Time is running out before nominations for the National Retailers Association’s Young Retailer of the Year closes on Friday May 24.

All entrants will receive a free ticket to participate in this year’s Future of Retail Forum, featuring some of the biggest names in retail sharing their experiences in the evolution of the industry and advice on how to harness success in the world of retail.

NRA Executive Director Trevor Evans said the forum offered aspiring leaders in the industry a unique opportunity to intimately engage with and learn from some of the most recognised figureheads in the industry.

“The calibre of speakers at this event is a testament of the exceptional standard of nominations this Award receives – it shows why the Young Retailer of the Year Award truly is the highest accolade in the industry,” he said.

Speakers of the forum include: Brian Walker (CEO, Retail Doctor Group), John Caldwell, (CEO, Retailworld Resourcing), Yazz Krishna (CEO, Five Faces), Joanne Ryan (HR Director, Super Retail Group), as well as last year’s Young Retailer of the Year Winner, Stephanie Tam (Lorna Jane) and Runner Up, Timothy Nash (Yum! Restaurants).

Mr Evans said the industry had experienced drastic change over the last 40 years with the continual expansion of online shopping and the enduring economic uncertainty.

“We are receiving entries that communicate an exceptional level of innovation, inspired by these challenging changes, from a diverse cross section of roles in the industry,” he said.

“The growth of the competition in recent years also lends itself to an expanded trophy shelf, as we introduce two new award titles: People’s Choice Award, and Innovation Award.”

The NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award is recognised nationally has the highest accolade in retail as it serves to acknowledge excellence in leadership, innovation and industry knowledge of retailers under the age of 25.

Nominations close this Friday May 24. Finalists will be announced on Friday June 21.

The winner will be titled the 2013 Young Retailer of the Year, and awarded a place on Westfield’s renowned World Retail Study Tour in 2014.

The runner up will receive an Advanced Negotiation Skills Course with Scotwork, while a third worthy finalist will receive a one-on-one Mentoring Scholarship from the Retail Doctor Group.

To find out more about the 2013 Young Retailer of the Year, click here.