Bliss Pierce | eTail Boston

Monday, August 10: Summit Day

1:50 PM Search: Panel: Get AEO-Savvy: Unlocking the Secret to AI-Powered Search Success

AI-powered search is rapidly shifting from links and lists to direct answers, demanding new ways for brands to stay visible when algorithms do the talking. Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is emerging as the playbook for structuring content, data, and experiences so AI agents can easily understand, trust, and surface your brand. In this panel, search innovators break down what it takes to get AEO-savvy—from optimizing for answer boxes and chat responses to building the technical and content foundations that future-proof your discoverability.

Optimizing content for AI-driven answer engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews
Automating metadata and schema markup updates to ensure accurate, comprehensive AI-friendly product listings
Utilizing predictive analytics to anticipate trends and keep content fresh and relevant for generative search engines
Monitoring and optimize for AI-generated summaries to secure brand attribution and increase visibility in voice and chat-based shopping

2:50 PM Loyalty: Retailer Led Loyalty Roundtables

Roundtable 1: Designing a Loyalty Program To Move the Metrics That Matter

Dimple Rao, Executive Director, Growth & Loyalty, Akira

Roundtable 2: Making the Case for Retention Budget When Acquisition Gets All the Air Time

Bliss Pierce, VP, Marketing, Feast & Fettle

Roundtable 3: Post-Purchase is the New Acquisition: Designing the First 90 Days After the Sale

Laura Cantor, VP, Marketing & eCommerce, New York & Co.

Roundtable 4: Email and SMS Deliverability, Suppression, and the Inbox Problem Nobody Talks About

Drew Pion, Director of Email/SMS, formerly Wild Alaskan Company

Roundtable 5: Beyond the Follow: Using Social Media to Build Loyalty, Community, and Lifetime Value

Angela Stephens, CEO, RE-FOCUS THE CREATIVE OFFICE