NRF Foundation Student Program
January 8-11, 2026
Marriott Marquis, NYC
The NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City gives college students the unique opportunity to launch their future careers in retail and experience all that the industry offers. Retail executives in marketing, merchandising, talent, entrepreneurship, sustainability, supply chain, technology and more share their stories, insights, and what they learned in their careers, and students explore various careers paths in the retail industry, meet with dozens of recruiters from their favorite brands and create visions for their futures, all in just four days.
The NRF Foundation Student Program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students and all educators and staff at any U.S. college or university.
Attending Student Program 2026
Registration & Pricing
The NRF Foundation partners with over 125 university members and more than 6,500 students. Learn more about NRF Foundation University Membership.
NRF
University Member
Non-NRF University Member
Student
$285
$385
Educator
$535
$735
Hotel
The 2026 Student Program will take place at the Marriott Marquis in NYC. Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations for the hotel through the button below. The room rate is $276 per night, before taxes and fees.
Thursday, January 8
The top three NRF Foundation University Challenge teams present their concepts live to a panel of retail judges. Invitation only.
8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Join retailers across NYC for our exclusive NRF Foundation Tours & Talks at corporate offices & store locations. More details coming this November.
All Day
Friday, January 9
At the NRF Foundation Student Program, hear directly from inspiring industry leaders and retail experts on the latest trends, strategies, and innovations taking place in retail today. Speaker Announcements Coming Soon.
ALL DAY
Welcome to the Student Program
9:30 A.M. - 9:35 A.M.
Opening Keynote
Featuring
Adam Lukoskie
Executive Director, NRF Foundation, Senior Vice President, NRF
Lorraine Stomski
Chief Talent Officer, Walmart
9:35 A.M. - 10:20 A.M.
Main Stage Session
10:25 A.M. - 11:10 A.M.
Break
11:10 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Young Professionals Panel
Featuring
Kelsey Chrysostomu
Brands Manager of Sales & Product Strategy, Haddad Brands
Brenna McKeown
Marketing Manager, Target Corporation
Mariah Taylor-Judd
Retail Sales Lead, Vuori
Cody Villaneuva
Senior Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis, LVMH North America
11:35 A.M. - 12:10 P.M.
Lunch
12:10 P.M. - 1:10 P.M.
Main Stage Session
Featuring
Detria Courtalis
Vice President Sales for U.S., Pandora
1:15 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Main Stage Session
2:05 P.M. - 2:50 P.M.
Break
2:50 P.M. - 3:10 P.M.
Main Stage Session
Featuring
Julia Furnari
Executive Director, Tapestry Foundation & Coach Foundation at Tapestry
3:15 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Break
4:00 P.M. - 4:20 P.M.
Main Stage Session
4:20 P.M. - 5:05 P.M.
The Future of Retail: Integrating Technology and Supply Chain Solutions
Marriott Marquis Times Square - Westside Ballroom
This breakout session is for our NRF Foundation Ray Greenly Scholarship recipients. Limited spots will be made available for additional students registered for the Student Program.
Presented by
1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Saturday, January 10
Breakfast
7:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.
Our NRF Foundation Educator Meeting features exclusive sessions designed for university educators attending the NRF Foundation Student Program, including a networking breakfast with retail recruiters.
8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Over 100 retail industry leaders join students at their tables for in-depth discussions on career navigation, industry insights and networking at the NRF Foundation Executive Mentor Experience presented by American Express.
Presented by
8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Meet with over 30 retail companies hiring for internships & full-time opportunities at the NRF Foundation Career Fair. Check out the job listings to prepare. More listings added weekly.
11:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Lunch
11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Professional Development Session
Presented by
12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Sunday, January 11
At NRF Foundation Get Hired, retail companies host on-site interviews with students they met at the Career Fair. Invitation Only.
8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Inspiring speakers, data-driven industry trends, strategies from the field and focused workshops NRF ’26: Retail’s Big Show has it all. Your one-day pass is included with your NRF Foundation Student Program registration.
8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Made possible by our
generous supporters
Relive the 2025 New York Student Program
Retail executives in marketing, merchandising, talent, entrepreneurship, sustainability, supply chain, technology and more share their stories, insights, and what they learned in their careers, and students explore various careers paths in the retail industry, meet with dozens of recruiters from their favorite brands and create visions for their futures, all in just four days.
Experience last year's Student Program for yourself through photos and videos.