The Team at BlueFletch has been busy this quarter kicking off the year with a number of conferences and partner events. I had a chance to sit down with Lee DeHihns and recap some of the key themes and takeaways from the various conferences. From advancements in AI to innovative solutions for employee experience and device management, we’ve recapped the highlights to give a clear overview of emerging trends we noticed.
You can watch the recap at the following link, or you can read the summary below.
Key Themes Across Q1 Conferences
The benefits of operational efficiency were a recurring highlight across every event. Companies are investing heavily in technologies that improve customer experience, empower employees, and streamline business operations. Below are the takeaways from each featured conference
NRF 2025 Big Show Recap
The National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show is one of the retail sector’s flagship events, hosted every January at the Javits Center in New York City. It’s the ultimate showcase for retail innovation, attended by approximately 40,000 people from all over the world.
1. AI’s Role in Retail
AI was one of the most dominant themes at NRF, with a focus on practical applications rather than theoretical discussions. Retailers are leveraging AI for tasks such as:
- Personalization: Enhancing the customer and associate experiences to deliver tailored shopping journeys.
- Inventory Management: Optimizing stock levels to align with demand and avoid overstock or shortages.
- Dynamic Pricing: Automating price adjustments based on demand in real-time.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlining processes to improve store performance and productivity.
While AI has been discussed at NRF in previous years, this year spotlighted its maturation into a critical, practical enterprise tool.
2. Customer Experience and Personalization
Retailers are striving to create authentic and cohesive brand experiences for their customers by blending online and offline interactions. For instance, stores are using design choices—like customized shelving and branding elements—to reflect their identity. At the same time, AI-driven tools allow retailers to offer personalized recommendations for shoppers, creating a seamless, enjoyable hybrid shopping experience.
3. Advancements in Digital Displays and Shelf Labeling
Technologies like e-paper digital displays and electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are revolutionizing in-store operations. ESLs have reached a maturity point, offering low-cost and visually improved options for dynamic pricing updates. They streamline inventory management, reduce manual labor, and provide a better shopping experience for customers.
4. Mobile as a Primary Channel
Mobile devices are now a key element of the retail experience for both employees and customers. From in-store mobile payments to “endless aisles” where shoppers can order out-of-stock products directly, mobile solutions are creating frictionless experiences. BlueFletch’s demo at NRF showcased how we integrate mobile innovations like tap-on-glass payments and RFID-based inventory tools to empower modern retail operations.
5. Putting Employee Experience First
Improving the User Experience (UX) and Employee Experience (EX) is becoming an essential strategy in retail. Many companies are introducing intuitive, user-friendly tools that enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover rates, and boost efficiency. BlueFletch is committed to helping businesses achieve this by offering customized devices, secure chat tools, and automated role-based configurations to make daily tasks as stress-free as possible.
HIMSS 2025 Conference Recap
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conference focused on the intersection of technology and healthcare, with particular emphasis on addressing workforce challenges amid staffing shortages in the industry.
1. AI in Healthcare
AI is transforming healthcare by:
- Improving data security and streamlining charting/coding for faster and more accurate reimbursement.
- Supporting clinical decisions with advanced predictive analytics.
2. Security Innovations for HIPAA Compliance
Zero-trust infrastructures, biometrics, and secure mobile device usage were some of the primary solutions discussed for protecting patient data and maintaining security compliance across healthcare systems.
3. Telehealth and Digital Patient Engagement
Telehealth is no longer a trend—it’s an integral part of modern healthcare strategies. Organizations are scaling their digital engagement efforts through remote monitoring technologies and virtual care services, ensuring care access to underserved communities.
4. Mobile Technology in Healthcare
Much like retail, healthcare is adopting tablets and handheld devices to streamline patient check-in processes, simplify caregiver workflows, and foster stronger patient engagement.
BlueFletch demonstrated how secure Android devices and mobile-first workflows can benefit healthcare facilities, ensuring both compliance and usability for their staff.
Partner Sales Kickoffs (SKOs) Recap
Partner SKOs across various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and resellers also highlighted trends shaping the enterprise landscape in 2025.
Key Observations:
- Android Device Refreshes are in full swing, with organizations upgrading legacy devices to meet modern requirements.
- Modernization Opportunities abound, as many businesses still rely on outdated systems (e.g., Windows CE, pen and paper), leaving room for advanced solutions.
- The practical application of biometrics is gaining momentum as companies aim to balance security, accessibility, and privacy needs.
- AI discussions are shifting beyond hype to focused problem-solving implementations.
The Takeaway
Across all these conferences, one theme stood out—driving operational efficiency while enhancing user experiences. Whether it’s AI for retail analytics, mobile tech in healthcare, or biometrics for secure authentication, businesses are equipping themselves with tools to stay competitive in a fast-evolving tech landscape.
