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Sept. 9-11, 2026 in Washington D.C.
NRF Foundation Emerging Retail Leaders training accelerates the growth of your early-career employees who have the drive to be retail leaders. The event gives access to meaningful networking, hands-on skill building, and subject-matter experts. See what's in store for 2026 Attendees.
NRF Foundation Emerging Retail Leaders will take place at the Eaton DC hotel in Washington, D.C.
A room block for attendees with discounted rates are available for the dates of Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Friday, Sept. 11.
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To Be Announced
Details Coming Soon!
7:30 - 8:00 a.m.
Details to be announced!
Senior Vice President
National Retail Federation
Executive Director
NRF Foundation
9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Networking and a light breakfast.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mecca Mitchell, SVP of Leadership & Organizational Development, DEI, and Community Impact at Burlington Stores, Inc., will delve into the essential leadership competencies that drive success in today's dynamic business world.
Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Burlington Stores
11:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Adam Lukoskie, Executive Director of the NRF Foundation and SVP at NRF, delivers the latest on what the NRF has to offer and how you can utilize the resources available in your everyday life and careers.
Senior Vice President
National Retail Federation
Executive Director
NRF Foundation
11:15 - 12:00 p.m.
Retail policy is everyone's business — and this session breaks down why. From tariffs and organized retail crime (ORC) to the evolving role of AI and technology, experts from NRF will unpack the most critical issues shaping the industry today, how the NRF's advocacy efforts are driving change across all sectors, and why staying informed is essential to everyone’s roles in retail.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Halleemah Nash, Founder of Rosecrans Ventures, will share a dynamic framework for maximizing the early stages of your career whether at a new company, new role or new to the workforce. Through real-world insights and strategies, she’ll guide attendees on how to confidently navigate change and transform uncertainty into career-defining momentum.
Founder
Rosecrans Ventures
3:00 - 3:20 p.m.
3:20 - 4:30 p.m.
Session Details Coming Soon!
4:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Session Details Coming Soon!
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
NRF’s research & consumer insights experts will share a deep dive into the latest consumer trends and retail research shaping the industry in 2026. From shifting shopper behaviors and economic sentiment to the evolving role of data, this session will unpack what’s driving change—and how retailers can stay ahead.
9:15 - 11:00 a.m.
Session Details Coming Soon!
Chief Operating Officer, Executive Career and Performance Coach
SHINE Strategy
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
12:45 - 1:45 p.m.
Session Details Coming Soon!
1:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Through small-group discussions, attendees will connect directly with experiences retail leaders to gain invaluable insights into navigating early career growth-learning firsthand how to build influence, adapt to industry changes, and cultivate the skills needed for future leadership roles.
3:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Session Details Coming Soon!
