Patricia Waldron

Contributor RetailWire

Patricia leads at the forefront of the intersection of consumers, brands, technology and data. Before founding Vision First, a business strategy and marketing advisory firm, she amassed a 20+ year track record of delivering innovative strategies, solutions, and marketing initiatives that help companies stand out in a crowded market. Patricia has held executive positions in marketing, solution, and business development at esteemed, global organizations including IBM Corporation, Cognos, Lawson Software, Fujitsu and The Pillsbury Company. Patricia is well known for her creative style, leadership and passion for excellence. She is a Contributing Editor at RetailWire, a well-informed and thought-provoking speaker and has presented at global industry events, including World Retail Congress (WRC), Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), Retail Leaders Forum, The Retail Summit and the National Retail Federation (NRF). She also serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Downtown SD , a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to the enhancement of San Diego’s downtown community.

Tuesday, August 12

12:45 PM Keynote Panel Discussion: Defining What Success Looks Like for the Modern Marketer

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

Thursday, August 14

9:05 AM Keynote Panel: Creating Surprise and Delight Moments for Lasting Customer Loyalty

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

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Patricia.

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