Honest Ecommerce
· with Marielle Bobo
· August 14, 2025
· 17 min
Summary
For ecommerce operators attending industry events like Shoptalk, this episode provides a strategic playbook to maximize ROI. Marielle Bobo details how to pre-plan your agenda, leverage unique experiential programs, and utilize dedicated networking tools to forge lasting partnerships and gain actionable retail insights from your conference investment.
Key takeaways
Download the event app and pre-plan your agenda, identifying must-attend sessions and target individuals for networking to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure you hit your goals.
Utilize dedicated meeting programs (like Shoptalk's meetups) to secure one-on-one time with specific retail leaders and brands you aim to connect with, transforming casual encounters into structured opportunities.
Take advantage of unique experiential offerings, such as 'Shop Walks,' to gain firsthand insights from innovative retailers and then engage with those same brands' leaders during the conference sessions for deeper learning.
Dress comfortably and schedule downtime during multi-day conferences; physical and mental breaks are crucial for sustained engagement and effective information processing.
If attending with colleagues, divide and conquer by splitting coverage of different sessions and then reconvening to share diverse learnings and expand collective insights.
On this bonus episode of Honest Ecommerce, we have Marielle Bobo, Vice President of Content at Shoptalk Spring and Fall, where she curates programming and secures industry-leading speakers to drive impactful conversations in retail and Ecommerce.
We talk about exploring global event series for innovators, planning your conference strategy in advance, learning from leading retail and DTC brands, and so much more!
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about event strategy?
Download the event app and pre-plan your agenda, identifying must-attend sessions and target individuals for networking to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure you hit your goals.
What does this episode say about networking?
Utilize dedicated meeting programs (like Shoptalk's meetups) to secure one-on-one time with specific retail leaders and brands you aim to connect with, transforming casual encounters into structured opportunities.
What does this episode say about professional development?
Take advantage of unique experiential offerings, such as 'Shop Walks,' to gain firsthand insights from innovative retailers and then engage with those same brands' leaders during the conference sessions for deeper learning.
What does this episode say about retail innovation?
Dress comfortably and schedule downtime during multi-day conferences; physical and mental breaks are crucial for sustained engagement and effective information processing.
What does this episode say about event strategy?
If attending with colleagues, divide and conquer by splitting coverage of different sessions and then reconvening to share diverse learnings and expand collective insights.
