A few weeks ago, the electrifying world of eCommerce collided with the high-speed realm of Formula 1 at the eCommerce Advisory Summit, an extraordinary event hosted by Trellis, alongside enterprise partners Bloomreach, PayPal, and BigCommerce. This exclusive gathering brought together 24 eCommerce leaders for a weekend of spirited conversations and unforgettable fun. Let’s dive into the thrilling recap of this unique event.

Jared Shaner with guests at F1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit — Jared Shaner with eCommerce leaders at Formula 1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit

“When we conceptualized this event, we wanted to create an atmosphere where eCommerce leaders could connect, learn from each other, and have a great time,” said Jared Shaner, CRO at Trellis, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event and was playfully dubbed the “Chief Reservation Officer” by the Formula 1 attendees. “The environment of things being laid back and focused on fun allowed for a safe space for folks to also share some of their current shortcomings faced or have challenging conversations without discomfort.”

The Formula 1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit took place over an action-packed long weekend from May 5th to May 7th, 2023. This wasn’t your typical “work event,” as attendees were treated to a blend of business and pleasure. The event was strategically located around the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. A custom city was created for the occasion, providing a remarkable backdrop that would vanish after the event. “The mini custom city around Hard Rock Stadium was an engineering marvel, and it allowed us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Miami,” said Shaner. Moreover, the proximity to the vibrant city of Miami added a touch of Cuban infusion to the experience.

The event brought together a diverse group of brands and strategists from various stages of growth for an eCommerce Summit. Attendees ranged from C-suite executives of major retail giants to inspiring challenger brands like Hobbiesville, a leading Canadian hobby retailer. The impressive guest list included participants from California, Texas, Canada, New York, and beyond, reflecting the widespread interest in this unique setup.

eCommerce leaders arriving at the eCommerce Advisory Summit in Miami — Guests arrived at the eCommerce Advisory Summit in Miami

“We were thrilled to bring together some of the brightest minds in eCommerce for this immersive experience,” said Isaiah Bollinger, CEO of Trellis. “The event allowed us to share knowledge, challenge perspectives, and build relationships that will continue to drive growth in the industry.”

The presence of industry thought leaders like Chris Hall (aka Ecomm Cowboy), Joel Pearson & Gregg Belbeck from BigCommerce, Joe Gregoritch from Bloomreach, Gonzalo Michanie & Bernardo Martinez from PayPal, Taylor Sicard, and Edmond Georges added tremendous value to the conversations and discussions.

Powerful Insights and Engaging Discussions:

Throughout the event, attendees engaged in lively conversations and debates. One of the hot topics was the impact of iOS 14 on customer acquisition strategies, leading to differing perspectives among participants. The significance of SEO also sparked discussions, with some emphasizing its value as a crucial investment for early-stage brands, while others championed the effectiveness of paid media for revenue growth. Additionally, the event provided an eye-opening experience for retailers accustomed to legacy enterprise systems, as they gained insights into the advantages of newer SaaS platforms like BigCommerce.

“While there were differing viewpoints on certain topics, it was incredible to witness the exchange of ideas and the willingness to learn from one another,” said Jared Shaner. “Aside from the insightful discussions, we also made sure to include exciting activities to enhance the overall experience,” added Isaiah Bollinger. “Congratulations to Ecomm Cowboy (Chris Hall) for winning the Topgolf eCommerce Summit and showcasing impressive skills.”

Ecomm Cowboy (Chris Hall), Topgolf eCommerce Summit winner

The intimate garden Italian dinner on the first night, curated by Jason Wong, delighted everyone with its delectable family-style food selections. Guests were able to savor the flavors while engaging in further conversations and building connections.

First Night Dinner with guests of F1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit — First Night Dinner

While there were no specific major updates or reveals at the event, the Formula 1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit left a lasting impression on all attendees. The unique and laid-back environment fostered a sense of community and allowed for candid conversations about challenges and shortcomings. Participants appreciated the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, expanding their networks and gaining valuable insights.

Reflecting on the event, Shaner shared, “A community of support with egos checked at the door is crucial for all of us in the eCommerce ecosystem. The Formula 1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit created that space, where attendees could openly share their experiences and learn from each other.”

Looking Ahead

One of the most significant takeaways from the event was the importance of cultivating a supportive community within the eCommerce ecosystem. The Formula 1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit demonstrated the effectiveness of an extended event format, providing the space for casual collaboration and brainstorming. Attendees highlighted the need for such environments outside of traditional conferences, where the pressure from vendors often hampers collaboration.

“Building a community of like-minded individuals is essential for growth and progress in the eCommerce industry,” emphasized Bollinger. “The Formula 1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit brought together exceptional talents, fostering connections that will continue to drive innovation and success.”

The Formula 1 Miami eCommerce Advisory Summit showcased the power of collaboration, the value of flexible systems, and the need for a supportive community within the eCommerce industry. As the event concluded, attendees departed with new connections, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm to drive eCommerce forward.

We look forward to the next thrilling event to bring together eCommerce thought leaders and merchants to converge and collaborate to shape the future of the industry. Check out the list of upcoming events and reach out to us for a free consultation on your project.