Five Ways to Get the Most from ShopTalk 2023 (the 2018 Edition)

*** I wrote this post in 2018, looks like most or all still apply FIVE YEARS LATER!

Next week over 8,000 attendees, half of which are VP-suit and above, will descend upon the desert in Las Vegas, Nevada. The #shoptalk show is clearly the most buzzworthy and valuable conference for consumer brands, merchants and startups who are invested in the future of commerce.

The show is focused on innovation and strategy (specifically how consumers are shopping today and how that behavior is changing).

Living in San Diego has afforded me many trips to Vegas, both for business and for pleasure. Having done several conferences over the years, here are five strategies to get the most out of #ShopTalk 2018.

1 - Attend a Session That Has "Nothing" to do with Your Job

There is so much to learn from the innovation taking place beyond the silo you live in. If you are in merchandising for an Amazon competitor, attend a session focused on venture capital. If you are an old school slow CPG, attend a session featuring a brand you've never heard of. After all, the show is comprised about 1/3rd each retailers/brands, tech companies and media/analyst. Take advantage.

2 - Spend Some Real Time During the Breaks Window Shopping the Booths

Besides scoring killer gear for your spouse and kids, there is tremendous innovation from the vendor side. You will learn a new way to measure what you thought was unmeasurable. You will learn a merchandising strategy that blows your mind. You will learn about what the future holds and be able to bring that back to colleagues. And a tip, the salespeople at these booths often have a view into trends you haven’t yet seen in your industry, after all, they spend a lot of time in conversations understanding your competitors battles.

3 - Say Hi!

Networking is one of the biggest benefits of having everyone at the Venetian. Don't be afraid to say hi. People at this show are friendly and approachable. You will make new friends and you will absorb how other smart people are looking at the future of retail. Heck, you may even find a new job! And talk to people you normally wouldn't talk to. If you are 55 years old seek out a 25 year old, and vice-versa. It's OK to not only network with people who are as cool as you look in the mirror.

4 - Allow for Serendipity

Do not have every hour of your day booked. If you do that you lessen your chance for discovery. If you are a speaker, don't fly in right before your speech and fly out right after. You've made the effort to get to the show, make the most of the time and money you or your company is spending. Walk the floor, talk to the person next to you during one of the tracks, at Starbucks, in one of the casino lounges, you get it.

5 - Take Care of Yourself

The dryness of the desert coupled with alcohol and salty food leads to chapped lips, dry mouth and dehydration.

The top three tips are: one glass of water for every drink, chapstick before your lips indicate they need it, go for a run or a walk early in the morning along the strip