National Retail Federation: Retail’s BIG Show
Twelve days ago the wheels went up and I departed from my beloved New York City and the greatest weekend in my professional career. I was fortunate enough to attend The National Retail Federation’s student conference as the Rising Star Scholar, along with an incredibly talented group of Purdue’s best who I’m proud to call my friends.
Retail’s big show connects college students from around the US to the industry’s leading innovators, thinkers, and doers with a combination of workshops, events, and keynote presentations and panels. I will forever cherish the tokens of advice and moments of inspiration from this incredible opportunity. To share one, “Dare to be determined and practice being the leader and mentor you wish you had”. This motto from TED Talk speaker, Simon Sinek, encompasses the very foundation of this trip and the very words everyone should lead by.
-Travel Diary-
ARRIVAL – 1/12
Highlights: After departing from Indy at the crack of dawn our group of 15 explored the garment district and took a trip down aspiration lane for a tour of FIT. Later we sat in on an info session with Kohl’s corporate and got our first taste of the weekend entre. We finished off the day with a dreamlike stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art in which I caught myself physically swooning more than twice.
Outfit: Zara vest, Forever21 trousers and scarf, Baker wrap coat, Sam Smith Adidas (http://mcys.co/2jSye8g)
CONFERENCE DAY1 – 1/13
Highlights: With opening remarks from Karen Katz, CEO of Neiman Marcus, the conference was off to an incredible start. She spoke about the importance of understanding analytics and taking a chance on yourself – an idea well known by the following keynote, Rebecca Minkoff. Well-spoken, well-dressed, and well-versed in her brand, Rebecca Minkoff spoke about going against the grain and her recent innovations including the watch now/buy now runway show concept and advanced in-store technology. Beyond impressive.
Next up was a young professionals panel with representatives from West Elm, Belk, Kohl’s, and Home Depot who spat some knowledge about how to learn from their industry mistakes. The day ended with a quintessential New York tradition, skating at the Rockefeller Plaza.
Best Quote: “Amateurs practice till they get it right, professionals practice till they can’t get it wrong” –Matt Meuleners FOCUS Training networking consultant
Outfit: Stephanie Horne embroidered top, Calvin Klein trousers, Merona heals (http://bit.ly/2dK8lqH), lace choker, vintage rings
CONFERENCE DAY2 – 1/14
Highlights: A keynote from Paul Gainer, VP of Disney Retail, set the tone for day two with his thoughts on being solution oriented and maintaining cross-functional relationship abilities – also his favorite Disney character is the Genie from Aladdin (respect). Jean Chatzky from the Today Show and rapper D1 Augustine followed with advice on college debt and financial literacy.
Next on stage was Rachel Shechtman, the Founder of STORY, who spoke about her entrepreneurship and her beyond creative concept for STORY – a brick and mortar store that function entirely like a magazine with a new “issue” every four weeks. On a side note, please find out everything you can on this woman she is an absolute genius exemplifying the integration of content, commerce, and community.
The best for last. Our final keynote speaker, Simon Sinek, spoke earnestly about leadership, mentorship, and finding the right people to have on your rope-team.
Best Quote: “the more we associate our appetites with the amount of content channels and technology and new business out there, we need to think of consumer that way” –Rachel Shechtman Founder of STORY
Outfit: Carolina Herrera trousers, Topshop blouse (http://bit.ly/2k4Hx7z), Merona heals, vintage rings.
EXPLORATION – 1/15
Highlights: After the conclusion of the conference, we were all jittery with inspiration and curiosity. This led us to wander the streets of Chelsea to experience STORY and to SoHo for Rebecca Minkoff’s flagship.
A sighting of Jenna Lyons and a cup of tea from the Chelsea Market was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
Outfit: Brought to you by La-la-la-la-lambeau.
