Sizing up Shoptalk 2024

Issue 2 - The people to see, the places to be

Shoptalk 2024 is coming up, but what should you, as a DTC operator, look to get out of it?

It’s a hotspot for high-level retailers and solution providers to start. 

Two-thirds of the 2023 audience was Director level and above; this year, Shoptalk expects over 10,000 leaders from the retail ecosystem to be in attendance. 

They take networking a step further with their Meetup feature. Attendees can, at no extra cost, request a 15-minute, 1-on-1 talk with anyone else going. The meeting is a go if the invitee accepts.

The sheer density of decision-makers aside, Shoptalk is an opportunity to hear from some of the biggest brands and smartest executives in ecomm and retail. Lululemon, Dyson, Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Ikea, Chewy, and Dell are just some of the names on the attendee list.

Cool. But relatively standard. What really makes Shoptalk different? 

Its awesome side events. 

Just a sample: Signifyd’s Executive Driving Experience. Race supercars with eCommerce elites, and a sunrise yoga session with post class smoothies. But more on these in a minute.

Time to revive the (networking) flame

Shoptalk is, first and foremost, a networking bonanza. 

But, if you’re a human who has gone through the pandemic, your networking days might feel like they’re behind you. 

Ron and Ash from Obvi recently discussed this in the Chew On This newsletter, reminding operators that meeting in-person is just better:

  • You make deeper impressions.

  • Conversations go more places. 

  • You can solve nagging problems for each other on-the-spot.

What you can expect from talks

AI in Your Business: Use AI to make your customer interactions smarter, cut costs, and speed things up. Shoptalk features sessions with companies like Domino's and Lowe's to show you how to do it right and avoid pitfalls.

Brand Trust: Being clear about what your brand stands for is key. Learn from the experiences of brands like Crocs and Forever 21 at Shoptalk on how to keep your brand message strong and trustworthy.

Smooth Shopping Journeys: Make shopping seamless for your customers, from finding you to buying. Hear from Walmart and H&M on connecting the dots across all channels.

Unified Shopping Experience: Mix your online and offline worlds without missing a beat. DTC companies like Winky Lux will explain how they found success by expanding their brick-and-mortar presence.

Industry Shifts: Retail is changing with things like retail media networks and new partnerships. Get the lowdown at Shoptalk from big names like The Home Depot and Meta on how to ride these waves.

Side-events: Where it’s Really At

More intimate than the main event and built for fun, this is where you can kick your networking into next gear. 

Sunny hangouts, high roller dinners, peaceful yoga sessions, or wild car racing - pick your setting. 

Let’s get you started with our favorite picks: 

Find your center by the Mandalay Bay poolside before the Shoptalk frenzy. They’ll ease you into it with a smoothie-fuelled chillout session after class.

On the other side of the pool will be the hedonistic crowd, indulging in drinks, snacks and sunshine. It’s basically a vacation on company money. 

Win access to a VIP suite, why don’t you? This one is straightforward, just sign up and cross your fingers. 

Mingle with eCommerce royalty for the day while racing supercars here and there. You’ll all be positively giddy. 

All the biggest deals were made on a full belly (and a liver at work). Join industry leaders at Ramsey’s kitchen for an appetizing and productive get-together.

This is actually just a sampling of the fun stuff on offer at Shoptalk this year. For a complete list of Shoptalk’s events, visit our full event listing.

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