We recently shared our picks for the best retail tech conferences this year. But if you’re deciding between sessions — or helping plan an event yourself — you’re probably asking: Who’s actually worth hearing from?
These are the builders, operators, and technologists shaping the future of retail. The ones who bring substance over soundbites, and who can speak directly to the real challenges of modern commerce: scaling systems, navigating supply chain volatility, and building durable brands.
If you're looking for speaker ideas, inspiration, or just a smarter way to spend your time at this year’s events, start right here.
A great follow for: retail IT professionals, cloud application developers
Emerging as one of Google’s leading voices on AI integration, Thomas Kurian takes a bold stance for research over marketing and results over hype — all while keeping his sights set on the future. He’s been at the helm of Google Cloud for more than 6 years, and he’s one of THE key players to pay attention to when it comes to AI’s role in retail technology and software solutions.
Check out some of Thomas’ written content and recent appearances:
A great follow for: software developers, AI enthusiasts
Jeanine has spent much of her career in the world of Cloud computing and marketing, from Canon to IBM, GE, Amazon Web Services, and now Google. She helms the Developer X team, the good folks responsible for putting together the back end that makes all of Google's services work. If you're a retail tech developer, you’ll want to pay attention to Jeanine’s unique insights into the world of coding and AI.
Check out more of what Jeanine has to say:
A great follow for: apparel or children’s apparel professionals, brand developers
Dedicated to driving retail technology to new heights through innovation and creativity, Alicia is a unique voice in the children’s retail space. As a specialist in tech strategy and brand communications, you can trust her views on the industry to be laser-focused and forward-thinking.
Listen to Alicia's interview about retail and ecommerce strategy in the AI era.
A great follow for: eCommerce startups, retail brand managers
One of the biggest retail success stories of the last five years, True Classic is the result of Ben’s pioneering vision to champion comfortable menswear. With the brand catapulting from ecommerce giant into a staple big-box brand with dedicated store fronts, there’s a lot you can learn from business strategy to marketing and inventory management.
Learn more about Ben and True Classic:
A great follow for: hospitality and telecom professionals, AI enthusiasts
David made a name for himself in recent years as a RETHINK Top Retail Expert and frequent panelist in the retail conference circuit. Specializing in vertical marketing strategy and brand-building, he’s made a significant impact on the tech-forward trajectory of Verizon.
If you want to learn from David:
A great follow for: toy industry professionals, growing brand leadership
Sharon Price John is one of the most notable women in the children’s retail space. She’s a champion for joy and human-centered stories, while putting her heart into everything she does. If you’re growing a brand in the toy industry, pay attention — she’s grown Build-A-Bear substantially since she’s been at the helm.
Listen to Sharon’s story:
A great follow for: accessory industry and DTC leadership
Recently recognized as a CommerceNext Leader to Watch, Eleanore has made a name for herself as a DTC powerhouse for Fossil Group. She’s pioneered consumer-centric approaches that have brought the Fossil brand to more customers than ever, both online and in-person.
Hear from Eleanore on SiriusXM’s Pass the Mic.
A great follow for: apparel and retail marketing professionals
Kim has taken the sneaker world by storm! As both the thought leader and the voice behind many of Foot Locker’s recent reinventions, she’s given her all to shaping a truly unique customer experience. Her focus on brand presence and customer satisfaction makes her someone to really pay attention to — especially if you’re a growing retail brand interested in building storefronts.
Check out these interviews below if you want to learn from Kim:
A great follow for: culture makers, customer service professionals
Tom isn’t an ordinary executive (like the others on this list!) — he’s dedicated to the recognition of the workers who spend their time making sure Walmart and Sam’s Club operate smoothly. The sense of gratitude he brings to his online presence makes him an undeniable culture-maker in the retail space. He also frequently shares his fantastic insights into marketing and customer service during his speaking engagements, so keep an eye out for him this year!
Hear about retail from Tom’s perspective:
A great follow for: beauty industry professionals and influencers
Since taking the reins from founder Emily Weiss in 2022, Kyle has cemented Glossier’s evolution from a cult DTC brand to a thriving omnichannel retailer. She’s an open book when it comes to sharing brand strategy, digital marketing insights, and taking a stand for diversity in the corporate world.
Check out Kyle’s thoughts on retail trends in 2025:
Not only is our VP of Marketing, June Cho, going to be co-hosting the AI Summit for eTail Boston 2025, we also want to shout out some of the enterprising and forward-thinking speakers at the event. For those who don’t know, eTail is THE place for senior and executive retail tech leaders to get together and shape the direction of their respective industries — these events are often an exclusive, invite-only experience, but the Boston event is open to ALL retail tech professionals!
A great follow for: developers, retail ops leaders, and marketers
June cut his teeth leading developer advocacy at Microsoft and scaling go-to-market at multiple YC-backed startups. As VP of Marketing at Tailor (hey that’s us!), June helps fast-growing retail brands fix broken ops and build smarter, AI-powered systems. He’s also an emerging voice on the retail tech circuit and recently moderated a panel at eTail Connect East and is co-hosting the AI Summit at eTail Boston.
Learn more about ERPs from June:
A great follow for: retail apparel professionals, retail marketers
Sarah is a confident voice in the online shopping and retail apparel industry. Not only is she an expert in transitioning brands from physical to digital (and back again), Sarah is also deeply interested in the future of omnichannel. Along with being the CRO at NAADAM, she’s the Interim CEO at Ace of Air, a circular beauty and wellness brand. If you’re attending eTail Boston, be sure to check out her keynote panel on how AI is transforming eCommerce and Digital marketing!
Hear from Sarah on this Brand Innovators Livecast panel.
A great follow for: retail marketing and eyewear professionals
With affiliate marketing and brand partnerships exploding in the online retail space, Kayla is a powerfully insightful voice. She’s been building and growing affiliate programs since 2017, and is a seasoned director of content strategy and collaborations. If you’re attending eTail Boston, don’t miss her keynote panel on how AI is transforming eCommerce and Digital marketing.
Catch Kayla’s insights on the opening keynote panel from iPX 2024!
A great follow for: retail apparel and AI software professionals
If it’s product strategy you need, Noah is someone you’ll want to pay attention to. With his long history shaping retail products and creating stellar customer and user experiences, he’s spearheaded much of Stitch Fix’s ongoing success in the personal styling industry. If you’re attending eTail Boston 2025 be sure to check out his keynote on how AI is personalizing retail!
Hear more from Noah:
A great follow for: beverage and food industry professionals and event coordinators
As a seasoned sales, marketing, and events professional, Stephanie is a truly stand-out voice that professionals operating in physical retail environments ought to pay attention to. As the Director of eCommerce at Torani, she seamlessly blends the physical presence and the online presence of the popular beverage flavoring brand.
Listen to Stephanie discuss customer experience and tentpole events on eCommerce Braintrust.
If this list tells you anything, it’s that the future of retail belongs to the bold: the operators who think strategically, move fast, and build for resilience. Whether you’re leading an eCommerce brand, scaling an omnichannel operation, or exploring how AI can sharpen your competitive edge, these speakers are worth your time.
At Tailor, we’re lucky to have a front-row seat to these conversations — and to be part of them. Our team lives and breathes operational complexity, helping growing retail businesses replace rigid systems with flexible, composable ones. With Tailor Omakase, we’ve reimagined what ERP should look like: fast to launch, easy to use, and built for change.
Curious how we can help your business scale smarter? Schedule a demo with us today and let’s talk.
