The Golden Eagle’s Next Big Show: Creating Connections among Students, Community and Professionals to Soar High

Purpose of this project This project is interested in creating an experiential learning opportunity for the students in the Merchandising and Design program. The main goal of this project is (1) to have networking opportunity with 33,000 industry experts, (2) to receive mentorship from top management of well-known retailers, (3) to attend Expo to learn the latest retail technology, and (4) to learn the latest retail technologies from the industry experts. Execution plan Three selected students will prepare the Soar High Strategic Plan that will be distributed to shareholders on campus and community in 2015. Three selected students and faculty advisor attend 2015 NRF Big Show. Time, Date, and Place January 10th ~ January 14th, 2015, Jacob k. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY

A picture with the President of A photo with the President of Levi’s, James Curleigh Dr. Jewon Lyu, Audrianna Lyles, Teagan Montgomery, and Rob Bond from Merchandising & Design Program Who attended this convention? In 2015, three selected student representatives were selected from Merchandising and Design Program. This year, the NRF Big Show attendance was FULLY paid by 2015 Provost Micro-Grant. How student representatives were selected? Application Letter, In-depth one-to-one interview with the faculty Audrianna Lyles (sophomore, M&D), Rob Bond (Junior, M&D), and Teagan Montogmery (Junior, M&D) were selected! What’s next plan? Dissemination of Soar High Strategic Plan in 2015 Academic year Prepare next big show! A picture with the President of Levi’s, James Curleigh

What is the NRF? National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. The NRF represents retailers in more than 45 countries, including the United States. The NRF works to progress the well-being of the retail industry through education, communication and support. The NRF Universities The NRF partners with nearly 40 university members and more than 2,500 students. The NRF supports students to develop retail’s future talent, and various scholarship opportunities ($2,500 - $25,000), and the Student Challenge (i.e., Business case competition; $2,500 travel scholarship for winners) TTU is a member of NRF Universities

What is the NRF Big Show? What is the benefit to attend NRF Big show? The NRF Big Show is an annual Convention and EXPO held in New York City. The NRF Big Show is a four day flagship industry event that offers unmatched education, peer networking, and an extensive EXPO Hall with full of the latest technologies and solutions The NRF Big Show is the one and only place where industry professionals can experience all things about Retail. The NRF Big Show provides retailers from all around the world come to experience game changing ideas and trends.

Memories of 2015 NRF BIG SHOW…..

Highlights of the NRF Big Show Keynote speech: Game Changer: Loyalty and Performance Lessons from Passionate Sports Fandom, Brick is the New Black, Global Economic Challenges and Opportunities for Success: A Conversation with Dr. Ben Bernanke, Unique and Distinct: The New Customer Experience, The New Digital Divide, As the Future Catches You, Commerce In the Age of Flux Highlights of Break-Out Sessions by the Industry experts Exciting New NYC Stores that Deserve a Visit! Shop.org Think Tank Dive into Digital Retail The Changing World of Luxury Retailing Pricing Strategies for Competing Effectively in an Omni-channel Retail Landscape “Big Data” and Shopping Analytics: Enhancing the Customer Experience or Too Much Information? Five Atmospheres Motivating Today’s Consumer

What is the NRF Student Program? The NRF Big Show has a student ONLY program prior to the convention Students have the privilege to speak with retail executives and recruiters to gain career advice and experience. Hundreds of students from around the country travel to the NRF Student Program to take advantage of some once in a lifetime opportunities. Highlights of the NRF Big Show The Rising Stars of Retail: Young Professionals Panel Career Advice/ CEO Panel Discussion Creating a Life of “Uncontainable” Joy Executive Mentor Experience Career Fair Professional Development Session Networking Reception

Who Wants To Be a Next Retail Leader? For more information about the NRF and Merchandising Program? Contact: Dr. Jewon Lyu (jlyu@tntech.edu) School of Human Ecology Merchandising & Design Program Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN