Shop.org conference underway in LA

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Sep 25, 2017

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is hosting its annual Shop.org conference this week in LA, bringing major companies together to discuss digital retail. Attendees include Nike, Zappos, H&M and Patagonia.

The conference is geared towards networking and learning for digital retailers. Over 2,500 guests will attend, and there are 165 speakers and 20 keynote lectures. Keynote speakers include Walmart head of E-Commerce Marc Lore and Tyra Banks.

NRF Senior Vice President for Conferences Susan Newman said the agenda "reflects the spirit of innovation and reinvention the digital retail industry is experiencing." In other words, it is an event designed to help give retailers insight into how to avoid becoming a statistic in the retail apocalypse.

The agenda includes a program on expanding business into China and a tech lab to inspire retail developments using new technologies. Topics for breakout sessions include customer experience, omni-channel retailing, and digital and mobile marketing.

The tech lab is a new feature at the conference this year. 25 start ups will demonstrate their technologies which can be used from product development through end consumer use. Technologies available to explore will include augmented reality, artificial intelligence and 3D body mapping.

Expanding business into China is another focus at this year's Shop.org. NRF partnered with the Global E-commerce Leaders Forum (GELF) to offer a half day executive program covering how brands can enter China, which is the fastest-growing market globally.

Other new events this year include retailer networking sessions, an opening reception where guests can give their brands exposure through an interview and photography with Melissa Rivers, and a podcast studio where guests can watch live interviews and podcast recording sessions.

The Shop.org conference is taking place this Monday through Wednesday at the LA Convention Center.