The best week of the year is almost here! We are only days away from the INFRA Annual Conference, and we’re giving you the tips and tricks you need to know to make the most out of your conference experience. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first timer, the list below is your source of truth for all things conference — from education sessions to the Tabletop Buying Show to after-hours events.
Where to Start
Conference days are a marathon, not a sprint, and starting your day off right is essential. We suggest doing something each morning to ease yourself into the day. Explore beautiful downtown St. Paul, catch up with retailers over breakfast, stop at our in-venue coffee shop during the morning (no judgment if that stop turns into two or three), or simply wake up and throw your clothes on — whatever serves you!
Your conference journey officially begins on Monday with check-in at the St. Paul RiverCentre from 1–5 p.m. Swing by one of our designated check-in booths to pick up your name badge and conference booklet—your go-to guide for everything happening throughout the week.
Once you’re all checked in, make sure to join us upstairs for our first session of the conference. We’re particularly excited about our Retailer Refresh with the INFRA Board of Directors. During this session, a panel of Board Members and INFRA’s CEO, CFO, and CMO, will share perspectives on INFRA’s growth, operations, and expansion, followed by small-group discussions so you can learn, share & connect on the topics most relevant to your business.
Remember to Pack Your Store’s Swag
We are thrilled to bring back our Retailer Swag Swap at this year’s conference! Make sure to pack all shirts, stickers, sweatshirts, hats, and other store-branded items to participate in the swap. Swag drop off will be on Monday from 1 - 5 pm and Tuesday from 8 – 10 am in the Kellogg Lobby. On Wednesday, you’ll pick up your new item at the Retailer Swag Swap booth (Booth #1117) at the Tabletop Buying Show.
Come Prepared for the Tabletop Buying Show
With 240+ brands attending our Tabletop, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement. To prioritize your Show Deals buying, we encourage you to make a plan for the show floor. Consult our list of exhibiting brands and mark where each booth is located on our tabletop map to ensure you stop by all your desired destinations.
Make sure you have some time to explore too! There are plenty of brands to discover, sample, and meet — embrace the unexpected that comes with each year’s tabletop!
Get Ready to Party!
What’s the INFRA Annual Conference without a good party? We’ve planned three after-hours celebrations for this year’s conference. These events are a great way to reconnect with old friends and meet new retailers–we hope to see you there!
- Opening Dinner & Reception — The Lowlands, 160 Wabasha Street S, St. Paul, MN
- Member Dinner & Brix Awards Ceremony — Ballroom, The RiverCentre
- Community Celebration with Industry Partners — Union Depot, The Waiting Room & East Plaza, 214 4th St., St. Paul, MN
A Revamped Education Session Experience
This year's education session lineup was shaped by your feedback and designed to create more opportunities for meaningful learning and connection.
At this year’s conference, you’ll find new longer-form workshops that allow for deeper discussion, along with select sessions open to vendors and business partners to bring additional perspectives into the conversation. We've also expanded peer-sharing opportunities, member-led education, and retailer panels because some of the best insights come from one another.
Take It All In
If we could offer one piece of advice, it's this: participate. Ask questions, join the discussions, and make the time to connect with your fellow retailers. Some of the most valuable moments of the week happen outside the session room—when members share their goals, successes, challenges, and lessons learned with each other.
Our cooperative was built on the belief that we're stronger together than we are alone. When one retailer shares an idea, solution, or experience, our entire community benefits. So, dive into the conversations, soak up the knowledge, and don't be afraid to share your store’s experiences and questions.
See You in St. Paul!
As much as we encourage you to plan ahead, don't forget to stay present and enjoy the experience once you're here. This event happens once a year and it’ll go by quicker than you think. Embrace all the moments, ask all the questions, and take in what it means to be a part of our INFRA community.
If you haven't already registered for this year’s conference, there is still time! Learn more about everything we have planned and register for the conference here!