Those attending the 2021 Nisa Retail annual retail exhibition at the end of this month can now preview the show after the online platform went live today.
The event, which is being held virtually for the second successive year, is happening on 28 and 29 September. However, online access is being given to retailers a week in advance, allowing those attending to preview the show and plan their time for the two days.
Following on from a successful online Expo last year, Nisa said its team had listened to partner and supplier feedback and added in a range of extra opportunities to ensure attendees get as much as possible from the occasion.
Events Manager at Nisa, Jenny Potts, said: “After the success of last year’s online event and the positive feedback received, we wanted to create something just as valuable, and convenient, for this year.
“Given the ongoing uncertainty at the time of organising, we also thought it best to continue to respect the health and safety of our partners, suppliers and colleagues which is why we opted for a virtual occasion.
“The theme for this year’s retail exhibition is Engage, Inspire, Trade and that is exactly what we hope everyone achieves during the two-day event.”
To enhance the experience, Nisa partners are being granted early access to the Expo platform, allowing them to test the technology, view stands and book appointments with suppliers as well as Nisa leaders and the wider Nisa team.
The Category Talks feature, which was introduced last year, is back with more sessions offering insights and advice along with the opportunity to get involved in live Q&As afterwards with suppliers working alongside the Nisa and Co-op commercial teams in leading the talks.
And the annual awards ceremony will again form a key part of the Expo, this year with the introduction of three awards that partners can vote for during the event.
Potts commented: “Historically, the gala dinner and awards evening at our annual show has always been quite spectacular and we realise it is just not possible to replicate such a grand affair virtually. However, we still want to make it a bit of an occasion and by adding in live voting for a number of the categories it creates some more anticipation and excitement and means the winners are chosen by their peers.”
