We’re excited to see everyone on September 14th at The Information's WTF Summit. Our masterclass breakout sessions are an important part of the Summit. At this year’s event, we’ll have two sets of 45-minute breakout sessions. Here’s a preview of this year’s topics.
For sponsorship and group ticket information, please email [email protected].
11:00 am
1. Reaching the Customers of the Future Using AI & Analytics
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the customer acquisition process has grown exponentially over the last decade, and we can only expect that to continue further. Customers of the future are going to expect a benchmark level of personalization in their decision making and purchase decisions when they interact with brands and companies. But there’s also the concern over just how much control we want to hand over to the algorithm to influence our lives. Our panelists will discuss what’s next for AI as it pertains to marketing and customer acquisition as well as the role that data and analytics are playing in this environment.
Speakers to include:
- Lakshmi Sharma, Chief Product and Chief Strategy Officer, Fastly
- Lauren Wiener, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group
- Cassandra Johnson, VP of Customer Care & Vendor Management Office for Google Devices & Services
- Moderated by Laura Mandaro, Managing Editor, News and Talent, The Information
2. Is Social Media Even Social Anymore?
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have long been predicated on following people you know. But as social media users have been more reluctant to share to a broader audience, social media companies, driven by TikTok’s rise, have adapted by pushing more recommended content into feeds. We’ll discuss the rise of entertainment-focused social platforms and where things go next.
Speakers to include:
- Stephanie Smith, Head of Talent Strategy, UTA IQ
- Katelin Holloway, Founding Partner, 776
- Melinda Chung, VP, Marketing, VSCO
- Moderated by Kaya Yurieff, Creator Economy Reporter, The Information
12:00 pm
1. Cashless Society: Digital Payments and Fintech
As digital transformation fuels fintech sector growth, new infrastructures, business models, providers, products and cross-border usage will shape market outcomes in profound ways. During this session, our panelists will discuss the outlook for trends in e-commerce, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) and other payments technologies. We’ll ask the panelists about the fintech technologies that they believe are the most innovative and how fintech companies are charting a sustainable path to growth and helping other businesses do the same.
Speakers to include:
- Peggy Alford, EVP, Global Sales, PayPal and Member of Meta and Macerich Boards
- Sherri Haymond, EVP, Digital Partnerships, Mastercard
- Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board
- Moderated by: Erin Woo, Reporter, The Information
2. Workplace Trends – What’s Next
In this session we’ll discuss what’s to come for workplace trends as the world returns to work after two years of disruption to traditional work models. What are savvy employers doing (and not-doing) to hire and retain key talent? We’ll discuss what the future holds for remote, hybrid and flexible work arrangements, diversity & inclusion, how to foster professional development and growth opportunities and what employees are looking for in an employer.
Speakers to include:
- Stephanie LeBlanc-Godrey, Global Head of Inclusion for Women of Color, Google
- Megan Bazan, VP, People & Communities, Cisco
- Moderated by Annie Goldsmith, Reporter, The Information
