Hi {{first_name|there}},
The countdown is on. As we gear up for eTail Connect West 2025 in San Diego, the spotlight is turning to the people driving the conversations. Earlier this year in Palm Springs, we saw AI use cases get sharper, loyalty strategies become growth engines, and DTC brands double down on margin control. Now, the question is: who’s taking the stage to move those conversations forward?
Here are some of the leaders you won’t want to miss, and the sessions they’ll be leading.
🧠 Brand Builders and Transformers
Matt Repicky
Expert in revitalizing heritage and lifestyle brands to resonate with modern audiences.
Keynote Fireside Chat: From Barbie to Men’s Wearhouse – Lessons in Transforming Globally Recognized Brands
Sapidah Shefa
Leader in transforming in-store journeys into immersive, tech-powered experiences.
The Roadrunner Roadmap: Transforming Shopping into a Fully Immersive Experience Using Cutting-Edge Technologies
🤖 AI and Innovation Leaders
Michael Sinoway
Leader in AI-driven search and personalization technologies.
Keynote Presentation: The State of Generative AI – Key Trends Shaping Business in 2025
Madhu Prabaker
Driving AI and product innovation in data-powered retail experiences.
Keynote Panel: Show Me the Money! AI Use Cases to Increase Productivity and Drive Results
💳 Loyalty and Customer Value Voices
Shelly Gardner
Guiding digital transformation and leadership during times of change.
Keynote: Elevating Your Leadership Game – Leading During Times of Transformation
Ellen Lin
Expert in creating authentic digital experiences that deepen customer loyalty.
Beyond the Cart – Transforming Post-Purchase Moments into Lifelong Customer Loyalty
📈 DTC and Growth Trailblazers
Jay Hunter
Driving DTC growth through social commerce and creator partnerships.
Cracking the Code on TikTok Shops – How MaryRuth’s Scaled to High 8 Figures, Profitably
Jeremy K. Balkin
Fintech innovator redefining refunds and post-purchase experiences.
Keynote Presentation: Revolutionizing Refunds – If Amazon Can Do It, So Can You
🔍 Sponsored Spotlight: Measurement That Matters
One theme you’ll hear across San Diego is how brands are using AI to test faster, reach new audiences, and diversify spend across TikTok, retail media, and performance channels. But testing without measurement is just noise.
That’s where Fospha comes in. Their platform gives retail and DTC marketers full-funnel measurement, combining the granularity of attribution with the predictive power of MMM - all while being privacy-safe. The result? Clarity on which channels generate demand, confidence in budget trade-offs, and measurable growth across the funnel.
Don't miss Jamie Bolton's (VP of Growth at Fospha) panel discussion on day two:
Jamie Bolton
4:15 PM PANEL DISCUSSION REMIX: Revolutionizing Your Approach to Attribution in an Omnichannel Environment
Are you effectively gauging the impact of your marketing investments across all your channels? Discover innovative methodologies that will transform your approach to attribution, enabling your ecommerce business to thrive in the interconnected omnichannel landscape.
🧠 One Final Thought: Show Up Strategic
Here’s how to make your eTail Connect West count:
✔ Bookmark sessions that reflect the way your team is actually structured
✔ Don’t just visit the booths — ask the hard questions around performance and ROI
✔ Think beyond brand — look at where marketing, product, and tech intersect
We’ll be back next week. Until then, stay sharp — and start building your game plan for San Diego.
Unofficially eTail Team
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