Are eCommerce conferences worth the investment?
There exists a thriving industry dedicated to the exchange of ideas and fostering collaboration through global e-commerce conferences. I have had the privilege of participating in several of the most cutting-edge and impactful conferences, while also experiencing a few that left me unfulfilled after just the first day. Allow me to share the insights I have gained from these experiences:
- Identify conferences that your competitors are actively participating in. Engaging with professionals from your industry who are pursuing a similar growth trajectory can be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and ensure you are not missing out on any significant trends or schemes within your peer group. By attending such conferences, you will likely find a stronger connection to the speakers and keynotes if they are on a similar journey as your own. Instead of attempting to replicate the strategies of large corporations with extensive resources and numerous employees, you may discover valuable insights on shipping, sourcing, or customer complaint management from CEOs of companies like xyz.com that align more closely with your own business scale and structure.
- Before attending a conference, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and ascertain the appropriate level of the event. Attempting to participate in a high-level conference where businesses outshine your own can lead to frustration, as you may feel inadequate in comparison to their success. Listening to talks from esteemed CEOs of companies like Google and Amazon might leave you pondering why your own organization hasn’t implemented similar ideas. However, it is important to remember that transforming ideas into reality requires resources, which you may not yet possess.
- To optimize your conference experience, it is essential to plan your attendance and agenda in advance. Upon arrival, networking opportunities will likely arise immediately, potentially causing you to miss certain sessions, change your initial plans, and even forget pressing matters that require attention back at the office. By creating a well-structured schedule tailored to your specific needs, you can stay focused throughout the event and ensure that you gather key takeaways and actionable items to bring back to your team.
- It is advisable for managers and leaders to attend management tracks at conferences, while sales professionals should focus on attending sales-related sessions. If you have the opportunity to bring your team to a conference, it is crucial to ensure that they attend tracks and listen to speakers that are directly relevant to their roles and responsibilities. Encourage them to have their own experiences and avoid micromanaging their choices during the event. Instead, provide support by allowing them to make their own agenda selections and offering assistance based on their chosen conference agenda.
- It is highly beneficial to take extensive notes during conferences. A single statement or comment from a highly regarded and accomplished leader has the potential to significantly impact the direction of your business. After the conference, take the time to review your notes and compile a summary for your team. Assess the action items and identify at least three new ideas or shifts in thinking that you are committed to implementing. This proactive approach will help ensure that the insights gained from the conference are effectively communicated and translated into tangible actions for your team to move forward with.
Recommended conferences ranked by heirarchy:
- Advanced: Shoptalk, Etail Connect – Perfect for CEOs and game changers. High-level keynotes that offer multifaceted takes on omni-channel, supply chain, and the metaverse.
- Mid-level: IRCE, Etail West, Etail East – Perfect for Executives that need to up their game and brush up on skills within ecommerce.
- Entry level: Shop.org, EcomWorld – The place for independent business owners, social media strategists, influencers, and marketing teams – information that will help you start your online business and play in the world of social.
Keep in mind that there are specific conferences tailored to the marketplaces you partner with, such as Walmart or Amazon summits. Stay updated with these marketplaces and make sure to attend conferences that are focused on fostering partnerships and accelerating the growth of your business. These events can provide valuable opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, gain insights, and explore strategies that can effectively expand your business in a shorter timeframe.