NATM Vendor Conference returns to Frisco in July 2026

The National Alliance of Trade Merchants will bring its annual Vendor Conference back to Frisco, Texas, from July 20-23, 2026, at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star. The event will gather retail executives and manufacturers around consumer technology and home innovation, with NATM saying the meeting can shape products and partnerships that reach stores over the next year.

Why it matters: - NATM says the conference connects retailers and manufacturers that influence what consumers see in stores next. - The event is expected to bring economic activity to Frisco hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and entertainment venues. - North Texas has become an important hub for the consumer electronics and appliance industry, in part because Nebraska Furniture Mart operates its flagship Texas store minutes from the venue.

What happened: - The National Alliance of Trade Merchants announced that its annual Vendor Conference will return to Frisco, Texas, on July 20-23, 2026. - The conference will be held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star. - The four-day event will bring together independent retailers, manufacturers, retail executives, buyers and vendor leaders from across the country. - NATM said the event is designed around appliances, consumer electronics, bedding, premium audio and outdoor living.

The details: - NATM said the conference will be invitation-only and retailer-led. - The conference will include an appointment-only Vendor Fair on Tuesday, July 21. - That Vendor Fair will feature one-on-one meetings between manufacturers and executives and buyers from NATM member retailers. - The meetings are meant to cover new products, category growth opportunities, consumer trends and strategic initiatives. - NATM said vendors will get direct access to senior retail decision-makers. - NATM said the format is intended to create focused meetings, real-time insight and stronger partnerships. - The 2026 agenda includes an Opening Reception & Dinner, CEO Roundtable & Director Meetings, Core Vendor Committee Meetings, Leadership Reception & Dinner, Industry Roundtable Sessions and networking events. - NATM member retailers represent about $8.7 billion in buying power. - NATM members reach about 72% of U.S. consumers. - NATM member companies include Abt, ABC Warehouse, BrandsMart USA, Cowboy Maloney's Home Store, Electronic Express, Nebraska Furniture Mart, P.C. Richard & Son, RC Willey, Video Only and Walt's TV & Appliance.

Between the lines: - The Frisco return underscores how NATM uses the event as a high-touch business forum rather than a broad trade show. - The venue choice also reflects the organization's ties to North Texas and to Nebraska Furniture Mart's large Texas footprint. - NATM head John Riddle framed the conference as a place where relationships and access drive results for both members and vendor partners.

What's next: - NATM is directing interested participants to more information and participation requests. - The conference should help set vendor-retailer priorities heading into the next selling cycle. - NATM said the relationships built at the event often shape products and partnerships that reach stores over the coming year.

The bottom line: - NATM is bringing a tightly focused, invitation-only buying group conference back to Frisco, with the goal of turning retailer-manufacturer meetings into real commercial outcomes.