As we settle into April, we’re still buzzing with energy from our busy month of March, most of which we spent in Las Vegas for back-to-back conferences. Between Shoptalk US and Adobe Summit, various team members sporting Algolia vests, jackets, and lanyards spent the better part of two weeks showcasing Algolia AI Search under the LED lights of Sin City conference centers.

Our calendars were chock-full with presentations and panel sessions, book signings, live demos, and networking dinners. We even hopped on TikTok trends and partied to a set from DJ Diesel. (You may know him as Shaquille O’Neal. 😆)

But it wasn’t Shaq’s set that carried us into April—though it did help. It was the buzz of crowded keynote sessions, those quick chats shared while filtering out of session rooms, the conversations fueled by pumped-in oxygen and convention center coffee, and the general excitement around building really great customer experiences.

Here are our takeaways from the events.

 

AI continues to dominate the conversation

No surprise here: artificial intelligence was a central theme at both conferences. Not only did presenters highlight how AI can optimize current processes and workflows, they also emphasized the growing importance of AI in driving retail innovation. AI holds tremendous potential for transforming customer experiences, from enhancing product search and discovery to powering shoppable video experiences.

While there remains a general excitement about the role of AI in retail, there is also a recognition that it’s not a quick-fix for industry challenges. Success in retail still requires a strong focus on fundamentals—like product curation and authentic brand experiences—and it’s essential to approach AI adoption thoughtfully to ensure that it complements, rather than replaces, human creativity and expertise.

 

Personalized experiences are key

Personalization at scale was also a prevalent theme throughout both events. In the era of shortened attention spans and an abundance of options, tailoring experiences to individual customer preferences is more important than ever.

By leveraging data and AI-powered tools, retailers can create engaging, adaptive customer journeys that respond to real-time behavior, boost customer engagement, and drive higher conversion rates.

Real-time data is key for successful merchandising

Two words: unified commerce. It’s what every retailer dreams of. But to achieve this desired state where customer experiences are completely integrated and frictionless, dozens of pieces must fall into place. And a massive piece of the puzzle is data-driven merchandising.

For merchandisers to keep up with constantly evolving trends and customer expectations, centralization, control, and real-time data are key. Platforms like Algolia’s Merchandising Studio enable merchandising teams to centralize and create more efficient workflows, implement AI-powered tools without sacrificing manual control, and track key data points in real-time. Businesses benefit when blending the art and science of merchandising, and customers do, too.

 

See you on the road?

Our planes, trains, and automobiles are booked for upcoming events around the world. Be sure to say “hi” if you see those Algolia jackets out and about! Or if travel isn’t on your calendar, there’s always the option to book a meeting from home.