Outlined below are the retail and non-retail industry categories recognized by NRF for securing your pass to attend NRF PROTECT 2025. The type of company you work for and the role you play at your company, along with your company title, are additional factors used by NRF to determine your badge designation for attending the event.
Please note: NRF PROTECT 2025 is closed to press.
To ensure accurate badge allocation for NRF PROTECT 2025, NRF has clarified and refined the qualification categories for both retail and non-retail badges. The following definitions apply:
Retailers/Food Retail/Foodservice
Sells goods directly to consumers via storefront, catalog, television or online. Retail status requires current operation and minimum $1M/year in sales.
Consumer Brands
Sells non-durable, non-tech products such as food, beverages, makeup and pharmaceuticals for individual consumption.
Consumer Services
Services that directly impact a consumer’s life or experience, such as travel agencies, ticketing platforms, cleaning services and tutoring. (Excludes cashback, coupon or return services.)
Retail Brand Investment Firms
Investment entities such as holding companies, private equity firms or family offices that have a significant equity ownership (actively participating in their strategic direction and operations) in retail brand(s) and companies providing products or services closely related to the retail industry.
Entertainment
Operators of entertainment venues and destinations including concert halls, amusement parks and sports teams.
Hospitality
Operators of hotels, resorts, casinos, airlines, airports, trains and cruise lines.
Industry Partners
Vendors providing products or services to retailers, such as logistics, POS systems, data solutions and loss prevention.
Business Electronics Companies
Hardware/software firms selling communication or computing devices to retailers and consumers.
Consultants
Firms or individuals offering business strategy advice or product evaluations.
Delivery / Payment / Loyalty App Providers
Apps purchased by retailers for services like delivery, payment, loyalty programs, returns, etc.
Employee Benefits and Insurance Payers
Firms managing payroll, recruiting or insurance services for retailers.
Financial Institutions
Banks, credit card providers, mortgage firms and investment advisors.
Government
Federal, state or local agencies.
Insurance Services
Insurance providers for businesses or individuals.
Marketplace / Ecommerce Technology Providers
Platforms or tech firms serving online commerce and transactions.
Media Outlets
Non-editorial media professionals (TV, podcast, blog, etc.).
Recycling Services
Firms managing recycling for retail and other commercial properties.
Shopping Center / Property Management
Developers or managers of shopping centers and commercial real estate.
Visual Merchandising / Store Design
Firms offering consulting or architectural services for retail design (not consumer-facing product sellers).
Both (Retail + Non-Retail Divisions)
Companies that maintain distinct divisions or lines of business that qualify separately under both retail and non-retail categories. These organizations may operate consumer-facing retail brands while also providing technology, logistics, financial or other B2B services to the industry.
Badge assignments for "both" companies are based on an individual’s role and division within the organization, and are subject to NRF review.
Press / Media
NRF PROTECT 2025 is closed to press. For more information about press attendance at NRF PROTECT 2025 or other NRF events, please contact eventpress@nrf.com.
Analyst
Professionals or firms producing retail-related industry research.
Educator
Teaching faculty or directors affiliated with retail-related academic programs. Requires documentation (e.g., CV, university ID).
During the registration process you will be required to submit two of the following before registration can be completed: A current curriculum vitae, a scanned copy of a valid university ID or a link to a profile page on an eligible institution’s website.
Trade Association
Nonprofit industry organizations; limited to two attendees per association.
Nonprofit Companies
Entities organized for non-commercial purposes. Contact required for approval. For more information, contact broganl@nrfevents.com.
Contact customer service at NRF@csreg.zohodesk.com, or 224-563-3111 (Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, CST).
Domestic and international companies can contact qualificationrequests@nrf.com.