As large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT become mainstream tools for information discovery, the traditional dominance of search engines is under pressure. According to Gartner, search engine volume is projected to drop by 25% by 2026, as users increasingly turn to conversational AI for answers, advice, and product discovery. In this keynote, we’ll explore what this means for brands, marketers, and the future of digital commerce. You’ll walk away with practical insights on:

• Understanding how LLMs like ChatGPT are changing consumer search behavior
• Learning where these models get their data—and how your brand can show up in AI-generated answers
• Exploring new methods to influence model output and improve brand visibility within LLMs
• Preparing your content and SEO strategy for a post-search engine landscape
• Real-world examples of how retailers are adapting to this paradigm shift in search

During this time, our roundtable hosts will introduce themselves and explain the topic they will be covering throughout the day.

Table 1: Winning the Modern Retail Buyer: Performance Marketing Across the Path to Purchase

Today’s retail buyers–especially Millennials and Gen Z–are savvy, selective, and navigating an increasingly complex digital path to purchase. To influence their decisions and drive measurable results, retailers must show up across the channels that matter most.

Join us as we explore how to strategically leverage performance-driven tactics–like influencer marketing, product search, commerce content, and emerging platforms such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)--to engage the next generation of shoppers and guide them from discovery to purchase.

Moderator: Aubrey Gutierrez, Partnerships Manager, Connexity

Explore the newest trends and technologies shaping affiliate marketing, from AI-driven tools to innovative partnership models. This session will dive into strategies Lana and her team use for optimizing affiliate campaigns, navigating regulatory changes, and leveraging data for better performance. Attendees will gain actionable insights to boost their affiliate programs and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

• Embracing AI-driven tools to automate and optimize your affiliate marketing processes
• Focusing on building authentic relationships with micro and nano influencers
• Adapting to evolving attribution models by implementing multi-touch tracking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the customer journey and accurately measure affiliate contributions.
• Prioritizing transparency by providing affiliates with access to performance data and insights

Table 1: Winning the Modern Retail Buyer: Performance Marketing Across the Path to Purchase

Today’s retail buyers–especially Millennials and Gen Z–are savvy, selective, and navigating an increasingly complex digital path to purchase. To influence their decisions and drive measurable results, retailers must show up across the channels that matter most.

Join us as we explore how to strategically leverage performance-driven tactics–like influencer marketing, product search, commerce content, and emerging platforms such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)--to engage the next generation of shoppers and guide them from discovery to purchase.

Moderator: Aubrey Gutierrez, Partnerships Manager, Connexity

The integration of brand marketing and performance marketing has become essential for driving sustainable growth. By combining the emotional resonance of brand storytelling with the precision of data-driven performance campaigns, businesses can create a symbiotic relationship that amplifies their reach and impact. This case study explores how melding these strategies fosters deeper customer connections while maximizing ROI. Expect to dive deeper into the following points:

• Identifying and track relevant KPIs, including brand awareness, market share, customer lifetime value (CLV), engagement rates, sentiment analysis, and Net Promoter Score (NPS)
• Leveraging brand tracking surveys, social listening tools, web analytics, and customer feedback to capture a comprehensive view of brand performance
• Combining financial KPIs (revenue growth, market share, profitability) with brand metrics (awareness, consideration, purchase intent, loyalty)
• Using these findings to refine branding strategies, justify investments, and align internal teams around brand goals

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead requires a dynamic approach to media planning and strategy. As we navigate 2025, emerging channels like connected TV, retail media networks, and AI-driven platforms are reshaping how brands connect with their audiences. This panel will explore how to optimize your media mix by embracing these innovations and testing new strategies to drive measurable results in an increasingly competitive market. Expect to hear about: 

• Allocating digital marketing budgets efficiently amidst rising media costs and changing ROI metrics 
• Rethinking traditional and new media strategies to drive top-of-funnel growth in a multi-channel environment  
• Considering how retail media fits into your mix  
• Harnessing zero- and first-party data more effectively to enhance customer insights and targeting 
• Adapting platform strategies as customers interact across touchpoints throughout their journey 
• Redefining KPIs to reflect the shifting priorities and outcomes in a rapidly evolving media ecosystem

Table 1: Winning the Modern Retail Buyer: Performance Marketing Across the Path to Purchase

Today’s retail buyers–especially Millennials and Gen Z–are savvy, selective, and navigating an increasingly complex digital path to purchase. To influence their decisions and drive measurable results, retailers must show up across the channels that matter most.

Join us as we explore how to strategically leverage performance-driven tactics–like influencer marketing, product search, commerce content, and emerging platforms such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)--to engage the next generation of shoppers and guide them from discovery to purchase.

Moderator: Aubrey Gutierrez, Partnerships Manager, Connexity

Understanding the effectiveness of performance marketing in today’s multi-channel world requires a robust cross-channel attribution strategy. As customers interact with brands across diverse touchpoints—social media, email, paid ads, and more—measuring which channels truly drive conversions has become both a challenge and an opportunity. This panel will explore advanced attribution models, actionable strategies, and the latest tools to help marketers accurately measure performance, allocate budgets effectively, and maximize ROI. Expect to hear about: 

• Tracking multi-touch interactions to understand the full customer journey across paid, organic, and owned channels 
• Analyzing incremental value from different touchpoints to optimize media spend and maximize ROI 
• Leveraging advanced analytics and AI to gain deeper insights into cross-channel performance and user behavior 
• Aligning KPIs across channels to ensure consistent measurement and performance benchmarks 
• Optimizing budget allocation based on performance insights from attribution models to drive more efficient marketing

To stand out, content strategies must prioritize human-centric storytelling, emotional resonance, and authenticity, while leveraging AI to enhance creativity and efficiency. This panel will explore the latest trends and actionable strategies for crafting engaging, search-optimized content that resonates with audiences and drives meaningful results in the year ahead. Expect to hear about: 

• Leveraging your tech stack for search insights and data to better understand customer motivations and optimize content 
• Empowering content creators with AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance productivity without compromising authenticity or brand voice 
• Defining your brand’s USP, integrate visuals and video alongside text, and write with intent and clarity 
• Adapting to closed environments like Instagram and TikTok, where high-quality content is driving early-stage searches and brand interactions 
• Continuously assess content performance across formats, copy, and channels to refine your strategy based on real-time results

Join Hannah Roshetko Raser of CVS Health for a fireside chat to discuss how the ExtraCare loyalty program is driving customer growth. The discussion will highlight high-touch experiences, new features and exclusive opportunities unlocked for members. Hannah will also share how CVS is enhancing personalization to meet daily customer needs.

Hear ideas for:

• Captivating loyal customers and deepen their connection with your brand.
• Creating interactions that truly matter to your customers.
• Using customer insights to tailor memorable, individualized experiences.

During this time, our roundtable hosts will introduce themselves and explain the topic they will be covering throughout the day.

During this time, roundtables will be taking place. Hosts will lead back to back 25 minute long conversations with new groups of retailers each rotation. 

When you see the splashy photos of another eye-catching brand refresh hit your feed, it’s easy to start wondering whether you could crush your targets with a shiny new logo. But brand refreshes are notoriously difficult. How do you know if your brand needs updating? And if it does, how do you navigate the process successfully to maximize your ROI? This keynote will give you a clear framework to answer the following questions:

• Does your brand have opportunity that a refresh can deliver on?
• How do you determine what to invest in a brand refresh?
• How do you get out of your head and into your audience’s world?
• How do you leverage the brand equity you’ve built while positioning your brand for a bigger audience?

During this time, roundtables will be taking place. Hosts will lead back to back 25 minute long conversations with new groups of retailers each rotation. 

In this session, learn how one retailer is successfully leveraging the intimacy and immediacy of SMS to create highly targeted, value-driven interactions. Find out their tips and tricks for increased conversion rates using this channel. Leave with fresh ideas for:

• Segmenting your audience to send targeted impactful messages that resonate with specific customer needs
• Personalizing SMS messaging to deliver relevant offers and content based on customer behavior
• Using SMS to provide exclusive, time-sensitive deals that drive immediate action and engagement
• Building trust by using SMS for valuable updates, reminders, and customer service interactions

Email remains one of the most powerful tools in a marketer's arsenal, but standing out in crowded inboxes requires creativity, precision, and adaptability. With trends like advanced personalization, interactive content, and AI-driven automation shaping the future of email marketing, crafting campaigns that engage and convert is more challenging—and rewarding—than ever. This panel will dive into fresh tips and tricks to ensure your emails don’t go unopened, equipping you with actionable strategies to captivate audiences and drive results in 2025. Expect to hear about: 

• Utilizing segmentation and dynamic content to craft tailored emails that speak directly to individual preferences
• Ensuring your emails are visually striking and align with your brand identity
• Adding interactive elements like AMP to simplify the shopping experience and differentiate your emails
• Tracking important metrics like click-through rates and unsubscribes, and consistently A/B test for optimal results
• Streamlining automated email flows to maintain high engagement while reducing manual effort

During this time, roundtables will be taking place. Hosts will lead back to back 25 minute long conversations with new groups of retailers each rotation. 

In today's digital landscape, personalization is key to crafting memorable customer experiences across email and SMS channels. By leveraging data-driven insights, businesses can tailor their communications to resonate with individual preferences, behaviors, and milestones. This panel will explore the latest strategies for enhancing customer journeys through personalized email and SMS marketing, focusing on automation, segmentation, and dynamic content to drive engagement and loyalty. During this session: 

• Learning how to effectively combine email and SMS for seamless, personalized customer journeys that boost engagement and conversions.
• Discovering how to implement real-time behavioral triggers for automated responses, enhancing customer re-engagement and purchase completion.
• Exploring techniques for using dynamic content in emails and SMS to tailor messages based on individual customer behaviors and preferences.
• Understanding effective segmentation strategies to deliver targeted messaging that increases relevance, satisfaction, and loyalty.

Subscription models have revolutionized the way businesses operate, offering a predictable revenue stream and fostering long-term customer relationships. By leveraging recurring payments, companies can enhance customer engagement, reduce acquisition costs, and increase customer lifetime value, leading to sustainable growth and profitability. This panel will explore the strategic advantages of subscription models, including their ability to drive loyalty, provide valuable customer insights, and facilitate scalable business expansion in today's competitive market. Expect to hear how to: 

• Unlocking recurring revenue streams through innovative subscription offerings.
• Enhancing customer loyalty and lifetime value with personalized subscription services.
• Streamlining operations and reduce churn with data-driven subscription strategies.
• Leveraging subscription models to create consistent and predictable cash flow for growth.

In today's fast-paced business environment, effective communication among C-suite executives is crucial for strategic alignment and organizational success. Speaking the language of fellow executives, involves mastering the art of articulating complex financial insights in a clear, actionable manner. This keynote fireside chat will delve into the nuances of executive communication, exploring how to tailor messages that resonate with diverse stakeholders, leverage data-driven narratives, and foster a culture of transparency and collaboration across the C-suite. Meg & Tierney from Sakara Life, CFO & CMO respectively, are intimately aware of how strong this relationship needs to be and will walk us through:

• Framing discussions around key financial metrics such as profitability, cash flow, and return on investment
• Translating marketing objectives like customer acquisition and retention into terms that reflect revenue growth and cost-effectiveness
• Discussing potential risks associated with eCommerce operations, such as cybersecurity threats or supply chain vulnerabilities, and present actionable plans for mitigation
• Engaging other C-Level executives in strategic planning sessions to ensure that eCommerce goals are integrated into broader business objectives, fostering a collaborative approach that emphasizes shared accountability 

Delivering seamless customer experiences requires more than just individual departmental efforts—it demands a cohesive, cross-functional approach. Organizational silos can hinder collaboration and innovation, leading to disjointed customer interactions. This keynote panel will explore strategies for breaking down these silos, fostering a culture of teamwork, and aligning departments to create unified, customer-centric experiences that drive loyalty and growth. Expect to hear about: 

• Identifying key departments for cross-functional collaboration to gain a holistic view of your customer
• Establishing shared goals and objectives to align teams towards a unified vision
• Promoting a customer-first mindset organization-wide through training and dedicated CX champions
• Eliminating visible barriers between channels, ensuring a smooth, integrated experience for your customers

• Ensuring your KPIs align with clear business goals for meaningful performance tracking.
• Using advanced analytics tools to track both leading and lagging indicators of success.
• Reviewing and adjusting KPIs to stay responsive to changing market conditions.
• Focusing on actionable metrics that directly impact growth, customer retention, and ROI

• Examining how purpose-driven commerce creates deeper connections with customers
• The role of storytelling in communicating a brand’s mission through marketing and digital experiences.
• Practical strategies for integrating social impact into retail experiences.
• Aligning business objectives with a greater cause to build customer loyalty, differentiate your brand and fosters a sense of community
• Exploring how integrating authentic charitable partnerships can turn one-time buyers into loyal advocates.
• Demonstrating how cause marketing fosters long-term emotional connections and repeat purchases that drive sustainable growth.

In today’s fragmented retail landscape, brands must strategically navigate D2C, wholesale, and marketplaces to unlock growth without compromising customer experience or operational efficiency. While D2C offers direct relationships and data-driven insights, wholesale provides scale and credibility, and marketplaces expand reach—but balancing these channels requires careful alignment of pricing, inventory, and brand identity. Listen in on this panel discussion to hear more about: 

• Developing a cohesive strategy that leverages both D2C and marketplace channels to maximize brand reach and customer engagement
• Monitoring pricing and inventory across platforms to maintain consistency and avoid channel conflict
• Utilizing customer data from both channels to inform marketing strategies and enhance personalization efforts
• Assessing performance metrics regularly to optimize resource allocation and improve overall sales effectiveness

• Implementing advanced bot detection and mitigation solutions to combat the 58% increase in bad bot traffic.
• Enhancing data protection strategies to address the growing threat of ransomware, which constitutes over 30% of cyber incidents.
• Adopting transparent data handling practices to prevent losing approximately 75% of customers after a cybersecurity breach.
• Establishing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks that include multi-factor authentication and regular employee training to counter new attack techniques.

Understanding and optimizing customer lifetime value (LTV) is crucial for driving sustainable growth and profitability. This session will delve into actionable strategies for enhancing customer retention, increasing average order value, and leveraging data analytics to predict and boost LTV. From personalized marketing campaigns to loyalty programs and seamless customer experiences, attendees will learn how to create a loyal customer base that fuels long-term success

Gen Alpha and the still-emerging Gen Z, shaped by unprecedented technological advancements and diverse cultural influences, will redefine how brands engage with their audiences and create meaningful experiences. This keynote panel will explore the unique preferences, behaviors, and expectations of these younger generations, providing insights on how marketers can adapt their strategies to resonate with them and secure a strong future in the market. Expect to hear about: 

• Understanding Gen Alpha and Gen Z’s digital-first mindset to shape your marketing strategies
• Creating authentic, values-driven content that resonates with these socially conscious generations
• Embracing emerging technologies, like AI and AR, to engage younger audiences in new ways
• Adapting to shorter attention spans by delivering quick, impactful, and interactive experiences

• Overcoming fragmented post-purchase processes to enhance customer satisfaction
• Building cross-departmental synergy for a unified post-purchase experience
• Streamlining post-purchase communication and operations for maximum efficiency
• Capitalizing on post-purchase interactions to boost customer retention and lifetime value

Simplifying and streamlining the tech stack can be a transformative strategy, allowing companies to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve scalability by eliminating unnecessary complexity and focusing on what truly drives growth. This keynote panel will explore the benefits and practical strategies for optimizing your existing technology infrastructure, ensuring that your business can adapt quickly to evolving market demands and stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment. Expect to learn how to:

• Assessing your current tools and identify underutilized features that can enhance efficiency
• Consolidating overlapping platforms to reduce complexity and improve system integration
• Prioritizing solutions that offer scalability and flexibility as your business grows
• Investing in training to ensure your team fully leverages the capabilities of your existing tech stack

• Regularly performing usability tests with real users to identify pain points in the mobile shopping journey
• Ensuring that your mobile site loads quickly and performs efficiently
• Utilizing responsive design principles to create a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate interface
• Soliciting and analyzing customer feedback through surveys and reviews to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that align with user expectations

Help us kick off eTail Boston at a lively happy hour at Porto Restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay, the perfect place to enjoy a summer evening in Boston. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, delicious small bites, and the chance to connect with fellow eTailers before the full conference begins. Let this creative atmosphere set the tone for an inspiring and productive conference ahead!

Trust in AI hinges on aligning its capabilities with ethical standards and measurable outcomes, ensuring systems operate transparently while delivering consistent value. With 82% of executives acknowledging AI’s transformative potential yet hesitating due to trust gaps, organizations must prioritize robust governance and clear communication to bridge skepticism. This fireside chat will explore how setting realistic expectations, defining success metrics, and implementing technical guardrails can transform AI from a perceived risk into a trusted strategic partner. Expect one retailer to share:

• Using AI to enhance customer trust in retail
• Identifying the KPI’s and frameworks to measure the success of AI in retail
• Setting realistic expectations for AI capabilities, ensuring all stakeholders understand its potential and limitations
• Setting effective guardrails for AI in retail environments, designing safeguards to mitigate risks, ensuring fairness, and upholding data privacy
• Understanding the common pitfalls and roadblocks

Artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in transforming both eCommerce and digital marketing strategies. AI-driven solutions are enabling retailers to deliver personalized customer experiences, optimize operations, and drive growth through advanced analytics and automation. This keynote panel will explore the latest AI innovations in retail, from AI-powered personalization and predictive analytics to generative AI applications, discussing how these technologies are reshaping customer engagement, operational efficiency, and marketing effectiveness in 2025. Expect to hear about: 

• Enhancing customer experiences with personalization and predictive analytics
• Streamlining operations with AI-driven inventory and demand management
• Optimizing marketing with smarter targeting and real-time insights
• Exploring emerging AI technologies and addressing adoption challenges

The true differentiator is not what AI can generate, but what humans can refine. This keynote explores the evolving partnership between generative AI and human creativity, showing how brands and organizations can build smarter systems without losing authenticity, nuance, or soul. From marketing content to internal workflows, we’ll examine how “the human layer” defines quality in an AI-first world.

Audience Learning Objectives:

• Understand how human refinement adds value, trust, and emotional depth to AI-generated content.
• Learn where AI automation works best—and where human judgment is essential.
• Explore real-world case studies of hybrid workflows in content creation and marketing.
• Identify practical steps for introducing AI in a way that protects brand voice and governance.
• Discover how to structure internal roles and responsibilities in AI-powered organizations.

AI-driven personalization allows retailers to move beyond generic marketing, crafting unique interactions that resonate with individual preferences and behaviors, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. This keynote fireside chat will explore the transformative power of AI in retail, discussing how AI can create immersive, human-centric experiences that not only drive sales but also foster enduring brand relationships in a rapidly evolving market. Expect to hear more about how this retailer is:

• Leveraging AI algorithms to analyze customer data, enabling personalized product recommendations and enhancing the shopping experience.
• Implementing AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants to provide tailored customer service
• Utilizing predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs and preferences
• Integrating augmented reality tools for virtual try-ons

How Leading Retail Brands Drive Growth with AI

Explore how top brands use AI for growth through generative art, moderation, and personalized product recommendations that elevate customer experience.

Ryan Bell, CSO, Drive Commerce

Gen AI-Driven eCommerce CRO: How Moonshot AI Turns Online Stores into Self-Optimizing Ecosystems

Discover how Moonshot AI is revolutionizing eCommerce by turning online stores into self-optimizing organisms powered by generative AI. Our platform automatically identifies areas of a website that aren't performing, formulates a hypothesis for improvement, and uses Gen AI to autogenerate the necessary code and design changes. No developers, designers, or analysts are needed—AI handles it all, continuously adapting and optimizing the site to drive growth and enhance customer experiences. Join us to see how this innovative approach is transforming digital retail and delivering measurable results for brands.

• Learn how Moonshot AI leverages Gen AI to enable eCommerce stores to autonomously optimize without the need for developers, designers, or analysts.
• Discover how code and design are autogenerated, allowing businesses to focus on strategy while AI handles the technical aspects.
• Understand how generative AI can continuously improve customer experiences and drive measurable revenue growth.
• Explore real-world examples of how Moonshot AI’s automation creates a seamless, self-optimizing ecosystem for eCommerce brands.
• Gain insights into how Gen AI is transforming the future of eCommerce by reducing reliance on traditional teams and accelerating growth.

Aviv Frankel, CEO and Co-Founder, Moonshot AI

When a Machine Joins Your Team: A Practical Guide to Agentic AI for eCommerce Leaders

As AI agents shift from novelty to necessity, eCommerce leaders face a new challenge: not just adopting AI, but integrating it into the daily rhythms of marketing and merchandising teams. In this hands-on session, Peter Sheldon will demonstrate how agentic AI can act as a force multiplier across your team’s workflow — from competitive intelligence and campaign planning to visual merchandising and trend forecasting.

Drawing from real-world use cases, Peter will share practical methods for turning traditional tasks into AI-augmented workflows using prompt-driven automation. You’ll walk away with the insights and tools needed to drive both performance and team satisfaction in an increasingly complex digital retail landscape.

By the end of this session, attendees will learn how to:

• Translate real-world eCommerce tasks into effective prompts for AI agents
• Use AI to autonomously monitor competitors and uncover market shifts
• Support campaign planning with prompt-based creative analysis and audience insights
• Streamline visual merchandising decisions using AI-powered pattern recognition
• Establish guardrails for agent autonomy, performance tracking, and human-in-the-loop oversight

Peter Sheldon, Co-Founder, ShopVision

Content generation is a huge use case for Generative AI. All retailers should be harnessing this technology to help them write tailored content, efficiently and at scale. But there are pitfalls when using this technology too. Join this session to hear about how one retailer is taking advantage of this game changing opportunity.

• Enhancing personalization by generating tailored product descriptions and marketing materials based on customer data.
• Implementing AI tools increases efficiency, allowing for rapid production of high-quality content with fewer resources.
• Improving accuracy in product recommendations and search results, enhancing user experience and conversions.
• Ensuring consistent messaging across channels while adapting to trends and customer feedback in real-time.

• Discovering how AI analyzes customer insights to tailor storytelling and product recommendations in real time.
• Exploring AI tools that help craft compelling marketing narratives, visuals, and interactive experiences at scale.
• Learning how AI enhances in-store and virtual environments to engage customers through personalized, memorable interactions.
• Understanding strategies to leverage AI-powered storytelling to deepen emotional connections and drive repeat business.

As economic pressures and digital transparency continue to shape consumer behavior, businesses must adapt by implementing dynamic discounting strategies that meet evolving demands. This keynote panel will explore the latest trends and actionable strategies in dynamic discounting, from time-based promotions to personalized offers, helping marketers navigate the complex landscape of consumer expectations and drive sales in a highly competitive market. Expect to learn how to: 

• Leveraging real-time data to offer personalized, time-sensitive discounts that drive immediate action.
• Implementing flexible discount structures based on customer behavior, order value, or loyalty status.
• Automating discount triggers to streamline the customer experience and boost conversion rates.
• Continuously analyzing discount effectiveness to ensure profitability and long-term customer

Join a cutting edge solution provider as they give a ten minute demo surrounding their AI specific technology

Retailers need to get beyond the buzzword of AI and start scaling solutions across their business. Given how many applications there are, this can seem overwhelming. Join this case study with Justin Rinaldi of Safety Speed Manufacturing as he walks us through how his team is approaching this concept at scale. Expect to hear about how he is:

• Leveraging AI to boost personalization, streamlining operations, and increasing revenue
• Integrating AI solutions seamlessly into existing retail tech stacks.
• Scaling AI from pilot projects to enterprise-wide adoption
• Tracking ROI and key metrics to ensure your AI investments deliver tangible business results

Registration Open In The eTail Hallway

Join Jon Blotner, President of Commercial and Operations at Wayfair, to gain exclusive insights into Wayfair’s strategies for sustained growth and market share capture. Learn how the brand’s evolving omnichannel strategy, marked by a nationwide physical retail expansion, coupled with its loyalty rewards program and newly launched Wayfair Verified program, are building lasting consumer confidence as the No. 1 destination for all things home.

By offering high-quality products, implementing strategic pricing strategies that resonate with consumers, and providing seamless convenience through streamlined experiences, retailers can differentiate themselves and attract loyal customers. This keynote fireside chat will explore how companies can leverage these core elements to outperform their competitors, drive customer satisfaction, and ultimately thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Elizabeth Drori from Kizik will walk us through how her and her team are: 

• Focusing on innovation and quality to differentiate your offerings, ensuring they meet customer needs better than competitors
• Implementing dynamic pricing models and promotions to attract price-sensitive customers while maintaining profitability
• Streamlining purchasing processes through user-friendly online platforms, flexible payment options, and efficient delivery services to improve customer experience
• Fostering strong relationships through personalized marketing, loyalty programs, and responsive customer service to build brand loyalty and repeat business

• Using real-time browsing and purchase data to trigger personalized product recommendations instantly.
• Implementing AI-driven dynamic content that adapts to individual customer preferences in real-time.
• Integrating CRM and social media data to tailor experiences across email, web, and app interactions.
• Continuously monitoring and adjusting personalization strategies using real-time analytics to boost conversions

Understanding the customer journey is crucial for building lasting relationships and driving business success. From the initial discovery phase to the ultimate goal of loyalty, each stage of the customer journey presents opportunities for engagement, conversion, and retention. This keynote panel will explore the complexities of navigating the full customer journey, discussing strategies for optimizing touchpoints, addressing pain points, and fostering loyalty through personalized experiences that resonate with diverse customer needs and expectations. Expect to hear about: 

• Mapping out every touchpoint to gain a comprehensive view of your customer’s interactions and experiences
• Leveraging data to track behavior across channels and identify key moments that influence decisions
• Aligning marketing, sales, and customer service teams to ensure a seamless journey from awareness to loyalty
• Continuously gathering feedback and analyzing patterns to refine your strategy and enhance the customer experience

Join your fellow eTailers for a refreshing networking break in the EXPO where you can connect with solution providers and attendees over steaming cups of tea and coffee, warm honey-glazed fritters, and irresistible Boston coffee cake. It's the perfect blend of conversation and comfort to energize your morning!

Join us at the Innovation Theater in the middle of our expo for ten minute demos of cutting edge technology across the entire retail stack 

In today's competitive marketplace, the intersection of brand identity and financial performance is more critical than ever. Effective branding can significantly impact a company's bottom line by enhancing marketing ROI, driving sales effectiveness, and fostering customer loyalty. This keynote panel will explore the strategic integration of branding and financial goals, discussing how marketers can leverage brand strength to drive revenue growth, improve profitability, and ultimately achieve sustainable business success. Expect to hear panelists discuss: 

• Bringing budgets and creative together for both brand and performance marketing
• Determining how the two can play off each other and fuel each other
• Finding an agency partner that will do both to save money given rising ad costs and optimize your efforts
• Creating integrated marketing strategies that leverage the strengths of both disciplines

By leveraging data analytics and AI, brands can now deliver tailored experiences across every touchpoint—from discovery to post-purchase engagement—while maintaining relevance for millions of customers. This fireside chat will explore actionable strategies to harness real-time insights, optimize cross-channel interactions, and transform fragmented journeys into cohesive, value-driven experiences. Our speaker will discuss: 

• Collecting and analyzing customer data at each touchpoint to build comprehensive, personalized profiles
• Using real-time insights to deliver tailored content and offers throughout the customer journey
• Leveraging AI and automation to scale personalization efforts without sacrificing quality
• Continuously refining your strategies by testing and optimizing personalized experiences based on customer feedback

Take a break from a busy morning of content and join us for the Spread the Love break where rich butter boards and delightful preserves set the stage for new connections and meaningful conversations. It’s a deliciously inviting way to mingle and share ideas with fellow eTailers.

In today’s competitive eCommerce landscape, over 95% of site visitors leave without making a purchase, representing a massive missed opportunity. In this session, Kevin Herrholtz, VP of Client Success for SafeOpt by AddShoppers, will show you how SafeOpt turns lost visitors into loyal customers by complementing your existing marketing, not replacing it. With no setup fees, no subscriptions, guaranteed ROAS, and no long-term commitments, SafeOpt is a flexible, performance-driven way to recover lost revenue and drive growth — with your success as the only goal.

• Understanding why most site visitors leave without purchasing — and what you can do about it.
• Learning how SafeOpt complements existing marketing strategies to capture lost revenue.
• Discovering how behavior-based targeting and deliverability expertise increase engagement and conversions.
• Exploring the benefits of a performance-based pricing model with guaranteed return on ad spend.
• Gaining practical tips for turning more browsers into loyal buyers without long-term commitments

Agentic shopping, where AI agents act autonomously on behalf of consumers, is poised to rapidly transform digital commerce. According to Gartner, 33% of digital purchases will be handled by autonomous agents by 2028.

As the CEO of a leading Order Management System company, we understand how back-end infrastructure is required to deliver the promise of agentic commerce, and the shift is already underway. Brands that invest now are positioning themselves to meet the demands of this new era, unlocking faster growth, reducing customer acquisition costs, and enhancing customer experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• What to invest in now: Identify and prioritize the foundational systems and technologies required to support agentic shopping across channels.
• What success looks like: Understand how agentic readiness can drive conversion, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency.
• Why timing matters: Develop a strategic roadmap to future-proof your tech stack by 2026, ensuring readiness for the agentic commerce landscape.

As organizations continue to invest heavily in AI, the challenge now lies in effectively integrating these technologies across the business to drive tangible results. Streamlining AI use cases requires overcoming common hurdles such as lengthy deployment cycles, fragmented workflows, and inefficient tools. This keynote panel will explore practical strategies for optimizing AI implementation, focusing on how to accelerate deployment, enhance collaboration, and ensure that AI solutions align with core business objectives to maximize impact and efficiency. Expect to hear how our panelists are: 

• Identifying key areas where AI can drive efficiency and enhance decision-making across your operations
• Ensuring seamless integration by aligning AI tools with existing systems and workflows
• Focusing on automating repetitive tasks to free up resources for more strategic initiatives
• Continuously evaluating AI performance and adapting to evolving technologies for ongoing optimization

Modern marketers must navigate a complex array of data points, from conversion rates and customer lifetime value to brand sentiment and campaign ROI, to gauge the effectiveness of their strategies. This keynote panel will explore how marketers can set meaningful goals, measure performance, and adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring that their efforts align with broader business objectives and drive sustainable growth in a competitive digital environment. Our panelists will discuss: 

• Embracing data-driven strategies to deliver personalized, measurable results across channels
• Fostering deep customer relationships through authentic engagement and tailored experiences
• Staying agile by adapting to new technologies and emerging trends to stay ahead of the competition
• Balancing creativity with analytics, using both to drive innovation and achieve long-term growth

Fuel your connections and your energy at the Power Hour Networking & Refreshment Break in the EXPO, featuring decadent fudge brownies and protein-packed oat pops. It’s the perfect mid-day boost to keep conversations—and momentum—going strong.

Join us at the Innovation Theater in the middle of our expo for ten minute demos of cutting edge technology across the entire retail stack 

Presentation 1: Signal to Sales - How Trigger Marketing Drives Demand & ROI

In today’s competitive landscape, timing is everything. In this insightful session, Audra Shue from Deluxe will explore how marketers can leverage trigger marketing to connect with prospects at the precise moment they are in the market for their products and services. From life milestones like movers, new parents, newly married, to new funding rounds or leadership changes, these triggers create powerful opportunities to engage potential customers with relevant, timely messaging.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding life event triggers can help retail marketers target shoppers in the market.
• Learning how to use trigger marketing to improve targeting and conversion rates.
• Exploring real-world examples of brands successfully using trigger marketing.
• Gaining actionable insights on personalization and message timing to maximize engagement.

Join us at the iconic House of Blues in Boston for an unforgettable reception, where industry leaders and innovators will come together to network and celebrate. Enjoy lively music, great food, and an electric atmosphere. And make sure to tune in as Kristin and Liz, the conference directors for eTail Boston, announce the winners of this year’s prestigious eTail Visionary Awards, honoring excellence in eCommerce and digital marketing. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, toast to groundbreaking achievements, and be inspired by the best in retail.

As consumers become increasingly price-conscious and digitally savvy, retailers must adapt by leveraging technologies like AI and omnichannel strategies to meet evolving expectations. This keynote will explore the key trends shaping retail in 2025, from navigating economic uncertainties to harnessing emerging technologies, and discuss how businesses can innovate and thrive amidst these dynamic conditions. Poonam Goyal from Bloomberg will walk us through her approach to: 

• Understanding how ongoing inflation affects pricing strategies and profit margins, compelling retailers to adapt their approaches to maintain competitiveness
• Exploring shifts in consumer behavior, including the rise of hybrid shopping experiences and the demand for personalized, seamless interactions across channels
• Assessing the impact of geopolitical tensions on supply chains and operational strategies, necessitating greater resilience and adaptability in retail operations
• Recognize the increasing consumer demand for sustainable practices and products, pushing retailers to prioritize eco-friendly initiatives as a core business strategy

• Exploring the psychological basis of social proof and its influence on consumer behavior in retail.
• Discussing various forms of social proof, including customer reviews, testimonials, influencer endorsements, and user-generated content.
• Providing actionable strategies for leveraging social proof, such as showcasing reviews and highlighting user experiences on social media.
• Learning to measure the effectiveness of social proof initiatives through metrics like conversion rates and customer engagement.

In today's volatile economic climate, businesses face unprecedented challenges in balancing profitability with sustainable growth amid shifting consumer behaviors and market instability. To thrive, companies must adopt agile strategies that prioritize resilience, operational efficiency, and customer-centric innovation while navigating inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions. This keynote panel will explore actionable approaches—from diversifying revenue streams and optimizing cash flow to leveraging data-driven insights and strategic partnerships—that enable businesses to not only survive but capitalize on uncertainty to drive long-term success. Panelists will discuss: 

• Investing in digital marketing to boost online visibility and drive sales through targeted strategies and influencer partnerships.
• Optimizing pricing with dynamic strategies and value-driven promotions to appeal to cost-conscious consumers
• Enhancing customer experience by creating a seamless omnichannel shopping journey that offers convenience and value
• Leveraging data analytics to identify growth opportunities and make informed decisions in inventory management and supply chain resilience

Answer the call to connect at the Roll Call Networking & Refreshment Break in the EXPO, where hot coffee, sweet cinnamon rolls and fresh apple parfaits set the tone for conversation and collaboration. It’s the perfect pause to mix, mingle, and recharge.

How does a century-old brand not just stay relevant, but get younger and resonate across generations? In this fireside chat, you’ll hear from Melissa Worth, SVP Americas at New Balance, as she shares how the in-demand, premium athletic brand is sprinting into the future of retail with a vision that fuses heritage and innovation. As New Balance races towards its goal of becoming a $10 billion global brand, Melissa will share insights from the private company’s authentic and impactful retail growth in the Americas—one that’s deeply rooted in purpose, driven by community, and powered by a next-gen omnichannel strategy. Expect to hear more about:

• Winning the hearts and minds of Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennials, and beyond: forging meaningful partnerships with iconic athletes and creators to build connections where it counts
• Harnessing the strength of retail partnerships: understanding how trusted collaborators, wholesale partners, and savvy distribution strategies continue to fuel growth, reach, and momentum
• Staying true to brand DNA: remaining rooted in heritage and a purpose-led culture while fearlessly innovating to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s consumer in a fast-moving retail landscape

Join us for a fast paced 10-minute Innovation Lab where a leading solution provider showcases cutting-edge tools designed to elevate your eCommerce or digital marketing strategy. This demo highlights breakthrough features that will help you unlock new growth opportunities for your brand.

Join us for a fast paced 10-minute Innovation Lab where a leading solution provider showcases cutting-edge tools designed to elevate your eCommerce or digital marketing strategy. This demo highlights breakthrough features that will help you unlock new growth opportunities for your brand.

The traditional marketing funnel, with its linear progression from awareness to purchase, no longer reflects the realities of today’s complex consumer behavior. Modern customer journeys are dynamic and non-linear, with individuals jumping between stages, influenced by multiple touchpoints across channels. This keynote panel will explore how marketers can adapt to this evolving landscape by embracing new models, such as the customer journey map or flywheel, to better engage audiences, foster loyalty, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly fragmented digital world. Expect to hear about how marketers are:

• Embracing a holistic view of the customer journey that recognizes multiple touchpoints and interactions beyond traditional linear funnels
• Leveraging data analytics to understand customer behavior and preferences, allowing for personalized marketing strategies at every stage of the journey
• Implementing agile marketing tactics that adapt to real-time feedback and changing customer needs, fostering deeper engagement and loyalty
• Utilizing integrated marketing channels to create cohesive experiences, ensuring consistent messaging and branding across all platforms

Take a delicious pause at the All Twisted Up Break where you can chat with fellow eTailers and check out the latest ecommerce tech all while enjoying a warm soft pretzel. Fuel your eTail networking with savory bites and great conversation!

Join us at the Innovation Theater in the middle of our expo for ten minute demos of cutting edge technology across the entire retail stack.

Iconic brands like Samsonite face the dual challenge of preserving their legacy while resonating with younger, values-driven audiences like Gen Z. Modernizing a 115-year-old heritage requires balancing authenticity with innovation—leveraging nostalgic equity while embracing digital-first strategies, inclusive storytelling, and purpose-driven initiatives that align with contemporary cultural values. This fireside chat with David Oksman of Samsonite will explore how brands can evolve without losing their core identity, drawing insights from successful transformations that bridge generational divides through strategic partnerships, AI-driven personalization, and immersive omnichannel experiences. Expect to hear: 

• Embracing digital transformation to engage with younger demographics effectively.
• Innovating product offerings and brand messaging to resonate with modern consumer values.
• Utilizing social media and influencer partnerships to amplify brand relevance and reach.
• Fostering authenticity and transparency to build trust and loyalty among younger consumers

• Integrating online and offline touchpoints for a seamless customer experience.
• Using data analytics to personalize messaging and target the right audience.
• Optimizing your content strategy for each platform to maximize engagement.
• Measuring and refining campaign performance regularly to ensure ROI and long-term success.

As ecommerce continues to grow and evolve, building the right organizational structure is critical for driving efficiency, innovation, and scalability. From leadership roles like the Director of Ecommerce to specialized teams in marketing, IT, inventory management, and customer service, today’s ecommerce org chart must be tailored to meet the demands of a fast-paced digital marketplace. This keynote panel will explore what a modern ecommerce organization looks like in 2025, highlighting key roles, team structures, and strategies for aligning resources to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence. Panelists will discuss: 

• Establishing a flexible organizational structure that balances flat and hierarchical approaches, allowing for agile decision-making and clear role responsibilities
• Creating key departments including management, development, marketing, operations, customer support, and inventory management to ensure comprehensive business coverage
• Prioritizing cross-functional collaboration, with teams like marketing, sales, and operations working closely to optimize the customer journey and business performance
• Designing a scalable team structure that can adapt to business growth, starting with core roles and expanding departments as the e-commerce operation develops

Get your afternoon groove on at the Whoomp There It Is PM Break in the EXPO, where you can relive your childhood with fluffy whoopie pies and popcorn. Keep the vibes high and the conversations flowing. It’s your afternoon boost with a tasty twist!

Pick A Table, Bring Your Challenges, Get Solutions (And A Drink!)

Table 1: Toastmasters: Developing the Public Speaking Skillset to Promote Your Personal Brand

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Table 2: Crafting Your Personal Brand: Strategies for Authenticity and Visibility

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Table 3: Tips and Tricks for Prime Week

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Table 4: Hyper Local Media Strategies 

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Table 5: Unlocking Trust: The Future of Secure and Decentralized Digital Identity in E-Commerce

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Table 6: Exploring International Growth Amidst Global Economic Challenges

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Table 7: Crowd-Powered Commerce: The Magic of Social Proof

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Join us for an exclusive evening of networking and appreciation as we honor the esteemed speakers who have shared their insights and expertise throughout the conference. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with refreshing cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, providing a perfect backdrop to connect with fellow speakers and continue meaningful conversations sparked during the sessions. This reception is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to our speakers while fostering new relationships and celebrating the collective knowledge shared during the event