Mobile Shopping Deconstructed: September Meetup with Gilt Groupe

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THE DISCUSSION

Let’s face it—the future of shopping is online and, more specifically, on your phone or tablet. Mobile commerce has been heralded as the fastest growing retail segment, and it is redefining how we make purchasing decisions.

Join us once again at 3rd Ward (https://www.3rdward.com/) for a lively discussion about the mCommerce landscape with two leaders from Gilt Groupe: Yonatan Feldman, the VP of Mobile, and Dominique Essig, the VP of Product Management. We’ll focus on Gilt’s mobile-specific innovations and the interplay between design and user experience—both what works and what doesn't. They've made their mobile experience unique for a vast range of luxury products, from dining and clothing deals to travel packages (they've even sold cars (http://mashable.com/2012/03/12/gilt-half-price-car/)!). Which features and design elements are most important? How should mobile platforms be aesthetically and functionally distinct from the desktop platform?

We'll also touch upon Gilt's general mobile strategy, purchasing habits/psychology, and where mCommerce itself is going.

THE STRUCTURE

• 7pm: event begins

• 7:30pm: moderated discussion

• 8:15pm: Q&A

• 8:45-10pm: mingling over refreshments

THE SPEAKERS

VP of Mobile Yonatan Feldman oversees the strategic development and execution of Gilt’s mobile efforts. Under his direction, the company launched its award-winning Gilt on the Go app for iPhone in 2009 and for iPad and Android in 2010. Since joining Gilt in 2007 as Director of Engineering, Yonatan has helped launch several business categories, including Gilt City, Gilt Japan, Gilt City Japan, and Gilt Taste.

Prior to joining Gilt, Yonatan served as the Chief Technology Officer of LQD Adrenalina, where he led the technology direction for the company’s brick-and-mortar retail, e-commerce, TV, and editorial divisions. He was also the owner of Milliped, where he provided expertise in database-backed web applications as well as database design and optimization.

VP of Product Management Dominique Essig joined Gilt in July 2013 and oversees the company's product development and user experience teams. In addition to possessing more than 10 years of online experience, she has expertise in North American and global product management, customer service and operations, site quality, customer advocacy, customer experience, and software development.

Prior to joining Gilt, Dominique spent 12 years at Travelocity.com. She held a number of senior- and director-level product management roles that involved developing global next-generation shopping initiatives for international brands, defining product strategies, managing product life cycles, and positioning new product releases, among other duties.

Hope to see you there!

Cheerio,

Yin

Co-Organizer, BKTK