Highlights and recordings — they’re all here
If you couldn’t make it to Ascend 2024 in Brooklyn or simply want to revisit and share dynamic moments and thought leadership content from the global conference, you’re in the right place.
This year’s event brought together ecommerce innovators, experts, and leaders dedicated to helping their companies achieve long-term growth and profitability — even in the face of the ever-expanding threats of fraud and policy abuse. These are Ecommerce Champions, the new guard who drive change and ensure success, no matter what uncertainties come their way.
What keeps merchants coming back
Every expectation has been surpassed. The quality of the production, the people, the insights, and also the merchants — the highlight of the meeting was all these different people fighting the same fight, but doing it in their own way, which is super interesting.
Very lively conversations, a lot of thought leadership, and always a bit of fun as well, which is really nice.
Really valuable. Great to speak with peers, but also to speak with the Riskified team too. I love how we keep evolving the program and keep innovating in that way.
The Ecommerce Champions agenda
June 25
Arrive and join your fellow champions on the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s stunning rooftop to mix and mingle at the welcome reception.
June 26
Let the Champion sessions begin! You'll start with awards recognizing outstanding achievement, moving on to presentations of essential new research, guest speakers, and more. Dinner and specially curated events for you round out the day.
June 27
Building on the knowledge buzz from yesterday, today goes even further, with Championship stories of growth, customer experience, and profit, plus sessions with playbooks for success, small group sharing, and empowerment.
Meet experts tackling risk and ROI in new ways
Seth Godin
Best-selling author, blogger, and entrepreneur
Seth Godin is the author of 20 books that have been bestsellers around the world and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He’s also the founder of the altMBA and The Akimbo Workshops, online seminars that have transformed the work of thousands of people. He writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything. You might be familiar with his books "Linchpin," "Tribes," "The Dip" and "Purple Cow." His book,"This Is Marketing," was an instant bestseller around the world. "ThePractice" came out at the end of 2020 and is another bestseller. His project leading a worldwide group of volunteers created "The Carbon Almanac." In addition to his writing and speaking, Godin has founded several companies, including Yoyodyne and Squidoo. His blog (which you can find by typing “seth” into Google) is one of the most popular in the world. His podcast is in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide. In 2018, he was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame. More than 20,000 people have taken thepowerful Akimbo workshops he founded, including the altMBA and The Marketing Seminar.
Seth Godin is the author of 20 books that have been bestsellers around the world and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He’s also the founder of the altMBA and The Akimbo Workshops, online seminars that have transformed the work of thousands of people. He writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything. You might be familiar with his books "Linchpin," "Tribes," "The Dip" and "Purple Cow." His book,"This Is Marketing," was an instant bestseller around the world. "ThePractice" came out at the end of 2020 and is another bestseller. His project leading a worldwide group of volunteers created "The Carbon Almanac." In addition to his writing and speaking, Godin has founded several companies, including Yoyodyne and Squidoo. His blog (which you can find by typing “seth” into Google) is one of the most popular in the world. His podcast is in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide. In 2018, he was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame. More than 20,000 people have taken thepowerful Akimbo workshops he founded, including the altMBA and The Marketing Seminar.
Pascal Mafait
Senior Director of Fraud, Booking.com
Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com has grown from a small Dutch start-up to one of the world’s leading digital travel companies. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. Since joining Booking.com, Pascal has played a significant role in the organization’s scale-up of cybersecurity and fraud operations. Today he is responsible for the company’s global fraud team and strategy, ensuring the safety of millions of customer and supplier transactions and experiences. He leads a global team of 120 individuals comprising specialists in machine learning, engineering, product management and analytics. Pascal began his career at ING Group, where he gained extensive expertise in commercial banking, program management, and operational risk management. He also served as a general manager in hospitality in the South African bush for three years, honing his skills in strategic planning, team building, and operational management. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.
Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com has grown from a small Dutch start-up to one of the world’s leading digital travel companies. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. Since joining Booking.com, Pascal has played a significant role in the organization’s scale-up of cybersecurity and fraud operations. Today he is responsible for the company’s global fraud team and strategy, ensuring the safety of millions of customer and supplier transactions and experiences. He leads a global team of 120 individuals comprising specialists in machine learning, engineering, product management and analytics. Pascal began his career at ING Group, where he gained extensive expertise in commercial banking, program management, and operational risk management. He also served as a general manager in hospitality in the South African bush for three years, honing his skills in strategic planning, team building, and operational management. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.
Kacey Sharrett
Head of Direct to Consumer, GoPro
Kacey is currently Vice President, Direct to Consumer at GoPro where she is responsible for creating and executing the company’s strategy around eCommerce engagement and overseeing the Performance Marketing efforts of the organization. She’s been with the company since early 2021 and is stoked to be a part of their team. She previously served as the Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Operations at Barnes & Noble for five years, and prior to that had a 21-year retail career at Toys R Us where she started with the company as an Assistant Manager in stores and ultimately was named the Vice President of Omnichannel, developing the company’s industry-leading Omnichannel capabilities from the ground up in the early days of ecommerce. Kacey graduated from Drew University and currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two boys. She enjoys spending time outdoors, volunteering, and serving on boards for her local non-profit partners.
Kacey is currently Vice President, Direct to Consumer at GoPro where she is responsible for creating and executing the company’s strategy around eCommerce engagement and overseeing the Performance Marketing efforts of the organization. She’s been with the company since early 2021 and is stoked to be a part of their team. She previously served as the Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Operations at Barnes & Noble for five years, and prior to that had a 21-year retail career at Toys R Us where she started with the company as an Assistant Manager in stores and ultimately was named the Vice President of Omnichannel, developing the company’s industry-leading Omnichannel capabilities from the ground up in the early days of ecommerce. Kacey graduated from Drew University and currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two boys. She enjoys spending time outdoors, volunteering, and serving on boards for her local non-profit partners.
Srini Srinivasan
Chief Data & Security Officer, Chewy
Srini has been with Chewy since 2019, when he joined the company as Head of Security, Data and Corporate Systems. He is currently responsible for overseeing Information security, management of database systems, data and analytics platforms, fraud and abuse prevention, corporate systems and IT governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) across the company. Prior to joining Chewy, Srini held leadership roles at Citizens Financial Group as SVP of Enterprise Information Delivery and at Staples, Inc. as Global Technology Director for Enterprise Data and Corporate Systems.
Srini has been with Chewy since 2019, when he joined the company as Head of Security, Data and Corporate Systems. He is currently responsible for overseeing Information security, management of database systems, data and analytics platforms, fraud and abuse prevention, corporate systems and IT governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) across the company. Prior to joining Chewy, Srini held leadership roles at Citizens Financial Group as SVP of Enterprise Information Delivery and at Staples, Inc. as Global Technology Director for Enterprise Data and Corporate Systems.
Kunal Oswal
Director, Payments & Compliance, AURUS Inc.
Eido Gal
CEO & Founder, Riskified
Eido Gal is the CEO and cofounder of Riskified. Riskified was founded over ten years ago as a pioneer in AI-powered fraud management for ecommerce merchants. Eido has overseen and directly contributed to the amazing growth of the company, leading to an IPO in 2021 (NYSE: RSKD). As the only publicly held company in the category, Riskified partners with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including approximately 50 global retail, ticketing, online travel and other ecommerce merchants with annual GMV above $1 billion.
Eido Gal is the CEO and cofounder of Riskified. Riskified was founded over ten years ago as a pioneer in AI-powered fraud management for ecommerce merchants. Eido has overseen and directly contributed to the amazing growth of the company, leading to an IPO in 2021 (NYSE: RSKD). As the only publicly held company in the category, Riskified partners with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including approximately 50 global retail, ticketing, online travel and other ecommerce merchants with annual GMV above $1 billion.
Assaf Feldman
CTO, Riskified
Shahar Yaari
SVP, Product, Riskified
Jeff Otto
CMO, Riskified
Hilla Peled
SVP, Data Science, Riskified
Oren Amouyal
Director, Product Management, Riskified
T.R. Newcomb
SVP, Strategy, Riskified
Kevin Sprake
VP, Channel Partnerships, Riskified
Danielle Dzbanek
Sr. Director, Global Merchant Health, Riskified
Eyal Elazar
Sr. Director, Product Marketing, Riskified
Ann Tsunakawa
Product Marketing Manager, Riskified
Joe Gelman
Product Marketing Manager, Riskfied
Alon Livneh
Product Marketing Manager, Riskified
Shelly Assaf
Product Manager, Riskified
Inbar Rudik
Product Lead, Riskified
Annette Dvorak
Sr. Director, Account Management, Riskified
Mike Fusco
Director, Account Management, Riskified
Sponsors
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contributing thought leaders
Ascend 2024: Stunning views, convenient location
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
in Brooklyn Heights, NYC
This luxurious (and ultra-sustainable) waterfront retreat looks out upon the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in the heart of one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Take in the sweeping views of the East River, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan skyline, and experience the food, music, and energy of summer in the city.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is just 30 mins from JFK International Airport, 20 minutes from LaGuardia Airport, and 35 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport.
What you need to know — key travel FAQs
What is the weather like in NYC in June?
You can expect highs of around 80°F/18°C and lows around 65°F/18°C — perfect for taking a dip in the hotel’s outdoor pool, so don’t forget your swimsuit.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is business casual. If you have chosen an active excursion, you’ll want comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. You will have time before and after the excursions to change. Also, NYC is a walking city — you’ll want comfortable, supportive shoes when out and about.
How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
You can reach the venue via rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber, taxi, subway, or bus. Contact the hotel concierge for airport transportation arrangements and pricing at [email protected].
What are the hotel check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 4pm, and checkout is at 12pm. Please contact the hotel for baggage storage or early check-in availability.
Who do I inform if I have dietary restrictions?
This year’s menu will feature options for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and more. Please include your dietary restrictions in your registration form or email us at [email protected].
Highlights from Ascend 2023
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