The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (RICE) and PAVE Global are expanding their partnership to bring unique content and exclusive networking opportunities to the 2023 show, which will take place June 13-15 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Both organizations are committed to supporting the future of the retail design industry in a meaningful way, with RICE focused on creating a collaborative space to connect retail leaders and PAVE Global focused on empowering the next generation of design leaders and creating a pipeline of young talent for retailers and design firms.
Through the expanded partnership, PAVE Global will continue to have a prominent presence at the event, including: Sponsoring a retail brand-led session in the Design:Retail Conference program, a dedicated space on the expo floor, and even an exclusive, after-hours networking event, with more details to be revealed soon.
“The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo has been an invaluable strategic partner for PAVE Global, and has been extremely supportive of our mission,” said Jerry Fox, President of PAVE Global and CEO of Bish Creative. “We believe the show is a critical event and connecting point for the industry, and is supporting more innovative conversations around the future of retail. We look forward to supporting our community, and helping forge meaningful connections between design students and retail leaders.”
With its strong roots in the store design and visual merchandising community, PAVE Global also will tap into its expansive network to attract a broader mix of exhibitors and strategic partners to the event. RICE will offer participating companies referred by PAVE Global an exclusive 5% discount on their booth space to encourage a broader mix of solutions, services and materials providers that support in-store design teams. Additionally, the team will donate 7% of all commissions on sales referred to the Design:Retail section of the expo hall to PAVE Global.
“When we developed the mission of the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo and specifically, the experience for our expo hall, we knew we needed to have a dedicated space specifically for store design teams and executives responsible for physical brand experiences,” said Adam O’Brien, Show Director for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo. “Although the lines between digital and physical channels have blurred, we know that these individuals have very distinct needs and goals. We are excited to expand our partnership with PAVE Global to provide a unique space for these players to discover and experience new materials and solutions, and network with each other.”
Speaking of networking, PAVE Global also will use the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo as a launchpad for its summer 2023 PAVE Bash, an exclusive event for the entire store design and visual merchandising industry to network and celebrate. As a sponsor of the PAVE Bash, the RICE team will help promote and amplify the event and make an additional donation to the organization. There will be more exciting details on the 2023 PAVE Bash in the coming months leading up to the event in June.
Executives who plan to attend the event and want to support the PAVE mission will also be invited to donate to the 501(c)(3) educational foundation and visit the PAVE booth to learn more about how they can participate.
“We are excited to continue and expand our partnership with the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo this year, given the exciting momentum we saw in 2022, said Dash Nagel, Executive Director of PAVE Global. “With more members of the industry excited to get out and network, we cannot wait to bring our PAVE Bash to the Windy City and educate the masses about our mission.”