I’m just back from the ShopTalk Retail and eCommerce conference in Las Vegas, along with 8,000 other retail executives, start-up founders and continual learners, where we participated in the industry conversation and heard from those important innovators who are leading the charge. Here in our Digital Retailing and Consumer Experience Management programs at UNT, we feel it is of utmost importance that we invest in making sure we are always up-to date and current, staying in alignment with the industry that will employ our graduates.

Every industry conference tends to have an ongoing buzz – that big issue that is most weighing on people’s minds and pressing to be addressed.  Without a doubt, the undeniable theme at ShopTalk was the ongoing dialog that the customer now must be in the center of all actions, decisions and investments. And the subtext was around the next generation of employees who will thrive in this new digital landscape. That’s great news for us, as industry continues to reach out and connect with academic partners such as UNT for valuable research and talent.

There were far too many thought-provoking and innovative speakers to mention, but here is a sample of some of the best dialog:

Mark Lore from Jet.com / Walmart.com shared the company’s strategies for the future

Mary Dillon of Ulta Beauty shared how they are constantly innovating in their stores

Billy May from Sur La Table discussed adapting to changing consumer Behavior

Emily Weiss of Glossier shared how they have shaken up the cosmetics industry

Mary Beth Laughton from Sephora discussed delighting customers through personal interactions

It was a packed three day agenda that left everyone energized and ready to figure out how to best continue serving these constantly changing customers.