Thursday, July 23
7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Friday, July 24
9:15 - 11:15 a.m.
To elevate executive-level dialogue at NRF Nexus, we’re introducing the Retail CEO Program at NRF Nexus — a new curated experience designed exclusively for the industry’s most senior leaders. Participation is intentionally selective to foster candid discussion, peer trust and meaningful connection.
This private, off-the-record forum brings together CEOs to exchange perspectives, pressure-test strategic decisions and engage in forward-looking dialogue on the forces shaping retail’s future.
The CEO Program provides retail CEOs with a confidential, high-trust setting to share challenges, exchange experiences and offer unique perspectives on the most pressing issues facing the industry today and tomorrow. Attendees will leave with sharper clarity around projected growth, margin protection and operational risk.
This exclusive experience is designed for a select group of senior leaders, including:
Retail and brand CEOs
Retail or brand presidents
Select enterprise founders
Attendance is capped at 40 senior executives, ensuring deep discussion and meaningful peer exchange.
Across facilitated conversations, peer roundtables, select presentations and focused discussion, the CEO Program will dive into the issues for which retail CEOs are actively seeking guidance, peer input and real-world examples. Check back soon as additional topics will be announced.
Turning uncertainty into a plan a CEO can stand behind
Retail CEOs are navigating persistent volatility — from consumer demand shifts to inflation sensitivity and macroeconomic uncertainty. Learn how leaders make planning and investment decisions when forecasts are difficult to predict.
Protecting margins while still winning the customer
Explore strategies for profitable growth amid cost pressures and pricing expectations — defending value, avoiding race-to-the-bottom tactics and maintaining customer trust.
Developing the CEO roadmap view of AI
Move beyond experimentation to outcomes. Hear how CEOs are translating AI into productivity gains, better forecasting, personalization and improved customer experience — while managing risk, governance and organizational structure.
Supply chain resilience and risk exposure
Examine how leaders uncover hidden risks across complex supply networks — including the growing impact of returns — and build resilience without adding unnecessary cost or complexity. Gain insights from experts tackling today’s most pressing supply chain challenges.
Targeted current and trend forecast research
Understanding the global levers that change forecasts, exposure and risk is crucial. Specific research will be presented to give clarity and help manage uncertainty.
NRF Nexus is intentionally intimate by design. The Retail CEO Program at NRF Nexus builds on that foundation — creating an even more focused environment where senior leaders can engage in honest, off-the-record dialogue and leave with insights that directly inform decision-making back at the office.
Sign up to get information about NRF Nexus 2026 and join the community learning directly from the leaders shaping what happens next.
