Top 5 Must-Attend Events Outside the Javits Center

Despite the cold temperatures and whipping winds, the NRF experience is incomplete without a bit of adventure outside of the Javits Center. The event is chock full of social and educational opportunities, but you need to head out around the Big Apple and participate in the different activities to leave the event fulfilled. Here are RIS' top five picks for insights, parties and all around good times outside the show floor.
 

1. SuperSaturday. Kick off your Big Show experience with RetailROI's fundraising event. Held Saturday, January 11, 2014 from 9am to 4pm in the PwC Auditorium, top analysts and C-level executives will come together for this unique IT conference to converge on retail trends in marketing, technology, mobile and social media. What's better? All proceeds from vendor sponsorships will be donated directly to RetailROI! Hurry and register, the event is almost sold out! For more information visit www.retailroi.org.

2. NRF(L) Tailgate Party. Gear up with Shopatron to talk some big retail game in anticipation of the show on Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 3-7pm at The Lounge at Southern Hospitality. Among the many retailers in attendance, Modell's Sporting Goods will discuss how it tackled ship-from-store and in-store pick-up, and while you're there chat with Shopatron CEO Ed Stevens about his new book Allied to Win. Spaces are limited, RSVP today!

3. Retail Insiders Party. After getting settled at NRF, the Sunday night fixture is Cathy Hotka's Insiders Party – the one party that allows CIOs and VPs to get acquainted with one another before the show starts. As usual, the location remains a mystery until a week or so before the event and pre-registration is required. Leaders at the C- and VP-level (at companies above $200 million) are invited, so keep your evening on Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 9-11:30pm open. Get in touch with Cathy at [email protected] for more information.
    
4. Talking Shop @ 21. This intimate affair hosted by NRF gives members of the press and C-level executives of leading retail companies the opportunity to talk shop away from the hustle and bustle of Retail's Big Show. The event is Monday, January 13, 2014 from 6-7:30pm at the 21 Club NYC and is a staple for some of the best information of the Big Show.

5. Rock & Roll Retail 2014. If you like live music and love to have a good time, this is the place to be on Monday, January 13, 2014 from 8:30pm-12am. Now in its fifth year, Rock & Roll Retail is going to be Bigger, Better, and Badder for 2014! One of the most original and fun nights of the week at NRF, RIS News will be rocking the house at the Hard Rock CafÉ this year, promising a night of good times and great networking. Join in the fun as the coolest people in retail unwind after a long day at NRF! Space is limited so please register early.