NextGen Commerce: Revolutionizing Retail with Artificial Intelligence

Date: Tuesday | Dec 5, 2023

Time: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm EST

Where: 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY, 10001

Coresight Research NextGen Commerce Conference: Pioneering the Future with Expertise from the Coresight Research AI Council

Join us for a closed-door, transformative, one-day AI Conference, where industry experts, thought leaders, academia, ethicists and innovators will come together to explore the cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence.

Agenda

Morning

8:00 Breakfast & Check-In

9:00 Welcome from Deborah Weinswig, CEO & Founder of Coresight Research

Join Coresight CEO and Founder Deborah Weinswig for an executive-level overview of the conversations to come and why they matter.

9:15 What I Learned About Accelerating Digital Innovation from Walmart, Microsoft, and DreamWorks

Panelist: David Porter, Founder of Team 168, Former Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Store
Moderator: Deborah Weinswig, CEO & Founder, Coresight Research

We called this event NextGen Commerce for a reason. Join an industry leader for our kickoff keynote to help shape our perspective on the progression of digital innovation up to today, through insights shared from a career at built at some of the most cutting edge companies in the industry.

9:35 The Future of Physical Retail

Panelist: William Taubman, President & Chief Operating Officer, The Taubman Company
Moderator: Deborah Weinswig, CEO & Founder of Coresight Research

While data-driven store design is nothing new, AI technology applications are enabling a new level of planning around traffic patterns, consumer behavior, and display and pricing performance. Learn how a dynamic store model can benefit your physical retail investments.

9:55 Transforming Digital Commerce: The Synergy of AI in Revolutionizing Customer Experiences, Personalization, and Sales

Panelists:
Douglas Weiss, SVP, Digital and Ecommerce, WHP Global
Lockie Andrews, CEO, RICH Hair Care CEO and MD, Catalyst Consulting
Jenna Flateman Posner, Chief Digital Officer, Solo Brands

Moderator: Myron Burke, CEO, Founder & Principal, Divergent Technology Advisors Former CEO, SHELFIE

This panel will delve into real-world examples and strategies of optimizing AI at every stage of the e-commerce journey. Whether you’re a seasoned AI professional or just starting your digital journey, there are constant innovations relevant to your digital commerce and customer engagement success that we will explore.

10:20 Coffee & Networking Break

10:35 View from the C-Suite: Opportunities To Leverage AI in Customer Experience and the Merchandise Value Chain

Keynote: Josh Jewett, Operating Partner at NewRoad Capital Partners, Founder and MD at CIO Advisory Services; Former Chief Information Officer, Enterprise at Dollar Tree Stores

Chief Information Officers have a unique perspective on investing in digital technology, and forecasting and measuring return on investments. Hear from decision makers about worthwhile investments to make today, and parameters for assessing the solutions that will be pitched to you tomorrow.

11:00 AI in the Marketing Mix: Unleashing Opportunities for Retail Excellence

Panelists:
Lori Schafer, CEO Digital Wave Technology
Mandeep Bhatia, VP, Global Digital Product & Omnichannel Innovation, Tapestry
Steve Henig, Chief Customer Officer at Wakefern Food Corporation

Moderator: Liza Amlani, Principal and Founder | Retail Strategy Group, Adjunct Professor | FIT

We all have a digital marketing mix, but are we exploring the right AI applications for our existing efforts? This panel will explore opportunities within market segmentation, target customer identification, brand strategy and positioning, social media, and mobile.

11:25 Revolutionizing Physical Retail: What Is The Store of The Future?

Panelists: Kyle Spencer Co-Founder, NextRivet
Sandy Romero, Research Manager, Cushman & Wakefield
Michael Feinman, Regional Vice President - E Commerce and Metro Stores, Goodwill
Stacey Schulman, VP, Health, Education and Consumer Industries, Intel

Moderator: Meredith Darnall, Former Chief Optimization Officer, Brookfield Properties

Explore the nuanced interplay of AI within the retail-landlord relationship, focusing on the practical implementation of Proptech within shopping centers. Investigate the impact of AI on store location selection, shedding light on the intricate decision-making processes shaping the contemporary retail landscape.

11:50 Lunch Featuring a Fireside Chat with Claudia Cividino, President Jared the Galleria of Jewelry

Our lunch will feature a fireside chat on Innovation in Commerce, followed by an opportunity to network with colleagues!

Afternoon

1:00 The Future Marketplace: AI-Powered Strategies for Seamless Commerce

Panelists:
Kristin Savilia, CEO, JOOR
Ahmed Naiem, President and CRO of Lily AI
Matthew Adam Smith, Founder & CEO, MAS Movement; Former Head of Marketplace Strategy and Business Development at Walmart

Moderator: Peter Evans, Chief Strategy Officer, McFadyen Digital

As we track how digital marketplaces continue to evolve, transforming the way buyers and sellers engage online, we will explore AI-specific innovations being used by best-in-class players today.

1:25 The Future of Work

Presentation: Charles Haseman Professor and Director, Retail Innovation and Strategy Excellence CenterThe Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas

What skills are your future employees focusing on in their education and trainings? How do they expect to engage in your digital challenges? How can you make the most of your youngest incoming talent for innovative AI solutions?

1:35 From Warehouse to Shelf: AI's Influence on Retail Supply Chains

Panelists:
Barry McGeough, GVP of Innovation at the AmeriCo Group
Rick Wenger, Vice President, Consumer Industries, SAP

Moderator: John Harmon Managing Director of Technology Research, Coresight Research

This panel explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the entire retail supply chain, from warehouse operations to product placement on store shelves. Experts will discuss AI strategies optimizing logistics, inventory management, and product journeys, providing valuable insights for brand and retail executives in the evolving retail landscape."

2:00 Ethics and Responsible Innovation

Presentation: Reid Blackman Ph.D, Founder & CEO, Virtue Consultants

Across industries, the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics is an essential consideration for responsible innovation. As AI technologies continue to advance at an unprecedented pace within retail, this session will explore the ethical challenges arising from applications in privacy, bias, accountability, and societal impact.

2:15 Tech Trends in the Cart: Next-Gen Solutions for Grocers

Panelists:
Ranjana Choudhry, VP Advertising & Social Media, Wakefern Food Corp.
Milen Mahadevan, President & CEO, 84.51°

Moderator: Bryan Gildenberg Founder and CEO, Confluencer Commerce

This panel unites senior executives from leading grocery stores to explore the transformative technology shaping the industry. With a focus on AI, machine learning, and next-gen solutions, these experts will share insights on how technology is revolutionizing the grocery shopping experience for retailers and brands. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the latest tech trends reshaping grocery retail.

2:40 Coffee Break & Networking

2:55 NextGen Pioneers: Innovations Transforming Brands

Panelists:
Ben Jablonski, Co-Founder, The Good Charcoal Company
Aaron Luo, CEO, CARAA; CEO, Mercado Famous
Mike Zung, CEO, Bloomist
Matt Edelman, President & COO, Super League

Moderator: Michael Kaplan Managing Partner, MKaps, Inc.

Emerging brands are engaging in some of the most transformative AI use cases. This session unravels the innovative ways in which their business models are reshaping the retail landscape for both rising businesses and legacy brands, offering insights into how to leverage advanced technologies for strategic decision-making, customer engagement, customization, operational efficiencies, market positioning and sustainable growth.

3:20 Future-Forward Investing: AI and the Retail Industry

Panelists:
Faisal Charania, Founder and CEO, Dogwood Brands
David Matthews, Managing Director, RevTech Ventures
Marigay McKee, Co-Founder & General Partner Fernbrook Capital Management, LLC

Moderator: Todd Benson Managing Partner & CEO, Herington LLC

While innovations in technology in retail are only accelerating, continuing to redefine the customer experience, there are concrete trends and forecasting that veteran industry investors have identified. In this session, we will outline how AI has emerged as the transformative force of today, reshaping how retailers engage with customers, optimize operations, and drive growth.

3:45 AI in Action: Elevating the In-Store Experience in Retail

Panelists:
Richa Agarwal, Digital Transformation Advisor
Tom Erskine, CEO, One Door
Mark Peterson, Principal at Shen Milsom & Wilke
Ryan Taylor, Vice President of Stores, Tailored Brands

Moderator: Joe Laszlo, Vice President, Content, Shoptalk & Groceryshop

Our panel discussion will provide in-depth insights into the multifaceted dynamics of AI in the physical store, offering a nuanced understanding of its impact and application across various use cases. Gain invaluable perspectives from industry leaders as they share practical experiences, strategies, and real-world examples, equipping retail and brand executives with actionable insights to navigate the evolving landscape of AI, enhance customer experiences, and optimize operational efficiencies.

4:10 The Social Commerce Revolution: The AI-Powered Path to Consumer Engagement

Panelists:
Sara Holmgren, Senior Director Social Strategy, Macy's, Inc.
Brian Beitler, Founder and General Manager, Live Shop Ventures at Qurate Retail Group

Moderator: Renee Hartmann, Co-Author, NextGen Retail

In the era of interconnected digital experiences, the specific intersection of social commerce and AI is reshaping the way businesses engage with their customers. This panel will spotlight industry experts and innovators as they dissect the way a key growth area in global markets - social commerce - is being transformed not only by social media platforms, but now also cutting-edge AI technologies.

4:35 Retail Legends: Wisdom, Innovation, and the Future of Commerce

Panelists: Gilbert Harrison, Chairman at Harrison Group; Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Financo; and Senior Advisor at GLC Advisors & Co.
Rick Helfenbein, Fashion & Retail Industry Consultant; Former Chairman, President, CEO American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)
Jan Rogers Kniffen, CEO, J Rogers Kniffen Worldwide
Letitia Webster, Omni Channel Expert and Advisor; Former SVP, eCommerce, OmniChannel, and Master Data, Tractor Supply Company

Moderator: Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research

Coresight Research is committed to recognizing who we consider to be unparalleled industry pioneers and retail legends. We will acknowledge these individuals and highlight their insights on their professional journeys, innovative strategies, and visions for the future of commerce with this celebratory panel.

5:00 Executive Recap

Coresight CEO and Founder Deborah Weinswig will help us distill trends and key learnings from our diverse presentations.

5:05 Cocktail Reception

Speakers

Richa Agarwal

Digital Transformation Advisor

Liza Amlani

Principal and Founder | Retail Strategy Group

Adjunct Professor | FIT

Lockie Andrews

CEO RICH Hair Care

CEO and MD at Catalyst Consulting; Former Chief Growth Officer at Pura Vida

Brian Beitler

Founder and General Manager

Live Shop Ventures at Qurate Retail Group

Todd Benson

Managing Partner & CEO

Herington LLC

Mandeep Bhatia

VP, Global Digital Product & Omnichannel Innovation,

Tapestry

Reid Blackman, Ph.D

Founder & CEO

Virtue Consultants

Myron Burke

CEO, Founder & Principal, Divergent Technology Advisors

Former CEO at SHELFIE

Claudia Cividino

President

Jared the Galleria of Jewelry

Faisal Charania

Founder and CEO

Dogwood Brands

Ranjana Choudhry

VP Advertising & Social Media

Wakefern Food Corp.

Meredith Darnall

Former Chief Optimization Officer

Brookfield Properties

Matt Edelman

President & COO

Super League

Tom Erskine

CEO

One Door

Peter Evans

Chief Strategy Officer

McFadyen Digital

Michael Feinman

Regional Vice President - E Commerce and Metro Stores

Goodwill

Bryan Gildenberg

Founder and CEO

Confluencer Commerce

John Harmon

Managing Director of Technology Research

Coresight Research

Gilbert Harrison

Chairman at Harrison Group

Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Financo, and Senior Advisor at GLC Advisors & Co.

Renee Hartmann

Co-Author

NextGen Retail

Charles Haseman

Professor and Director, Retail Innovation and Strategy Excellence Center

The Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas

Rick Helfenbein

Fashion & Retail Industry Consultant; Former Chairman, President, CEO

American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)

Steve Henig

Chief Customer Officer

Wakefern Food Corp.

Sara Holmgren

Senior Director Social Strategy

Macy's, Inc.

Ben Jablonski

Co-Founder

The Good Charcoal Company

Josh Jewett

Operating Partner at NewRoad Capital Partners

Founder and MD at CIO Advisory Services; Former Chief Information Officer, Enterprise at Dollar Tree Stores

Michael Kaplan

Managing Partner

MKaps, Inc.

Jan Rogers Kniffen

CEO

J Rogers Kniffen Worldwide

Joe Laszlo

VP, Content

Shoptalk & Grocryshop

Aaron Luo

CEO, CARAA

CEO, Mercado Famous

Milen Mahadevan

President & CEO

84.51°, a Kroger Company

David Matthews

Managing Director

RevTech Ventures

Barry McGeough

GVP of Innovation

AmeriCo Group

Marigay McKee

Co-Founder & General Partner

Fernbrook Capital Management, LLC

Ahmed Naiem

President and CRO

Lily AI

Mark Peterson

Principal

Shen Milsom & Wilke

David Porter

Former Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Store

Founder of Team 168

Jenna Flateman Posner

Chief Digital Officer

Solo Brands

Sandy Romero

Research Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Paul Rosengard

Senior Advisor

WHP Global

Kristin Savilia

CEO

JOOR

Lori Schafer

CEO

Digital Wave Technology

Stacey Schulman

VP, Health, Education and Consumer Industries

Intel

Matthew Adam Smith

Founder & CEO, MAS Commerce

Former Head of Marketplace Strategy and Business Development at Walmart

Kyle Spencer

Co-Founder

NextRivet

William Taubman

President & Chief Operating Officer

The Taubman Company

Ryan Taylor

Vice President of Stores

Tailored Brands

Letitia Webster

Omni Channel Expert & Advisor; Former SVP, eCommerce, OmniChannel, and Master Data

Tractor Supply Company

Deborah Weinswig

CEO & Founder

Coresight Research

Douglas Weiss

SVP, Digital and Ecommerce

WHP Global

Rick Wenger

Vice President, Consumer Industries

SAP

Key Discussion Points

AI in C-Suite

Examination of how Generative AI affects decision-making for key c-suite Executives. Explore how AI impacts the strategic perspectives of the CEO, CFO, CSCO, CIO, CMO, and CDO. Analyzing each executive's AI perspective reveals insights into its organizational integration and its evolving role in decision support across leadership roles.

Retail AI Panels

Panelists from leading retail companies, AI solution providers, and academia discuss real-world applications and case studies of AI in retail, including customer personalization, inventory management, ethics, supply chain optimization, and customer service

Why Attend

Educate & Iterate:

Learn from your peers on the latest technologies and generative AI trends, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and participate in a forum to share best practices.

Explore Opportunities:

Source and identify new options for deploying AI technology and uncover ways to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, improved employee satisfaction, and drive growth. Engage in interactive conversations centered around use cases and demos provided by industry experts and major retailers.

Address Challenges:

Discuss potential risks and ethical considerations associated with AI usage including technical challenges and limitations, potential biases in AI algorithms, and intellectual property implications. Take part in comprehensive discussions and actively seek out the insights and viewpoints of industry experts in a curated, intimate environment.

Collaborate and Network:

Foster collaboration and partnerships across stakeholders, enabling leverage of each other's expertise, resources, and perspectives via networking, alliances, and partnership opportunities across membership community.

What To Expect

EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS

Discuss exclusive insights, case studies, and real-world applications of AI in retail with panelists from leading retail companies, AI solution providers, and academia.

NETWORKING

Dinner guests will be comprised of a select group of industry peers, open to sharing their thoughts with other executives in a closed-door setting

COMMUNITY

Coresight Research aims to bring together like-minded individuals, in a neutral setting, while creating an educational and fun environment