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

The retail landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with once-iconic stores exiting the marketplace and millions of customers suddenly looking elsewhere for their favorite products. In this fireside chat, Heather Bennett, President of Marketing, eCommerce and Innovation at Michaels, will shed light on how the company has evolved to serve new customers amidst disruption in the industry and leveraged omnichannel strategies to enhance their experience.  

The session will also explore how Michaels:  

• Identified opportunities to fill sudden gaps in the marketplace 
• Mobilized quickly to add new categories and expand its assortment in stores and online 
• Leveraged customer insights to inform decisions and improve the customer experience 

Creating lasting customer loyalty requires more than just transactional interactions—it demands memorable experiences that surprise and delight. By crafting personalized moments of joy and appreciation, businesses can foster deep emotional connections with their customers, driving loyalty, retention, and ultimately, long-term growth. This keynote panel will explore the art of surprise and delight, discussing strategies for leveraging data-driven insights, innovative technologies, and creative marketing tactics to deliver unexpected rewards and experiences that leave a lasting impression on customers and set brands apart. Expect to hear about: 

• Using customer data to tailor shopping experiences, offering personalized recommendations and surprises that resonate with individual preferences
• Implementing surprise incentives, such as unannounced discounts or loyalty rewards, to enhance customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases
• Designing creative and memorable packaging that adds an element of surprise upon delivery, making the unboxing experience enjoyable and shareable
• Training customer service teams to go above and beyond in interactions, providing unexpected solutions or gestures that leave a lasting positive impression

Strategic brand collaborations have emerged as a powerful tool for driving mutual growth and innovation. By partnering with complementary brands, businesses can expand their audience reach, leverage shared resources, and create unique offerings that enhance customer experiences and differentiate them from competitors. This keynote panel will explore the art of mastering brand collaborations, discussing key strategies for identifying the right partners, aligning goals, and executing successful partnerships that amplify brand visibility, credibility, and revenue growth. Panelists will discuss: 

• Identifying compatible brand partners for long-term, mutually beneficial relationships
• Scaling partnerships effectively to maximize reach and impact
• Enhancing customer experience and loyalty through strategic collaborations
• Leveraging partnerships to innovate products and attract new customer segments