On a special anniversary episode of Talk Commerce, I sat down with eTail co-producers Kristin Schoenstein and Liz Robillard to unpack 25 years of the groundbreaking eTail conference. As pioneers in the e-commerce events space, Kristin and Liz gave an insider’s perspective on the evolution of email and the wider industry landscape.
The Essence of the eTail Conference Over 25 Years:
Spanning over two decades, eTail has been instrumental in nurturing the growth of ecommerce. From humble beginnings as a small gathering of 50 ecommerce professionals to hosting over 1,500 attendees yearly, eTail has scaled tremendously while retaining its identity as a tight-knit community event. As Kristin put it, “eTail feels like a family reunion each year.”
Exploring the Changing Landscape of Ecommerce Conferences:
In the early days, eTail was the only specialized conference for ecommerce professionals. But over the years, the industry has exploded with events catering to every ecommerce niche imaginable. “It’s incredible to see the diversity of conferences now focused specifically on areas like mobile commerce, marketplace selling, social commerce, and more,” Liz noted. “It represents the maturation of ecommerce.”
The Impact of Ecommerce Conferences on Online Retail:
Industry conferences like eTail have had an undeniable influence on shaping the growth trajectory of e-commerce. By fostering connections and knowledge sharing amongst peers, e-commerce conferences nurture innovation and push the envelope of what’s possible in online retail. “So many business partnerships and new technologies can trace their origins back to conversations that started at eTail,” Kristin revealed.
Questions and Reflections:
We had so many great questions about the evolution of eTail, the future of physical conferences in an increasingly digital world, and advice for first-time eTail attendees. Some key insights from Kristin and Liz:
- The value of in-person networking will not fade, even as virtual events gain traction
- Specialization will define the next generation of successful conferences
- First-timer advice: “Be open-minded, talk to everyone, and follow up.”
Unlocking 25 More Years of Community Commerce:
After 25 years of bringing together the brightest minds in ecommerce, the future looks bright for the eTail conference. Come ready to connect, learn, and unlock the next era of community commerce this year at eTail!
