ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION FOR NRF 2026: RETAIL’S BIG SHOW EUROPE

Exchange between two people at the reception desk, one handing a document and the other checking a smartphone.

Do you want to attend NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Europe? Check the eligibility criteria and register for the must-attend retail event.

Who qualifies to attend NRF 2026?

Outlined below are the retail and non-retail industry categories recognized by NRF for securing your pass to attend Retail’s Big Show Europe 2026.

The type of company you work for and the role you play at your company, along with your company title, are additional factors used by NRF to determine your pass designation for attending the event.

Eligible company categories

PASS RETAILER PASS NON-RETAILER SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Retailers

Sells items such as apparel, jewelry, home goods, case goods, appliances, etc. directly to the end consumer via a storefront, catalog, television or online.

Must currently be in business, own the merchandise it sells and be able to provide an active business license upon request.

Food retail or foodservice operators

Includes grocery, convenience stores, chain drug stores, gas stations, and independent and chain restaurants. Sells packaged, prepared or fresh food items to consumers along with preparing foods for delivery or on-premises consumption.

Consumer brands

Often referred to as consumer-packaged goods. Sells non-durable goods and non-tech products such as food, makeup, beverages, tobacco and pharmaceuticals to other businesses that are ultimately purchased and consumed by consumers.

Consumer app

Branded platforms that allow a consumer to secure a reservation, listen to music, books and podcasts, reserve a parking spot or download a movie. The action and function of the app is the service to the consumer.

Tangible and intangible consumer services

Services that directly impact the consumer’s life and lifestyle. Examples include companies that provide carpet cleaning, tutoring, adult care, lawn maintenance and personal care.

This also includes digital platforms that provide consumers with the ability to review, register and purchase tickets and experiences, including registry websites, travel agencies and websites, and ticketing platforms.

This does not include discount purchasing services such as coupon websites, returns or cash back services.

Digital marketplaces for consumers

A website where consumers shop and purchase products.

Entertainment and culture operators

Operators of venues such as concert halls, theaters, meeting spaces and stadiums, as well as operators of destinations such as amusement parks, golf courses, arcades and bowling alleys.

This category also includes professional sports teams.

Hospitality

Operators of hotels, resorts, casinos, airlines, trains and cruises.

Insurance services to consumer

A private equity investment, holding firm or venture capital company that is the ultimate parent company of the brand(s) and has full ownership of it.

Industry partners

Companies that provide products, services or solutions to help retailers operate their businesses. This category includes but is not limited to loss prevention, supply chain, transportation and logistics, POS systems, merchandising, big data, and CRM solutions.

Business electronics company

Hardware and software companies that provide technology solutions to both retailers and consumers. These types of companies sell communication devices, wireless platforms and services, and products such as smartphones, tablets and computers.

Consultants

A person or company that provides business advice. This includes reviewing products and services on NRF’s trade show floor for the purpose of referring and recommending companies and solution providers that can improve retailers’ operations.

Delivery / Payment / Discount purchasing / Loyalty / Return app company

Platforms purchased or leased by retailers to service their consumers. This includes but is not limited to delivery, payment, discount purchasing, loyalty and return apps. These apps can be stand-alone or built into a retailer’s operating system.

Employee benefits and insurance payer company

Companies that handle payroll benefits, recruiting services and more. These companies set service rates, collect payments, process claims and pay provider claims on behalf of retailers.

Financial institutions

These companies provide financial services to both retailers and consumers: banks, credit card companies, mortgage companies and investment advisors.

Government

Includes all branches of federal, state and local government.

Marketplace platform / Software company / Ecommerce technology solution provider / Media outlets

This includes but is not limited to the non-editorial staff at TV and cable networks, magazines, newspapers, newsfeeds, blogs and podcasts.

Recycling services

Companies managing recycling collection programs for materials generated by many types of businesses, including retail stores, entertainment and hospitality venues, office buildings and institutions.

Shopping center / Property management / Real estate development company

Companies that develop, manage and potentially own non-residential properties such as shopping centers and other commercial real estate properties.

Transportation hub company

Physical transportation portals and systems such as airports, train or bus stations and mass transit organizations.

Visual merchandising / Store design

Companies that provide consulting, architectural services and the products and services to build out retailers' strategic visual concepts. This type of company does not sell any products to consumers.

Press / Media

NRF welcomes industry members of the editorial press to cover its conferences. Media attending must be pre-approved to receive complimentary registration. For more information, fill in the online form.

Analyst

Individuals or organizations whose core business produces research and analysis on issues related specifically to the retail industry. For more information, fill in the online form.

Educator

An individual whose primary occupation is a teaching faculty member instructing students in a public or private college, university, junior or community college or career/vocational school. This may also include a director of a college or university center for retail.

During the registration process, you will be required to submit two of the following before registration can be completed: a current curriculum vitae, a scanned copy of a valid university ID or a link to a profile page on an eligible institution’s website.

Trade association / Nonprofit company

Groups organized for purposes other than generating profit and in which no part of the organization's income is distributed to its members, directors or officers. For more information, fill in the online form.