By: Dr. Adal M. Hussain, PhD (AKA) Dr. Abbey, Editor @ Large for World Liberty TV
Opening Keynote – Rewriting the commerce playbook: A conversation with Fanatics Founder and CEO, Michael Rubin.
Fanatics Founder and CEO Michael Rubin kicked off NRF 2026 with a powerful look at how disruptive strategies are reshaping the future of retail.
In a world where consumer expectations shift daily, Michael shared how bold moves in vertical integration, real-time manufacturing, partnerships spanning leagues, teams and athletes globally, and direct-to-consumer agility are redefining how products are created, sold, and experienced.
Discover how a fan-first mindset – built on speed, innovation, and emotional connection – is driving a new model for growth across industries.
About Billionaire Michael Rubin Founder and CEO, Fanatics. Michael Rubin, internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social justice advocate, is Founder and CEO of Fanatics, a global digital sports platform that is reimagining the fan experience across fan gear, trading cards, and sports betting.
In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Michael is the co-chair of REFORM Alliance, an organization that includes some of the biggest names in sports, business and culture that’s dedicated to eradicating antiquated probation laws.
Michael was also the driving force behind Fanatics’ partnership with Make-A-Wish. Named annually as one of the most prominent people in sports business, Michael was the Sports Business Journal “Executive of the Year” in 2022 and has also been named to the Bleacher Report “Power 50” list of most influential people in sports.
Michael spent more than a decade as a partner of the Philadelphia 76ers before selling his ownership stake in June 2022 to focus his efforts on Fanatics’ expansion across the broader sports ecosystem.
See more about Michael Rubin’s Fanatic fest in our World Liberty TV, Toys & Gaming Channels and Blogs by clicking here.
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.
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.
The National Retail Federation has represented retail for over a century. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. As the nation’s largest private-sector employer, retail contributes $5.3 trillion to the annual GDP. No other industry comes close.
Wherever the industry goes, the nation follows — so we’re committed to helping retail go further .Together with our philanthropic arm, the NRF Foundation, we stand up for, celebrate, educate and inspire our industry. We’re retail’s greatest advocates, uniting an industry of leaders and boundary breakers around complex issues and bold opportunities.
NRF Board Chair and BJ’s Wholesale Club Chairman and CEO, Bob Eddy, kicks off NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show with a welcome address and a look ahead at what’s in store for the industry. He’ll offer a preview of this year’s event highlights and share NRF’s key initiatives shaping retail in 2026.
Immediately following, Ed Stack, Executive Chairman of DICK’S Sporting Goods, will join Bob on stage for a fireside chat. Their conversation will explore leadership strategies for navigating shifting consumer expectations, the evolving role of experiential retail in sports, and how DICK’S is leveraging technology and community engagement to drive growth and loyalty.
The theme of this year’s NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show, which took place Jan. 11-13 at New York’s Javits Center, was “The Next Now,” and the packed event provided plenty of solutions exemplifying that leap forward in available capability and performance.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the term on many peoples’ lips was “agentic AI.” In a fireside chat with CNBC anchor Jon Fortt, Walmart EVP and CTO Hari Vasudev discussed the company’s partnership with Google to embed Gemini AI in the retailer’s e-commerce site to create a seamless experience for the customer.
“What they then get is the ability to essentially complete the shopping journey in a very, very timely way,” Vasudev explained. The philosophy behind Walmart’s implementation of such solutions, according to Vasudev, is “effectively deploying technology that is purpose fit to reduce friction for the customer and making sure that they’re having a very highly optimized experience.”
Agentic AI pricing capabilities will become essential in 2026 for retailers beset by tariffs, inflation and customers’ relentless pursuit of value, according to Matt Pavich, Revionics’ senior director, strategy and innovation. The tool employs a simple-language interface to provide retailers with a customized pricing algorithm.
The Innovators’ Showcase featured agentic AI software as well, including BetterBasket, which provides grocery retailers with AI agents for pricing, competitive intelligence and promotion optimization, with the aim of helping teams boost revenue, manage margin targets and automate decisions using real-time data across operations.
In the quest for enterprise AI wins, the marketing department’s pain points offer plenty of opportunities.
NRF Foundation Honors raises $2.7M to support retail careers, “The NRF Foundation Honors is more than a celebration; it’s a catalyst for the work we do year-round,“ NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie.
Presented by American Express and PwC, the event hosted over 700 attendees and was co-driven by Goodwill Industries International President and CEO Steve Preston and NRF Foundation Board Chair, as well as BJ’s Wholesale Club Chairman and CEO Bob Eddy, who also serves as NRF Board Chair.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CEO Fran Horowitz was honored with The Visionary award for her expertise in building brands and as a globally recognized industry leader.
There were so many people in attendance from all over the World, in attendance to share there retail experience , network and learn more about Technologies and AI, in the Retail industries.
See more in our World Liberty TV, Retail Channels, Blogs and Photo-Galleries by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, City Hall Plaza NYC 01/01/26
It was a special day for especially Muslims of New York, who saw for the 1st time in the history, of New York seeing a Muslim Mayor elected to the greatest city in the World, New York City.
As being a devout Muslim myself I am very happy seeing a Muslim mayor, being elected in my lifetime, alongside many more Muslims living in New York City.
Now with that said, many New Yorkers Voted for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, from all backgrounds, religious backgrounds.
He kept his campaign very simple, speaking the language of New Yorkers, who needed help with so many things. He kept his campaign simple and to the point.
Free Buses, Grocery Stores, Taxing the rich, Pre K for all, rent freeze for 2 years, fighting for Immigrants. This was the platform, Mayor Zohran Mamdani had ran on, and people liked what he said and voted him in.
Now if he is going to accomplish all of the above is another matter, but it seems his heart and soul is in the right place, and we will see what he can do in his term.
There were many firsts, for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, First Muslim Mayor, 2nd youngest mayor at age 34. First Asian Mayor and first Mayor from Africa and the list carries on.
112th NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani 1st Muslim inaugurated at City Hall NYC, January 1st 2026, took place at City Hall. Thousands in attendance to witness his swearing in ceremony and millions more watching on TV and watch parties throughout New York City, I personally was invited to over 15 watch parties, which I politely declined as I was interested in being in person at Mayor Mamdani’s inauguration.
Before Mayor Mamdani’s swearing in ceremony, there were 2 other political leaders who were sworn in: Mark Levine, 52nd New York City Comptroller, who was sworn in by sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Mr. Levine went on to say, he will make changes, to his office and will pledge his support to the mayor and work in hand in hand with him, to make New York a great city and affordable for all New Yorkers.
Jumaane D. Williams, the Public Advocate of the City of New York, won his 2nd and final term by a landslide. In a moving address, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams reflects on his journey and shares a powerful message of self-acceptance and community.
Alexandra Cortez , AOC, Congress member and big supporter of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, opened up by welcoming guests and congrulating, Mayor Mamdani on his victory and went on to say she was very honored to support and endorse him very early in his campaign.
Prayer was done by From the ISLAMIC CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY, by IMAM KHAL — IMAM KHALIF, joined by members of many Faith Communities. A RABBI, PASTOR, REVEREND Stephen Green, and many others.
Live musical performance by Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by THE Fifth-Grade Members of The Staten Island Chorus, accompanied by Adam Ben Davis.
See more about 112th NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani 1st Muslim inaugurated at City Hall NYC -2026, in our World Liberty TV, Political blogs by clicking here.
