Connect with us

Technology

Be Where The Next Now of Retail Unfolds: NRF 2026 APAC Unveils Star Speakers, Bigger Expo and Limited-Time Travel Incentives

Published

on

SINGAPORE, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With momentum building rapidly, NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific (NRF 2026 APAC), co-organised by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Comexposium Singapore, is bringing together the region’s most influential retail leaders, innovators and decision-makers in Singapore, June 2 – 4, 2026.

Expected to welcome over 13,000 retail professionals from more than 80 countries, the most prestigious retail event in APAC will convene senior executives from over 2,500 leading retail brands, including DFI Retail Group, Sephora, FamilyMart, Dyson, Central Retail and Unilever. As APAC continues to define the future of global retail, NRF 2026 APAC offers an unmatched platform for collaboration, insights, and business transformation.

Global retail leaders strengthen conference line-up

The conference continues to elevate its world-class agenda with newly confirmed speakers from Olive Young, Gill Capital (H&M) and Woolworths Group, further strengthening an already stellar line-up of global retail voices.

“NRF 2026 APAC is a powerful platform that brings together the ideas, talent, and innovation shaping the future of retail,” said Anish Melwani, former Chairman and CEO of LVMH North America. “At LVMH, we saw innovation as essential to elevating customer experience while preserving the craftsmanship at the heart of our brands. I look forward to engaging with industry leaders across APAC, exchanging perspectives and helping drive the next wave of retail transformation in the region.”

“NRF 2026 APAC is where the future of retail comes to life. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover breakthrough technologies, and reimagine how we serve our customers in a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Matthew Shay, President and CEO, National Retail Federation. “Since the inaugural APAC edition, we have seen a phenomenal growth in brand representation, from 1,200 retail brands in 2024 to 2,200 brands in 2025, an 83% increase. As demand for innovation and next-generation retail solutions grows, we expect continued momentum in brand participation this year.”

A bigger, more immersive expo experience

This year’s expo floor expands across two full levels, reflecting surging demand and industry participation. With 80% of exhibition space already sold, over 300 leading solution providers including Relex, Vusion and Google will showcase the technologies redefining retail.

Retailers can access the expo floor free of charge, offering a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the innovations driving “The Next Now” of retail.

NRF APAC Innovators Showcase returns – 35% bigger

The NRF APAC Innovators Showcase is a key highlight of NRF 2026 APAC, and is significantly expanded this year, featuring 35 cutting-edge companies – a 35% increase from last year.

The curated showcase spotlights breakthrough technologies transforming retail across APAC and beyond, including:

Rokt – Leveraging first-party data and machine learning to optimise ecommerce checkout experiences and unlock incremental revenue at the “transaction moment”JohnSmith.ai – Delivering AI-powered brand ambassadors for always-on, real-time live commerce with consistent brand engagementCookiy AI – Enabling AI-moderated consumer research through voice agents, generating instant, actionable insights for retail teams

Together, these innovators reflect a broader shift toward AI-driven, data-centric and experience-led retail ecosystems.

Secure your spot at APAC’s premier retail event

To support international participation amid rising travel costs, NRF 2026 APAC is offering a US$200 travel rebate for eligible Retailer and Industry Partner All-Access Pass holders.

The All-Access Pass unlocks:

Entry to over 70 content sessions including major keynotes, breakouts, and Exhibitor Big IdeasExclusive networking opportunities with global retail leadersFull three-day access to the expo floor

More details and terms are available at: https://nrfbigshowapac.nrf.com/

About NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific

Retail’s most important event in Asia Pacific takes place in Singapore from June 2 – 4, 2026. The Asia Pacific edition brings together retail industry leaders from across the region to collaborate on a Pan Asia Pacific stage, home of the world’s fastest growing markets. Retail professionals can gain inspiration from top retail leaders over a three-day conference and an all-encompassing Expo featuring the latest retail solutions, as well as experience the latest innovations and breakthrough technologies available in the market.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/be-where-the-next-now-of-retail-unfolds-nrf-2026-apac-unveils-star-speakers-bigger-expo-and-limited-time-travel-incentives-302747986.html

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

giga! launches gigaFLEX+, a new youth plan with unlimited AI access

Published

on

By

Comes with free AI access, a monthly bubble tea, 800GB of regional 5G data and 22GB roaming 

SINGAPORE, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — giga! today launched gigaFLEX+, as part of its gigaSURPRISE campaign, a new mobile plan for youths who are always connected, whether they’re studying, creating content, gaming, travelling or hanging out with friends.  

More than just a data plan, gigaFLEX+ was designed around what youths value today – helping them learn, create, stay connected and enjoy more of the things they love. By bringing together meaningful benefits in one plan, gigaFLEX+ delivers value, exclusively for customers aged 15 to 29.  

“Youths are one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving segments in Singapore, particularly in their adoption of AI, with usage rates 35% higher than the rest of our customer base. These insights helped shape gigaFLEX+, our latest plan created to support the way youths learn, create and stay connected today,” said Vikas Chanani, Vice President, Multibrand and MVNO Partnerships, StarHub.  

The plan includes: 

Free gigaAI subscription with unlimited access to leading AI models including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, all in one place. Whether it’s for studying, creating content, brainstorming ideas or everyday tasks, users can tap into a range of AI tools to get the help they need, plus enjoy 300 image generations every month. 800GB of 5G data across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand that can be rolled over monthly 22GB monthly roaming data, including 12GB Asia Roaming and 10GB International Roaming. One free PlayMade bubble tea every month 

Something to celebrate (for the first 9,999 of you) 

To celebrate the launch, the first 9,999 customers who sign up for gigaFLEX+ can enjoy the plan at $13.90/month for the first 12 months. After the promotional period,  the plan will renew at $19.90/month. 

gigaFLEX+ is available exclusively to customers aged 15 to 29, with eligibility automatically verified via Singpass during sign-up. Visit giga.com.sg or download the giga app to sign up. 

About giga! 

giga! is Singapore’s fully-digital mobile service, created to provide consumers with a better, simpler, and more intuitive mobile experience across products, features, payment modes, delivery tracking, digital engagement, and customer service. 5G powered by Singapore’s Fastest Network, our contract-free plans provide heaps of data, talktime and SMS to meet the needs of heavy data users, at an attractive price. Keeping customers at the core of our innovation, we offer the market’s only Free Rollover Data advantage for all plans, gigaRoam for maximum convenience while travelling, and the giga! app for the ultimate freedom to send gifts and customise their experience – as little or as much as they want. giga! 5G Feels Good. Join the giga! experience today at www.giga.com.sg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/giga-launches-gigaflex-a-new-youth-plan-with-unlimited-ai-access-302802897.html

SOURCE giga!

Continue Reading

Technology

Google Cloud’s Model Garden at Platform 37: An Exclusive Customer Hub for AI Innovation and Collaboration

Published

on

By

LONDON, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Google Cloud Summit London ’26 — The Model Garden at Platform 37, opening in London this year, is a premier, invitation-only Google Experience Center (GEC) for Google’s most strategic customers. This flagship EMEA facility offers a purpose-built, confidential environment for C-suite executives, senior leaders, and partners to learn how to drive digital transformation at their organizations using Google Cloud’s entire product portfolio, including industry-leading generative AI and agentic AI models and tools.

Where AI strategy becomes reality

Theory-to-practice: The new GEC is designed to bring Google experts and strategic leaders together, transitioning from theoretical discussions to solving real-world challenges through curated workshops, demos, and tailored content.Immersive storytelling: “The Vault” is a high-impact, 270-degree touch-based environment designed for bespoke client sessions that bring AI solutions to life. It allows leaders to visualize complex data in real-time, see exactly how Google’s technology solves their unique industry challenges, and create tangible business strategies for the agentic era.Where nature meets technology: The environment features a design inspired by classic English gardens, including a three-story digital atrium with living digital lanterns. Guests can also collaborate with Google teams in meeting rooms—or enjoy an expansive roof garden—that offers views of London cityscapes.

“The Model Garden is a strategic investment in the future of our most critical business partnerships,” said Maureen Costello, Vice President, UK, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa, Google Cloud. “This is a dedicated, private workspace for our most critical partners to help them build the future of their organisations. By launching at Platform 37, we are providing expert access, technical infrastructure, and other solutions they need to turn AI into a tangible reality for the United Kingdom and across EMEA.”

Exclusivity and availability

The Model Garden at Platform 37 will be accessible via invitation and scheduled engagement only. The center will officially begin hosting executive customer sessions in Q4 2026.

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a powerful, optimized AI stack—including AI infrastructure, leading models like Gemini, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platform, as well as agents and applications—that enables organizations to transform their business for the Agentic Era. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/google-clouds-model-garden-at-platform-37-an-exclusive-customer-hub-for-ai-innovation-and-collaboration-302801487.html

SOURCE Google Cloud

Continue Reading

Technology

The Human Element of Industry: “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia” Highlights the Riverside Convention Center

Published

on

By

The educational Public Television segment examines how boutique service standards and community-centric management shape the future of professional gatherings.

LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ –The standard for professional venues is evolving as regional hubs prioritize sustainable practices and local community integration over traditional business models. “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia” will explore these themes in an upcoming segment featuring the Riverside Convention Center, an institution with a long-standing reputation for service excellence in California. Set to film in the heart of the city, the segment will be broadcast to Public Television stations nationwide.

This informational program focuses on the necessity of managing public assets with a private-sector discipline, illustrating how regional centers adapt to meet the wellness and security needs of a new generation. By showcasing a culture of teamwork and integrity, the program highlights the profound impact that long-tenured staff and local management have on the attendee experience.

“What makes the Riverside Convention Center special is the people behind it. Many of our team members have spent decades serving this community, and that pride shows in every event we host. We have built a culture centered on trust, operational excellence, and genuine hospitality, where guests feel both welcomed and cared for the moment they walk through our doors. As Riverside continues to rise, the Convention Center plays an important role in that momentum. Every event hosted here supports local hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and jobs throughout our community. We understand that this building is more than a venue. It is a public asset, an economic engine, and often one of the first impressions visitors have of our city.

We also believe the future of this industry is about balance: delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining strong operational discipline and modern safety standards. We have invested heavily in creating an environment where guests feel secure without losing the warmth and hospitality that define Riverside. At the same time, partnerships like Blue Zones Project Riverside reflect our belief that taking care of our workforce ultimately creates better experiences for everyone who walks through our doors. We are proud of what has been built here, proud of the people who make it happen every day, and proud to help tell Riverside’s story on a larger stage.” – Barbara Rogers, General Manager, Riverside Convention Center

The program provides an informational look at the mechanisms that support high-level economic impact in a city-owned setting. Viewers will be introduced to the concept of the “ripple effect,” a model that demonstrates how visitor spending at convention centers directly benefits local hotels, small businesses, and community jobs. The segment highlights how the Riverside Convention Center has successfully integrated advanced safety protocols and weapons detection systems, serving as an example for how venues can maintain a welcoming atmosphere while strengthening situational awareness.

This narrative addresses common concerns shared by the general public regarding how large-scale venues manage security and operational readiness in a modern world.

The segment also touches on the importance of culinary education and workforce development, showing how a venue can act as a training ground for local talent. Public Television audiences will see how the center’s partnership with Blue Zones Project Riverside encourages sustainable habits for employee well-being, such as stress reduction and social connection.

By examining the solutions implemented at this Southern California landmark, the program demonstrates how to move past modern industry challenges by focusing on core values like attention to detail and hard work. The history of the team, which includes individuals with decades of service, underscores the deep connection between the institution and the residents it employs. This upcoming segment is intended to act as an educational resource for anyone interested in the future of the meetings industry and the vital role of convention centers in shaping a city’s character.

About “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia”: The “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia” program is a premier educational series developed for Public Television stations. Each segment is crafted to provide a deep dive into the stories of progress and innovation across various sectors, from technology to hospitality. The show serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and informing audiences through high-quality documentary storytelling. Learn more about the series at allaccessptv.com.

About Riverside Convention Center: Located in Riverside, California, the Riverside Convention Center is a community-focused venue that combines big-city results with boutique hospitality. Managed by a locally based team, Raincross Hospitality Management Company, the center is a recognized leader in safety, cleanliness, and employee satisfaction. With its commitment to wellness-forward dining and regional economic development, the Riverside Convention Center continues to provide a premier environment for business and community celebrations alike. More information is available at riversidecvb.com/riverside-convention-center/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-human-element-of-industry-all-access-hosted-by-andy-garcia-highlights-the-riverside-convention-center-302800346.html

SOURCE All Access

Continue Reading

Trending