Ecommerce Operations Summit 2021 Survival Guide

The rise of ecommerce has brought countless opportunities for growth to companies worldwide. But with each new opportunity comes a new challenge. One of the foremost of challenges for companies expanding into ecommerce is effectively growing and optimizing their order fulfillment operations. 

That’s why attending a trade show like Ecommerce Operations Summit can be so beneficial for an operation looking to collaborate, grow, and learn about the latest trends and challenges concerning the industry.

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If you plan on attending the Ecommerce Operations Summit 2021, then planning ahead can remove a lot of confusion and ultimately, help provide the best value for your operations overall.

What is the Ecommerce Operations Summit? Why should your team attend?

The Ecommerce Operations Summit is one of the only supply chain industry trade shows focused entirely on direct-to-consumer and omnichannel operations and fulfillment. The annual event usually takes place in the spring, however, this year’s event is scheduled for the fall. The Summit’s main features include workshops, keynote presentations, and educational sessions addressing the innovation, strategies, and tactics essential for today’s ecommerce environment. 

By coming to the show, you can see what other industry professionals are doing while gaining a better understanding of what is possible. You can also find partners to help create and implement strategies, applications, and technologies to allow your business to grow and ultimately, surpass your competitors.

Networking is a critical component of the event as well, as over 800 attendees are expected to attend this year’s event. These ecommerce professionals will gather to collaborate and discuss a number of solutions to challenges including—but certainly not limited to—shipping and delivery, fulfillment operations, omnichannel, customer experience, e-grocery, robotics, and many more.

How to Get The Most Out of Ecommerce Operations Summit 2021

1. Book travel accommodations far in advance.

The Ecommerce Operations Summit attracts hundreds of attendees each year. Because of this, it’s important to make travel plans far in advance of the show. The longer you wait to make plans, the chances of booking a room close to the show at a reasonable rate drastically decrease. 

The good news is the Summit offers exclusive discounted rates for attendees, however, it’s important to note that rooms at the Marriott Orlando World Center are limited and reservations are made on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

Simply put, the earlier you can make plans, the better. The Summit’s registration page offers contact information for any questions regarding travel plans, rates, and conference information as well.

2. Know how to get to the conference.

The Ecommerce Operations Summit offers an outstanding opportunity to grow your business, but with just a three-day window for events, it’s critical to make the most of your time. 

With that, it’s important to note that Orlando has consistently ranked as one of the most visited destinations in the U.S. So, given the city’s popularity, it’s vital to chart the best path to the conference without running into any unnecessary traffic delays or stoppages.

By understanding the best path to the Summit, along with the ideal timeframe for travel, you can alleviate any time consuming stresses or headaches. Also, before the week of the conference, check with your hotel to see if any shuttles are available for transport. And, don’t forget about the public transportation options provided by the city as well.

Still have questions? The Summit’s website provides an excellent resource for any questions or inquiries on their “contact us” page, which includes a live chat option for direct messaging with a member of the conference’s outreach team.

3. Identify your goals ahead of the show.

As previously mentioned, the Ecommerce Operations Summit is a great way to grow your business. However, it’s important to know where your business needs the most assistance before you arrive.

What areas do you need the most improvement? How can the conference help address those issues? Are there networking events where you can collaborate with other professionals to ultimately discuss solutions to similar problems?

These are all important questions to ask before going into the conference. Again, the conference is extremely valuable, but time is only limited to three days. That’s why you should identify your goals for the show before arriving in Orlando. Take a look at the overview of the conference and identify any and all specific areas of interest pertaining to your company’s goals. From there, it’s important to view the list of exhibitors and speakers to truly make the most of your time at the Summit.

For example, if you are planning on increasing the efficiencies of your order fulfillment operations, increasing automation, repurposing and improving your existing operations, you will find the team at Conveyco Technologies ready to help. Either set up a free consultation prior to the show or a meeting at the show to discuss your goals and objectives. 

4. Browse the list of exhibitors and presentations and make a list of your top priorities.

Before you head to Orlando, it’s important to check the list of speakers and exhibitors offered at the Summit. And, with the Orlando World Center Marriott containing a total event space measuring well over 300,000 feet, there are a lot of options to choose from. 

Also, considering the Summit will welcome nearly 1,000 attendees, it will simply be impossible to schedule a meaningful visit with every exhibitor and speaker over the course of three days.

That’s why it’s important to research the exhibitors and presentations ahead of time so that you can adequately establish an impactful and efficient conference schedule. Refer back to your goals and ask: Which exhibitor can my company identify with the most? What about speakers? Is there a presentation that specifically addresses an issue my company is currently facing?

By asking these questions during your pre-conference research, you can ensure a beneficial Summit experience full of learning and helpful collaboration. 

5. Identify networking opportunities and make plans to meet up.

Similar to virtually any trade show, the Ecommerce Operations Summit provides countless opportunities for attendees to connect with other industry professionals and experts. After researching those “can’t miss” exhibitors, presentations, and speakers, make plans to attend one of the many networking events offered at the Summit as well.

Is this your first time attending the conference? Then the “First Timers’ Program” is a must. With a focus on first-time attendees, the program offers a great ice-breaker for newcomers to network with scheduled events such as orientations, meet-ups, and happy hours.

Don’t forget about the welcome party either, as the event kicks things off for the week with food, games, and plenty of networking opportunities.

6. Make time for some fun.

The week of the Ecommerce Operations Summit offers a great chance to learn, grow, and advance your operations, but don’t forget to plan time for fun! 

With millions of visitors each year, it’s no secret that Orlando is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions and amusement parks. In other words, you have plenty of options when it comes to enjoying yourself in one of the Sunshine State’s most visited cities. Here are some attractions to keep in mind:

• When it comes to the full package of entertainment options, Lake Buena Vista has it all. From fine dining, music, comedy, dancing, and golf, Lake Buena Vista has something for everyone.
• Orlando is synonymous with world famous theme parks, such as Disney’s Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom. Check out one of the many family-fun parks surrounding the conference.
• For golf enthusiasts, be sure to check out the many golf courses around the area and schedule a tee time for your group.
• For other sports enthusiasts, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex offers an unparalleled experience, as the facility hosts more than 60 sports across ten world-class venues.
• Take a tour through the Kennedy Space Center and relive the Apollo program with moon launch and landing simulations and hear the history of NASA. (Note: If you plan on attending the Tuesday workshops, the Kennedy Space Center Tour does present a time conflict).

These are just a few attractions and fun activities to consider for the week of the Summit. Be sure to explore the other options Orlando has to offer as well, including special events, dining, shows, and much more!

Have a Plan

When it comes to making the most out of your Ecommerce Operations Summit experience, it’s important to have a plan of attack. From networking events, speaker presentations, transportation details, and even fun activities, it’s critical to plan ahead. Following the tips above will help ensure that the Summit is a valuable one for your team—one with the potential to impact your operations and bottom line.