BY: Liliana Rocio, Senior Editor for World Liberty TV

The VIP (Vendors in Partnership) Awards, took place on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City, is a premier event recognizing innovation and excellence among retail solution providers and vendors.

This prestigious gathering brings together industry leaders for an unforgettable evening.VIP Connect hosts exclusive full-day conferences that are designed to allow a room of retail thought leaders tackle significant industry hurdles and opportunities with the honesty and empathy due a peer.

Authentic relationships are forged to continue the work of partnering in a new way that amplifies shared business success. VIP Connect also curates exclusive experiences throughout the year, designed for influencers, decision makers and curious thinkers to organically form personal and professional relationships with real implications for your career and your company.

The VIP Awards aren’t about stuffy speeches or checking a box. They’re about celebrating the people, your friends, and shaping retail with the heart of partnership

We’re different. We’re bold, fun, and create the kind of experience you want to be part of. The night, the warmth, the reunion that everyone wants in on.

The following were honored at the Vendors In Partnership, (VIP). Awards Gala 2026. Partner of The Year 2026 winner, Quorso, Best Kept Secret 2026 Winner, Netcore, The VIP Challenge, 2026 winner Orderful, Retailers Favorite, 2026 Winner, Tech Miahindra, Best Longstanding Partnership, 2026 winner, Jesta I.S., Rising Star, 2026 winner, Alembic, Retail Transformation, 2026 winner Kendra Scott, Retail Partner Person of the Year, 2026 winner, Ryan Holm, Bridge Builder Person of the year, 2026 winner, Melissa Wong, Zipline, Emerging Retail Leader Impact 2026 Winner, Fazit, Nina La Bruna, The Power Dealmakers, Newsmaker, 2026 winner, Lauren Hobart, Best Unified Customer Experience , 2026 winner, Gladly, Retail Tech Disrupter, 2026 winner, Pipe 17, Best Multi-Vendor Commerce Platform, 2026 winner, Toshiba, Best Retail Insights Solution, 2026 winner, Realytics,  Best Enterprise Analytics Platform, 2026 winner, Worldly, Best AI-Driven Marketing Solution, 2026 winner, Spangle AI, Best Supply Chain Innovation 2026 winner, LiquiDonate, Best OmniChannel Payment Innovation, 2026 winner, Splitit,  The Retail Voice, 2026 Winner, Monks, The Retail Voice Joint Winner, 2026 winner, Offbounds,   Best Security Solution, 2026 winner, Indyme.

There were many companies and each and everyone one of them were winners, offering great service for the retail communities.

Keynote speakers were, Women’s USA Ruby team members and winners of 2024 Paris Olympic Bronze medal.

Which included Steph Rovetti, Lauren Doyle, and Spiff Sedrick, who shared there story of the Highwomen.

A team built on trust, connection, and collective strength. Through pressure , setbacks, and triumph.

They learned to navigate stress and strain not as obstacles, but as catalysts for growth and unity.

Their journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics is a celebration of resilience, reflection, and the power of partnership, reminding us that together, we are always stronger.

People in the audience stood up and go a huge round of applause, when the game was shown on the screen with the USA Women’s team winning the Bronze Olympic medal during the 2024, Paris Olympics.The session was sponsored by and made possible by STRATAINTEL.

VIP Reception took place, after that a mix and mingle reception, after that people sat and enjoyed a full course meal while watching the awards ceremony, a wonderful event, very nicely Put together by Mrs. Vicki Cantrell, Founder and CEO of VIP Awards, and her professional staff, we also want to thank Gotham Hall Staff who did a great job, like always.

The Sponsors, of the event were: Co-Host NRF, reach partners, XC Commerce, IIELEVENLABS, Commerce Next, Coresight Research, Jumpmind and ReturnPro. We also want to give a shout out to Dave Finnegan, of Blackfinn Partners, who was the best dressed male of the night in a Scottish Kilt.

About Vendors in Partnership Awards (VIP): Vendors in Partnership (VIP) Is a global community and organization focused on fostering better collaboration between retailers and solution providers, aiming to transform the retail industry through meaningful relationships, innovation, and shared learning, notably through their prestigious annual VIP Awards held in NYC each January to recognize top vendors and partners.

VIP’s core mission is to build a network based on transparency, trust, and mutual respect, highlighting solution providers that drive real innovation and help retailers succeed beyond mere transactions, with its logo symbolizing retailers, vendors, and industry experts working together.

See Exclusive interview Mrs. Vicki Cantrell, Founder and CEO of VIP Awards, in our World Liberty TV, Retail Channels by clicking here.