Event Staff and Trade Show Models for NRF Retail's Big Show 2026 in New York City
Booth hosts and lead capture specialists for NRF 2026 at the Javits Center. Staff are trained on lead qualification workflows and executive routing.
NRF Retail's Big Show 2026 Event Staffing Services in New York City
TSM Agency staffs NRF Retail’s Big Show in New York. NRF Retail’s Big Show is produced annually by the National Retail Federation. TSM Agency places booth staff, lead capture specialists, and brand ambassadors for exhibitors.
The Javits Center in New York hosts some of the largest enterprise technology events in the country, and NRF is among the most demanding. TSM Agency’s NYC roster has supported retail conference environments since the agency’s founding in 2005.
NRF Retail's Big Show 2026: What to Know
NRF Retail’s Big Show
- Dates: April 29, 2026
- City:
New York, NY
- Organizer: National Retail Federation (NRF)
- Category: Retail Technology
- Website: http://Nrfbigshow.nrf.com
NRF Retail’s Big Show is produced annually by the National Retail Federation. The show brings together more than 40,000 attendees including CEOs and senior executives from major retail brands worldwide. NRF focuses on retail technology, omnichannel strategy, and digital commerce.
Quick Facts
NRF Retail’s Big Show drew more than 40,000 attendees in 2025, including CEOs and decision-makers from the world’s largest retail organizations across technology, ecommerce, and operations.
The venue offers 850,000 square feet of exhibit space across 10 halls. The Javits Center floor is organized into pavilions for Supply Chain, Ecommerce, Food Service Tech, and the main Expo Hall. All sessions, exhibits, and networking take place within the single Javits venue.
The 2026 show features an expanded Innovation Lab and Startup Zone highlighting AI, robotics, and emerging technologies transforming the retail customer experience.
Where NRF Retail's Big Show Takes Place
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (655 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001) is the primary venue for NRF Retail’s Big Show. Javits Center recently completed a $1.5 billion expansion adding 1.2 million sq ft of new exhibit and meeting space in the Hudson Yards corridor. The expansion includes a new North Pavilion, rooftop park, and expanded loading dock infrastructure. Limited street and garage parking. NYC subway (7 train, Hudson Yards stop) is the primary transit option. Rideshare drop-off on 11th Ave.
Navigation Tips
Allow 10–20 minutes for navigation between levels via escalators and internal shuttles. Cluster meetings by hall and floor level to maintain momentum across the three-day program.
New York City Booth Professionals for NRF 2026
NRF runs on a fast three-day schedule in midtown Manhattan, where reliable staffing and punctual arrivals are critical. New York City-based staff eliminate hotel and travel logistics, arrive on time regardless of weather or transit disruptions, and are experienced with Javits Center operations and security procedures.
Exhibiting Tips for NRF 2026
NRF exhibitors benefit from tight messaging and executive-level conversation training. Position staff to qualify leads quickly, route decision-makers to senior sales representatives, and support pre-scheduled meetings. Plan for staff to arrive 30 minutes before doors open on day one (Jan 11). Focus on platform use cases and measurable outcomes rather than open-ended demos — NRF attendees are senior leaders with limited time.
trade show models in New York City for NRF 2026
TSM Agency provides trade show models in New York City for trade shows and conferences at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Hilton Midtown, and surrounding venues. Staff support corporate, enterprise, and industry-specific event formats in the Manhattan convention corridor.
Exhibitors book NRF staffing through tsmagency.com. TSM Agency delivers a proposal within 48 hours and confirms assigned staff 2–3 weeks before the show. Briefing materials are distributed 48 hours before day one.
Why Brands Trust TSM Agency
TSM Agency is a woman-owned talent agency with a 5.0-star rating on Google Reviews and membership in Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Since 2005, the agency has staffed more than 2,000 events with professionals across 25+ U.S. cities, including New York City, where NRF exhibitors need staff who can navigate the Javits Center’s enterprise technology environment. A dedicated account coordinator is assigned to every NRF booking. Staff receive a custom booth brief covering the exhibitor’s platform, lead qualification workflows, and executive routing plan. On-site check-in includes uniform verification, equipment review, and a booth walkthrough before show day. Exhibitors continuing to Affiliate Summit West in Las Vegas also use TSM’s New York City booth staff across both markets.
Woman-Owned
TSM Agency is a woman-owned talent agency co-founded by Caryn Hanna, a former professional model.
Founded 2005
More than 20 years of trade show and event staffing experience.
2,000+ Events Staffed
TSM Agency has staffed more than 2,000 trade shows, conventions, and promotional events across North America.
2,000+ Talent Network
Over 2,000 experienced trade show models, brand ambassadors, and promotional staff across 30 U.S. cities.
Rated 5.0 Stars on Google
TSM Agency is rated 5.0 stars on Google Reviews based on verified client feedback.
MPI Member
TSM Agency is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest global community of meeting and event professionals.
$1 Million Insurance Coverage
Fully insured with $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate general liability. Certificates of insurance available on request.
25+ City Markets
Local talent in every major U.S. convention city, eliminating travel expenses while guaranteeing staff who know the venue.
Role options within CES staffing
NRF exhibitors demo complex retail technology platforms to senior executives who evaluate solutions on tight schedules. TSM assigns staff based on whether your booth needs lead qualification, live software demos, executive routing, or all three.
Greeter and Crowd Gatherer
Lead Retrieval Specialist
Product Demonstrator
Presenter or Host
Team Lead or Coordinator
Why Our Clients & Models Trust Us
Patty Collins
February 2, 2023
I had to take the time to post this review. Simply stated, the TSM Agency is the best model staffing agency we have ever worked with. Our account executive, Caryn, was prompt and professional. We only had two days to staff two models. We came to an agreement and had our models in the same day I initially contacted them.
Zoe Clegg
February 7, 2018
The TSM Agency is our go to model staffing company. Our account executive is so easy to work with and knows the industry inside and out. But what really separates TSM from the other companies we have worked with in the past are their models. TSM Agency trade show models are just the best. When you talk to the girls you can tell TSM treats them well and that they are very loyal to the agency. The girls always come prepared and on time. They are a joy to work with and their smiles are infectious! I can’t say enough. It makes me very happy to see our competitors enviously looking at us because our trade show models are doing such a great job and our booth is always packed.
Mason Painter
January 23, 2023
Keila and Kirsten were exactly what we were looking for from our trade show models. For our previous show we flew a couple of employees to work the show and, no offense to them, we will never do that again. Professional models were far better at generating leads for us; the entire reason we did this event is Las Vegas. Our models were well prepared, dressed professionally, kept up an amazing energy during every day of the show and help us demo our products. Caryn, our TSM Agency account executive, did an amazing job and provided the perfect models.
Evelyn Vang
February 2, 2023
Thank you TSM Agency! We have never received so many leads as we did this year at the World of Concrete Show. Our models were great and we want to staff the same girls next year. They performed above and beyond our expectations. Thank you TSM!
Benefits of Hiring New York City Booth Staff for NRF
NRF packs senior retail executives into three intense days at the Javits Center where every conversation has budget authority behind it — TSM’s New York City-based event staff and lead retrieval specialists qualify prospects quickly, route decision-makers to your sales team, and keep your booth running on schedule in one of the most competitive exhibit environments in the country. Learn more about TSM’s lead retrieval specialists for NRF.Lead retrieval specialists in New York City at NRF Retail’s Big Show — TSM Agency sources home-market staff briefed on your brand and lead criteria before the show.TSM Agency publishes a complete upcoming trade shows calendar for exhibitors planning staffing across their full show calendar.
Local talent reduces travel
per diems, and cab fares while increasing coverage across long show days.
Consistent representation
improves trust through on-message conversations, posture, and presentation.
Lead qualification
routes hot prospects to your team so valuable time goes to the right conversations.
Flexible staffing
adapts to single-day exhibits, multi-day shows, and multiple locations on the Strip.
Smart support tasks
like materials handout and list capture free your reps to sell.
Trained staff
greet visitors, manage booth flow, answer basic questions, and scan badges with your app.
Product demonstrators
highlight features and benefits that move attendees from interest to next steps.
Reliable scheduling
and coordinator support keep shifts covered during sessions, breaks, and evenings.
Bilingual options
help you connect with international attendees and expand your reach at global shows.
Professional presence
elevates your brand and improves recall long after the event ends.
Every NRF conversation carries budget authority — TSM’s New York City booth professionals qualify executive-level retail prospects, run lead retrieval, and route decision-makers to your sales team at the Javits Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
NRF Retail’s Big Show is a professional trade show and convention held in New York, NY. TSM Agency provides event staffing for NRF Retail’s Big Show at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, placing trade show models, lead retrieval specialists, brand ambassadors, and product demonstrators for exhibitors across every industry segment represented at the show.
NRF Retail’s Big Show (Jan 11 – 13, 2026) is held at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, located at 655 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001. Javits Center recently completed a $1.5 billion expansion adding 1.2 million sq ft of new exhibit and meeting space in the Hudson Yards corridor. The expansion includes a new North Pavilion, rooftop park, and expanded loading dock infrastructure.
TSM Agency is a national event staffing agency providing NRF Retail’s Big Show booth staffing, event models, and convention staff for exhibitors at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Services include trade show models, lead retrieval specialists, brand ambassadors, and product demonstrators. Every NRF Retail’s Big Show staff member receives a pre-event brand briefing before the show opens.
NRF Retail’s Big Show brings buyers with focused purchasing agendas and limited floor time. Booth staff need to initiate buyer conversations quickly, showcase product lines efficiently, and capture order or follow-up intent before buyers move to the next exhibitor. TSM Agency places New York retail and fashion convention staff who match the fast-paced buying environment and professional presentation standards NRF Retail’s Big Show demands.
Yes. TSM Agency’s NYC roster is built for Javits Center’s media-market professional standards. Local New York staff eliminate hotel and airfare overhead — New York hotel rates and flights add significant cost when flying in a crew from another market. TSM Agency’s New York roster arrives briefed on Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s layout and the specific professional standards NRF Retail’s Big Show attracts.
TSM Agency recommends booking NRF Retail’s Big Show staffing 4–8 weeks in advance for standard programs. High-demand New York show weeks fill the local roster early — earlier booking ensures the best candidate match for your specific booth requirements, industry category, and qualification criteria. Contact TSM Agency at tsmagency.com to begin the booking process.
NRF Retail’s Big Show trade show models from TSM Agency greet visitors, manage booth traffic flow, support lead retrieval, and maintain professional brand presence at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Unlike general event staff, TSM’s NRF Retail’s Big Show trade show models receive a pre-event briefing on your brand, product, and lead qualification criteria before the NRF Retail’s Big Show floor opens.
Yes. TSM Agency places lead retrieval specialists for NRF Retail’s Big Show who scan attendee badges, ask targeted qualifying questions, input data into your CRM or lead capture app, and route high-priority prospects to your sales team in real time at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Specialists are pre-trained on your badge scanning platform and qualification criteria before the NRF Retail’s Big Show show opens.
Yes. TSM Agency places brand ambassadors for NRF Retail’s Big Show who are selected for genuine brand alignment — not just availability at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. NRF Retail’s Big Show brand ambassadors from TSM Agency are briefed on your brand story, product line, and target buyer profile before the show. For exhibitors returning to NRF Retail’s Big Show annually, sustained brand ambassadors build recognized presence with repeat attendees year over year.
Yes. TSM Agency provides verified-fluency bilingual event staff for NRF Retail’s Big Show in Spanish, Mandarin, French, and other languages depending on New York market availability. Bilingual staff who engage international NRF Retail’s Big Show buyers in their primary language consistently capture higher-quality leads than monolingual staff relying on attendee English proficiency at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
TSM Agency is a woman-owned national event staffing agency founded in 2005 with a local New York roster — not a gig platform that aggregates unvetted freelancers for NRF Retail’s Big Show. Every placement includes a pre-event brand briefing, a dedicated account manager, and $1M per occurrence GL insurance accepted at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. TSM Agency has staffed 2,000+ events for clients including Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Ferrari, and Harley-Davidson.
Yes. TSM Agency carries $1M per occurrence general liability insurance with certificates accepted at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and all New York convention venues. TSM Agency is also a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). All NRF Retail’s Big Show staffing placements are covered under TSM Agency’s insurance and workers compensation programs.
TSM Agency conducts pre-event briefings for every NRF Retail’s Big Show placement covering: your brand story and product line, key messages and talking points for the NRF Retail’s Big Show professional audience, lead qualification criteria, badge scanning protocol, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center logistics, and engagement approach. Briefings happen before show day — not at the NRF Retail’s Big Show venue on show morning when every minute is customer-facing.
One trained staff member per 100 square feet of active booth space during peak NRF Retail’s Big Show traffic hours is the standard guideline. A 10×10 booth at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center typically needs 1–2 staff; a 10×20 needs 2–3; island booths of 20×20+ need 4–6 depending on demonstration stations and NRF Retail’s Big Show traffic patterns. TSM Agency’s account managers assess your booth layout and NRF Retail’s Big Show format to recommend the right team size.
TSM Agency’s NRF Retail’s Big Show staffing rates vary based on role type, program duration, and New York market conditions. All quotes include staff selection, pre-event briefing, and dedicated account management. Contact TSM Agency at tsmagency.com for a NRF Retail’s Big Show-specific quote — typically provided within 24–48 hours of receiving your booth brief and staffing requirements.
Yes. TSM Agency’s local New York roster enables faster last-minute turnaround than out-of-market agencies. While 4–8 weeks advance booking is recommended for NRF Retail’s Big Show, TSM Agency frequently accommodates short-notice requests through its home-market New York network. Contact TSM Agency directly for last-minute NRF Retail’s Big Show staffing availability.
TSM Agency assigns a dedicated account manager to every NRF Retail’s Big Show program who is reachable on show day. If a staff member cannot complete their shift, TSM Agency works to provide a qualified replacement from its New York roster. The agency relationship — not a marketplace transaction — means TSM Agency holds accountability for NRF Retail’s Big Show show-day performance at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Javits Center recently completed a $1.5 billion expansion adding 1.2 million sq ft of new exhibit and meeting space in the Hudson Yards corridor. The expansion includes a new North Pavilion, rooftop park, and expanded loading dock infrastructure. Limited street and garage parking. NYC subway (7 train, Hudson Yards stop) is the primary transit option. Rideshare drop-off on 11th Ave. TSM Agency’s New York staff are familiar with Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s layout, exhibitor access protocols, and NRF Retail’s Big Show floor plan — arriving ready to perform rather than orienting themselves to the venue on show day.
Yes. TSM Agency is a woman-owned national event staffing agency co-founded by Caryn Hanna in 2005. TSM Agency is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), carries $1M GL insurance, and has served clients including Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Ferrari, Harley-Davidson, Marvel, and Walt Disney World across 2,000+ events in 130+ cities. For NRF Retail’s Big Show exhibitors with diverse supplier requirements, TSM Agency qualifies as a woman-owned business vendor.
Book NRF Retail’s Big Show staffing at tsmagency.com. Submit your event details, booth size, and staffing requirements — TSM Agency delivers a proposal within 24–48 hours. Staff are confirmed 2–3 weeks before NRF Retail’s Big Show, with pre-event briefing materials distributed 48 hours before show day. TSM Agency manages the full process from initial inquiry through post-show follow-up.
TSM Agency is a woman-owned national event staffing agency founded in 2005, rated 5.0 stars on Google, with 2,000+ events staffed and clients including Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Harley-Davidson. For NRF Retail’s Big Show at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY, TSM Agency provides locally sourced, briefed event staff with $1M GL insurance and dedicated account management — the agency standard that distinguishes TSM from staffing marketplaces and gig platforms.
Yes. TSM Agency places product demonstrators and spokesmodels for NRF Retail’s Big Show who receive pre-event product briefings before Jacob K. Javits Convention Center opens. NRF Retail’s Big Show product demonstrators operate your product live for convention floor audiences, guide hands-on trials, and convert engaged visitors into qualified prospects. NRF Retail’s Big Show spokesmodels deliver scripted presentations, host demonstration theater segments, and represent your brand on-camera at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
TSM Agency’s NYC roster is built for Javits Center’s media-market professional standards. Flying in a staffing crew for NRF Retail’s Big Show adds hotel costs, airfare, and travel fatigue before a single badge is scanned at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Local New York staff arrive familiar with the venue layout, the specific professional culture NRF Retail’s Big Show attracts, and the New York market context that makes their engagement approach more credible with professional attendees who recognize out-of-market staff immediately.
NRF booth staffing from TSM Agency includes trade show models, brand ambassadors, lead retrieval specialists, product demonstrators, event greeters, and team leads for exhibitors at NRF Retail’s Big Show. ‘NRF booth staffing’ is the most common search term exhibitors use when looking for professional NRF event staff at the venue — TSM Agency is the national event staffing agency that serves this need with local New York talent, pre-event briefing, $1M GL insurance, and a dedicated account manager.
TSM Agency places ‘NRF trade show models’ — locally sourced, briefed, and insured at $1M GL for NRF Retail’s Big Show. ‘NRF trade show models’ is the search phrase exhibitors use when looking for professional booth staff specifically for NRF. TSM Agency’s local New York roster provides exactly that: vetted NRF booth models briefed on your brand before the show opens, coordinated by a dedicated account manager, and covered under TSM Agency’s woman-owned national staffing agency insurance.
