Our speakers are some of the finest and most innovative minds in the digital retail community. Check back frequently as we add additional speakers to our program.

Click here to view the agenda. 

KEYNOTE: Rob Bondurant
VP, Marketing, Communications, Merchandising, Patagonia

Rob BonDurant is Patagonia’s Vice President of Marketing, Communications overseeing both the companies’ product and brand communications. He is the gatekeeper for the company. A passionate outdoorsman and environmentalist, Rob deeply believes in the company’s mission statement: make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. A nine-year veteran of Patagonia, Rob has also served as Patagonia’s Director of North American Sales, a division that supports over 50% of the companies domestic annualized sales. Rob also perfectly represents the companies “ Phunhog” philosophy which contributes to Patagonia’s compelling corporate vision and wonderful corporate culture. Rob’s marketing and branding philosophies have been featured in Fast Company, National Geographic Adventure, Wired, Fortune, Outside, numerous industry trade publications and most recently in the book: Spark: Be More Innovative through Co-Creation by John Winsor.
 
Prior to Patagonia, Rob spent six years at Deckers Outdoor Corporation working on the Teva Sport Sandal brand as their Director of Global Marketing and Design. As a resident of both the United Kingdom and the United States, Rob graduated from Oxford University in 1991 and holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago. Of all of Rob’s scholastic achievements, he is most proud to be a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Wednesday, May 6th:  Achieving Marketing Nirvana Despite the Recession

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KEYNOTE: Jay Dunn
Vice President, Marketing, Lane Bryant and Founder and President, Supergroup

Jay Dunn is Lane Bryant’s Vice President of Marketing, and Founder and President of Supergroup, the social network for marketing, new media, and design professionals (supergroup.ning.com).

In a diverse career spanning many disciplines, from graphic design to film & video to the latest web-based technologies and new media, Jay discovers innovative ways to synthesize the traditional and the new to create impact and sales via multiple channels of experience.

Combining his expertise in marketing, design, and branding with his passion for new media, social networking, and technology, Jay and his teams have produced award-winning campaigns that have reinterpreted retail marketing for Lane Bryant, Brookstone, and The Home Depot, among others.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Marketing Through The Apocalypse

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KEYNOTE: John Thompson
SVP and General Manager, Bestbuy.com

John Thompson is the senior vice president and general manager of BestBuy.com, the wholly owned Internet subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc., a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services. Thompson, named one of the “75 Most Powerful Blacks in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise (February 2005) and recipient of the Career Achievement Award from the retail systems group (April 2006), is responsible for all aspects of the business unit, including operations and P&L.

Thompson joined Best Buy as senior vice president of supply chain and business systems for Best Buy stores in April 2001. Prior to joining Best Buy, Thompson was chief information officer and senior vice president for customer service, information systems, distribution, logistics and e-business functions at Liz Claiborne, Inc. Thompson also spent several years at Goody’s Family Clothing, Inc. where he was chief information officer and executive vice president of merchandise planning and logistics. Prior positions include vice president of information systems and distribution for the Lee Apparel Company, a division of the VF Corporation and co-founder of Quick Response Services, Inc. He spent 15 years at General Electric Company with increasing levels of responsibility in marketing, logistics, finance and operations.

Thompson currently serves on the board of directors of.Best Buy Children’s Foundation, Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Standards (VICS), Belk Department Stores, BRAG (Black Retail Action Group), Walker Art Center and the Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation. Thompson has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mercy College.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Sweating Their Assets:  Best Buy's Journey to Multi-Channel Success

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John Ardis
VP, Corporate Strategy, ValueClick, Inc.

John Ardis joined ValueClick in March 2000 and serves as vice president of corporate strategy, where he is responsible for the development and management of strategic clients, as well as for the development of integrated client solutions across all of ValueClick's various businesses. From March 2000 to July 2001 Mr. Ardis served as ValueClick's vice president of marketing and managed the Company's public relations, advertising/promotions, and market research initiatives. Prior to joining ValueClick, Mr. Ardis gained more than eleven years of data-driven direct marketing experience with database marketing firm Customer Development Corporation - now ChoicePoint Precision Marketing - where he held vice president and managing director positions and was responsible for client development and management, as well as being involved in corporate strategy.

Mr. Ardis earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Measuring What Matters: The Secret of Marketing Channel Attribution

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Anne Ashbey
Online Marketing Executive

In her 15+ years of online leadership, Anne has spearheaded award-winning, customer-centric solutions for commerce, community and entertainment-based online businesses.  Most recently, Anne was Vice President, Internet Marketing for the nation’s premiere multi-channel gourmet food retailer, Harry & David (HarryandDavid.com, Wolfermans.com and Cushmans.com).  Prior to joining Harry & David in 2001, Anne was Director of Oxygen.com, where she helped pioneer the convergence of online community and television programming.  Anne is well-versed in all aspects of online marketing, including email, banner advertising, affiliate networks, SEM, SEO, and social media strategies.  In addition to serving on the Shop.org Board of Directors, Anne is a Moderator and Advisory Council member for Creative Good’s The Councils, a peer-to-peer learning network for executives.  A passionate supporter and former student of documentary filmmaking, Anne also serves at the President of the Board of Directors for the Ashland Independent Film Festival, in her hometown of Ashland, Oregon.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Measuring What Matters: The Secret of Marketing Channel Attribution

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Andy Clibanoff
Founder and CEO, PayParade

An avid e-commerce entrepreneur, Andy builds businesses that capitalize on fundamental shifts in shopper attitudes and behavior.  While his first company grew out of incipient demand for shopping online from large brands and retailers, his current start-up PayParade is now delivering one of the first platforms to drive sales from social networks and measure the effect of social shopping for these same brands and retailers.  Prior to PayParade, Andy worked for GSI Commerce in a business development capacity and for Jupiter Research covering e-commerce platforms.  He is a native Philadelphian where he lives with his wife and two children.  When not updating his social profile and connecting with friends and colleagues, he retreats to his mountain lake home where he can be skiing, snow-shoeing, boating, swimming, hiking, golfing or building unnecessarily large camp fires to toast mini-marshmallows.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Using Social Media to Optimize Your Email Marketing and Beyond

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Dustin Engel
Vice President, Strategy and Media, Range Online Media

A proven leader in online media and strategic marketing, Dustin Engel joined Range Online Media in 2006 to lead clients’ strategic marketing programs and to spearhead the rapid expansion of the media services and strategy practices at Range.  In his role as the Vice President, Strategy and Media, he heads up the Range Online Media new client business development team and offers clients and prospective clients strategic leadership and forward-thinking cross-media plans. He brought to Range over 9 years of experience in Internet technology, marketing and media strategy in both consumer and business products and services. 

Dustin has led strategic marketing and designed media campaigns for top-tier brands such as Match.com and American Greetings Interactive. He was a key member of the launch team of Blockbuster Online. In this role, he was instrumental in the online marketing efforts that allowed Blockbuster Online to be named the #1 online retailer in year-over-year growth of unique visitors by comScore Media Metrix.

As the Vice President, Strategy and Media, Dustin utilizes his strength in technology, business strategy and consumer behavior to help clients build their brands and drive success through online advertising. Dustin works with clients and their Range Account Services teams to ensure success from the strategy process through implementation. He represents Range and the interactive industry regularly at influential marketing conferences, like Search Marketing Expo and Shop.org, in the media and by writing for publications including iMedia Connection, OMMA Magazine and DM News.

Dustin is a graduate of Seattle University with a BA in Business Administration and a major in Marketing.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Measuring What Matters: The Secret of Marketing Channel Attribution

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Justin Foster
Co-Founder, VP Market Development, Liveclicker, Inc.

Justin Foster is currently serving as Founder & President at the Video Commerce Consortium (VCC) and Co-Founder & VP Market Development at Liveclicker, Inc.

The VCC is an early-stage trade association dedicated to advancing video in e-commerce. With over 400 members including the majority of the Top 500 Internet Retailers, the VCC is well-positioned for future growth. Liveclicker is a Silicon Valley startup dedicated to helping the web's leading online retailers multiply the power, reach, and potential of online video in e-commerce applications.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Tell a Story, Sell a Story: Building a Cross-Channel Video Commerce Strategy

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Patti Freeman Evans
Vice President, Research Director, Forrester Research

Patti is a leading expert on multichannel retail strategy, with 19 years of diversified experience, expertise in creating customer-centric ecommerce sites, integrating channels effectively, developing innovative marketing initiatives, and ensuring high-standard customer service and order fulfillment operations.

Patti was formerly a research director at JupiterResearch. Before joining JupiterResearch, she held leadership positions with leading internationally known companies like Bloomingdale's and Godiva Chocolatier. Most recently, she was director of shopping services with bloomingdales.com, where she touched on all aspects of the multichannel retail business. Brought on board to create and launch Bloomingdale's Bridal Registry Web site with WeddingChannel.com, Patti directed all aspects of the business, from concept to implementation, including backend customer service and store integration issues. In her previous capacities at Bloomingdale's she led the international marketing Department and implemented award-winning multiple-media marketing and retention programs. Further, Patti has done project work to develop interactive educational products for adults and children.

Patti has been quoted in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and Business 2.0, as well as in industry publications such as Internet Retailer and Executive Technology. Patti has also appeared on NBC Nightly News, CNBC, BBC, CNN, NPR, PBS, Fox Business News Network, and BNN.

She has taught eCommerce at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and is also the vice chairman of the board of directors for Shop.org. Patti earned a B.A. in business management and studio art from Franklin and Marshall College.

Wednesday, May 6th:  SORO Marketing Report Highlights (Prior to Rob Bondurant's Keynote Presentation)

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Pinny Gniwisch
Founder and EVP, Marketing, ice.com

Pinny Gniwisch started his adult life in Rabbinical College of Canada and graduated from Sydney University with a masters in Jewish law. Always appreciating a challenge, in 1995 he moved into his family jewelry business and spearheaded sales in the United States by securing business engagements with leading retailers such as Macys and Sears.
 
In 1999 he went on to found ice.com where he has taken the reins of marketing and been responsible for developing strategic alliances with a variety of distinguished Internet companies. Since it's inception, ice.com has risen in the ranks of successful online retailers, quickly reaching into the top 50 most profitable online retailers and the #1 trafficked jewelry website.
 
Pinny has consulted for such distinguished companies as Best Buy, Target and Victoria Secret on cutting edge internet marketing and merchandising. He has spoken for shop.org, etail, internet retailer and other major Internet industry events on vital online retailing topics ranging from search marketing, email marketing, personas, affiliate marketing, fraud, site design, blogs and customer retention.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Tell a Story, Sell a Story: Building a Cross-Channel Video Commerce Strategy

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Alison Jeske
Senior Director, Product Management, Drugstore.com

With a decade of experience in eCommerce, Alison Jeske has worked in customer acquisition, retention and customer service aspects for online retailers.  She was an early adopter of online shopping, planning almost her entire wedding in 2000 with vendors who had a web presence. She remains a passionate online shopper.
Alison is currently Director of Product Management for drugstore.com, inc., where she is responsible for defining site strategy, and implementing new site features to deliver an exceptional personalized shopping experience on the drugstore.com and Beauty.com web stores.
Prior to joining drugstore.com Jeske was a senior member of the eCommerce team at Cingular and AT&T Wireless. She has been a senior IT manager at Arthur Andersen, and in the banking industry. Jeske graduated Cum Laude from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in computer science.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Tell a Story, Sell a Story: Building a Cross-Channel Video Commerce Strategy

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Larry Joseloff
VP, Content, Shop.org

Larry Joseloff is currently the VP of Content for Shop.org where he is responsible for constructing the content and recruiting speakers for Shop.org events.  Larry also helped launch the Shop.org blog which has quickly become a popular communication tool for the Shop.org community. Prior to joining Shop.org, Larry served as Marketing Manager for The Discovery Channel where he directed the online affiliate program, along with managing the shopping comparison sites and portal relationships for the retail stores. Previously, Larry served as a Program Manager at Be Free/Commission Junction where he managed affiliate programs for clients such as Expedia, eBay, Gateway Computers and Verizon Wireless. Before joining Commission Junction, Larry was the Manager of Interactive Services for four years at The Electronic Newsstand (enews.com) – the Internet’s first magazine retailer. 

Tuesday, May 5th:  Fact or Fiction:  The Profitable Online Affiliate Program

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John Lazarchic
Vice President, E-Commerce, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.

John Lazarchic brings 20 years of retail experience, including 18 years in the Pet Industry, to his position as Vice President of E-Commerce for PETCO Animal Supplies.  John joined PETCO in 2000, with their acquisition of Petopia.com where he was the Director of E-Commerce during Petopia's initial launch onto the Internet.  In his current role, John is responsible for all aspects of PETCO's E-Commerce Site, including Site Design and Functionality, Merchandising, Marketing, and Business Development.  In addition to the E-Commerce responsibilities, John is leading the company's pilot program to include commerce-based kiosks in their retail stores.
 
Prior to joining the Internet Boom in 1999, John worked for both Petland and Superpetz as Director of IS, where he was responsible Point of Sale, Accounting and Distribution Systems, including the selection and implementation of new platforms.  Before switching to the world of Information Systems, John also work for Docktors Pet Centers and Petsmart on the Store Operations side of the business.  This experience in both Brick and Mortar Operations and Information Systems has allowed him to bring a broad, well-rounded perspective to the online pet category.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Measuring What Matters: The Secret of Marketing Channel Attribution

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Jeanniey Mullen
EVP & CMO Zinio, EVP & CMO VIV, & Founder, Email Experience Council

Jeanniey Mullen provides more than two decades of accomplishment-laden experience in the email, interactive and digital marketing realm. She is considered by many, a force of unending energy, focused on driving revenue, improving brand impact and increasing customer relationships; all by harnessing the power of a digital dialogue and integrating it in to every possible touchpoint in the on and offline worlds.

Currently, Jeanniey Mullen is as a Senior Partner, and the Global Executive Director of the Email Marketing and Digital Dialogue Practice at OgilvyOne Worldwide. She is also the founder and Executive Chair of the Email Experience Council (recently purchased by the DMA).  In her role at Ogilvy, Jeanniey is responsible for leading the worldwide efforts that use digital dialogues and email to create powerful, meaningful and profitable customer communication strategies that can be integrated with existing brand and direct marketing efforts.

Prior to joining OgilvyOne, Jeanniey founded and ran her own interactive agency. Before that, she served as the CMO and EVP at Avalon Digital Marketing Systems, where she helped launch one of the first B2B email platforms that incorporated on-demand video into the email message. Jeanniey is recognized in the industry as pioneering the first global email marketing practice, and was named one of the top 25 media people to watch while at Grey Direct.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Using Social Media to Optimize Your Email Marketing and Beyond

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Jason Roussos
President & COO, Living Direct

Jason Roussos heads up Living Direct, Inc. which operates CompactAppliance.com, PortableAirshop.com, HotWaterSource.com, Kegerator.com, and LivingDirect.com. He has been involved in the e-commerce world since its infancy and has a deep background in multi channel retail, operations, systems implementation, and direct marketing. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Texas and an MBA from Arizona State University.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Fact or Fiction:  The Profitable Online Affiliate Program

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Nick ShethDirector, Business Development, The Gap Inc. Direct

Nick Sheth is Director of Business Development at Gap Inc Direct, where he leads the online acquisition marketing efforts for all of the Gap Inc brands.  In addition to managing the SEM, SEO, affiliate, CSE, display and social media programs, his team constantly evaluates and tests new marketing vehicles that are presented to the company.  Previously, he led the sales and business development efforts for Like.com, and spent several years at Overture/Yahoo! where he was instrumental in launching and growing paid search programs in the United States and across Europe.  Earlier he held a number of product management and business development roles at CNET Networks.  He started his career in management consulting at Accenture.  Nick has degrees in Molecular Biology and Business from the University of Texas at Austin.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Using Social Media to Optimize Your Email Marketing and Beyond

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Craig Shields
Vice President, E-commerce, Jewelry Television

Craig Shields serves as the Vice President of E-commerce for Jewelry Television where he is responsible for the strategic direction of online merchandising, marketing and new business development strategies for sites operated by Jewelry Television.  Craig has over a decade of experience in the Internet and E-commerce ranging from Marketing, Merchandising, Product Management, Development, and Design.  Craig holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Tuesday, May 5th:  Fact or Fiction:  The Profitable Online Affiliate Program

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Stephan Spencer
Founder and President, Netconcepts

Stephan M. Spencer, M.Sc., is Founder and President of Netconcepts, a leading natural search marketing firm. Clients include Cabela's, HSN, AOL, SuperPages.com and Discovery Channel, to name a few.

Stephan is an author of the upcoming O'Reilly book "The Art of SEO" with co-authors Rand Fishkin, Jessie Stricchiola, and Eric Enge, due out in the Fall. Stephan is also a Senior Contributor to MarketingProfs.com and to Practical Ecommerce, a monthly columnist on Search Engine Land, and he's contributed to Multichannel Merchant, DM News, Catalog Age, Catalog Success, Building Online Business, Unlimited, and NZ Marketing magazine among others. He is co-author of the analyst report "The State of Search Engine Marketing 1.0 - New Strategies for Successful Cataloging" published by Catalog Age.

Stephan is a frequent speaker at Internet conferences around the globe (including Berlin, London, Toronto, Santiago, Auckland, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and places in between) for organizations such as the DMA, the AMA, Shop.org, Internet Retailer, SMX, IncisiveMedia (Search Engine Strategies), IQPC and IIR.

Stephan is an avid blogger. He blogs primarily on his own blog, StephanSpencer.com.

Wednesday, May 6th:  SEO Interactive Power Session: 90 Minutes of Pure ROI

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Cindy Thomas
Senior Marketing Manager - QuickBooks/Quicken Affiliate Programs, Intuit

Cindy Thomas has been with Intuit for 7 years. She launched Intuit’s first affiliate program under the QuickBooks brand in 2003 and its success quickly spurted the rollout of the Quicken affiliate program.  Her experiences and responsibilities for the development of the strategies of both programs branded her as a mentor and guide for the other Small Business brand affiliate launches for MyCorporation and Merchant Services. 

Prior to joining Intuit, Cindy was the VP of Corporate Sales for Gateway Computers where she became an early adopter of affiliate marketing and pioneered the program’s strategy.  Cindy has lead Senior Management positions at General Electric and Hasbro Toys. She is a Six Sigma certified Master Black Belt and a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing. 

Tuesday, May 5th:  Fact or Fiction:  The Profitable Online Affiliate Program

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