We're back! To launch us into a new year, Dean shares his experiences and insights from NRF 2026. We follow that with a look at our most popular podcasts and content from 2025, audit our predictions at the start of last year, and make new ones for 2026.

Top 2025 Content:

• The RFID Revolution
• How to Sell Networking & Connectivity
• RFID for Checkout
• 3 Things Retailers Want in POS
• Healthcare Mobility Survey
• VARTECH 2025 Recap

Around the Nation: The 2U Tour kicks off in Tampa on Feb. 24th

#VARValue - What can VARs expect from BlueStar this year?

On Our Radar (Christmas Gift Edition)

Dean - Electric pump, therapeutic massage gun, & candle warmer

John - The Bartesian cocktail maker and Spider-Man 2 for the PS5

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe

Sponsored by:

Elo Backpack, powered by Intel

We're wrapping up our sixth season with the annual discussion of all things Star Wars with special guest Sam Hughes! What's the latest news on new movies, series, and scrapped projects? We're actually getting a new film next year (The Mandalorian & Grogu), but will it be good? After brief discussions on "Skeleton Crew," "Tales of the Underworld," and "Visions 3," we dig deep into season 2 of "Andor," one of our favorite Star Wars projects.

Around the Nation: Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you in BlueStar Nation!

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe

Sponsored by:

Elo I-Series Steel

The NRF "Big Show" is a huge event that kicks off a new year for retailers, suppliers, consumer brands, technology providers, and more. For new and veteran attendees alike, it can be overwhelming and exhausting. This week, Intel's Mariya Zorotovich is bringing her experience from across the retail world to share tips for making the most of the show (and any industry event!). What does this year's theme, "The Next Now," mean? What should first-timers expect, and how do veterans prepare? How do we differentiate between cool ideas and real potential solutions that could represent growth for the channel? Put on your comfy shoes and enjoy!

Learn more about how Intel is elevating retail customer experience with their partners at NRF!

Around the Nation: Watch the IHL 2026 Retail Trends Webinar

#VARValue - For VARs, ISVs, and vendor partners attending NRF, what is Intel’s approach to the show, and how will they be interacting with existing and potential partners? What does BlueStar do at the show?

On Our Radar

Mariya - Agentic AI for checkout & change leadership

Dean - Toy Story 5

John - Is grey hair a good thing?

Keep in Touch!

Email – nation@bluestarinc.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe

Sponsored by:

EloPOS Instant Rebate Promo