and COO, Curated for you

100% of companies surveyed would recommend a company participate in the Innovators Showcase.

The average number of leads secured by a participating company was 170.

What’s Included?

• Booth Package
  • 10' x 10' booth with kiosk, back wall, and carpet
  • One (1) bar stool
  • One (1) 500-watt electrical drop
  • One (1) full conference badge, four (4) booth staff badges
     
• Pricing
  • Startup Companies (Founded in 2021 or later): $8,000
  • Established NRF Member Companies: $10,000
  • Established Non-Member Companies: $12,000

Larger booth packages are available.

Curated VC/Startup Meetings

NRF will facilitate exclusive one-on-one meetings between startups and venture capitalists, fostering critical connections that drive investment and industry collaboration. Access is available to those participating in the NRF Innovators Showcase.

Those accepted can apply to participate in Fall 2025.

Learn more

The NRF 2026 Innovators Showcase is expected to sell out quickly.

Don’t miss this opportunity to present your cutting-edge retail technology on the industry’s biggest stage.

Questions?
Contact Tami Sakell, VP, Sales at 202-661-3044 or sakellt@nrf.com.