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.
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
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.
The top three NRF Foundation University Challenge teams present their concepts live to a panel of retail judges. Invitation only.
10:00 a.m.
Join retailers across NYC for our exclusive NRF Foundation Tours & Talks at corporate offices & store locations. More details coming this November.
All Day
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.
10:00 a.m.
The future of retail is Supply Chain, Inventory and Logistics. This breakout session for tech students dives deeper into the world of technology in retail.
All Day
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.
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.
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.
All Day
Made possible by our
generous supporters
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.
