Ramblings from Etail

I was at the Etail conference in Phoenix last week.

Some observations:

• Almost 400 retailers attended - not a bad number.  But keep in perspective there were probably almost as many vendors as retailers.
• Not as many attendees as last year.  Not a big surprise based on the economy.
• A lot of folks that I haven't seen before at an online retail conference (etail, shop.org or Internet Retailer).  It is good to see new faces and new companies attending.
• Also some new vendors...and some vendors we are used to seeing weren't there.   
• Some great content...although not all sessions were at the same level.
• I loved Jessica Tsai's running commentary on Twitter of the sessions.  A great use of Twitter, following along the sessions and making the sessions a little more interactive (in a tech, geeky kind of way).  Although, it today's world, every "online" conference should provide free wi-fi in the conference area.
• It is always fun to talk with James Samford of Citi Investment Research and get his insight on the online retail economy.
• I didn't catch every session, but a few that I liked:
  • Kevin Ertell gave us a great overview of what he had done at Borders - some very cutting edge stuff.  And he provided a good rundown of some good technologies out there.
  • Noah Maffitt from LiveNation is always interesting to hear from.  
  • A good panel on allocating resources with Michael Cooper from Home Depot, Laura Christine from Skechers, Jamey Maki from Golfsmith, Vicki Updike from Miles Kimball and Fiona Dias from GSI Commerce.
• As always there was plenty of time for good networking.
• And we hosted a great dinner for some friends of ForeSee Results. 

And of course there is the weather.  Nothing like mid 80's and sunny, especially when coming from the frigid Midwest.

Comments

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It is always fun to talk with James Samford of Citi Investment Research and get his insight on the online retail economy.

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This year’s conference provides over 90 speakers and panelists, more than 60 unique sessions, retailer-specific networking activities each and every day and more than 100 industry exhibitors – all delivering valuable insight and information on gathering strategies to fine-tune retail enterprises; driving loyalty and incremental revenue growth with an understanding of consumer demand; and developing an understanding the next fundamental shift in the retail industry which will change the norms of consumer expectations surrounding shopping experiences.

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Meanwhile, Reichheld and the folks at Sat Metrix refuse to acknowledge or refute the criticisms.

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Last reminder before I head out to California for Etail West. I’ll be (well Mercent is)co-hosting w/ Amazon a cocktail party Wednesday at the Marriot. If you are going to be at the show and would like an invite, please email me and RSVP!

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Yeah i like the fact that i can vote friends submissions directly from the friend’s activity pages.

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This year’s conference provides over 90 speakers and panelists, more than 60 unique sessions, retailer-specific networking activities each and every day and more than 100 industry exhibitors.

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I wasn't able to watch the inauguration live far too busy of a day. But on my drive home I wanted to get caught up. Now my satellite radio provides me the most current news, and many different station choices, but I wanted to hear his speech.

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