Dimple Rao | eTail Boston

Monday, August 10: Summit Day

10:40 AM Search: Panel: Anticipating the Future of Search: Navigating the Shift from Keywords to Conversational Queries in an AI-Driven World

Consumers are no longer typing in stiff keyword strings—they’re asking full questions and expecting natural, human answers from AI-powered search experiences. As engines evolve from matching phrases to understanding intent and context, brands must rethink how they structure content, schema, and on-site search to stay discoverable. In this panel, forward-thinking search leaders explore how to prepare for conversational queries, design content for AI intermediaries, and keep your brand voice present in the next generation of discovery.

Shifting content strategy from keyword density to natural language and intent-driven queries that match how consumers actually ask questions online
Optimizing for zero-click and conversational AI searches by providing direct, contextual answers within site copy and rich snippets
Personalizing responses and experiences by leveraging conversational AI tools that understand and anticipate user needs in real time
Expanding visibility efforts to alternative search engines and social platforms as consumer search behaviors diversify beyond Google

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

Wednesday, August 12

2:25 PM Track 3: Women In eTail Leadership Panel and Networking Event

Join us for a dynamic session where top women leaders in eCommerce share their experiences and insights on thriving in the digital retail space. From AI marketing strategies to customer experience optimization, you'll get practical tips and inspiration to help you grow in this fast-paced industry. Plus, stick around for some great networking opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and build new relationships that can help take your career to the next level.