Question 1

When can I start my profile for Shoptalk Spring?

Accepted Answer

The meetup scheduling process will start on Tuesday, February 23rd, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event.

Question 2

When is the deadline to complete my profile for Shoptalk Spring?

Accepted Answer

The deadline to complete your profile is Wednesday, Febraury 26th at 5PM PT.

Question 3

When will everyone's profiles be shared?

Accepted Answer

All profiles will be shared at the same time on March 1st during Requests stage.

Question 4

What kind of information should I include in my profile?

Accepted Answer

In your profile, you should include information about yourself, such as your background, experience, expertise, and any other relevant details that would help others determine if they want to meet with you. You can select from a range of industry-specific data points, which consists of over 100 options to choose from.

Question 5

How can I indicate my availability for meetings?

Accepted Answer

You can provide your availability, or you can default to being fully available, and invites will be sent to block your calendar accordingly. Being available for more time slots increases your chances of scheduling meetings. If you are joining us at a Hosted Retailer & Consumer Brand you must be available for all 16 time slots and will not be able to adjust your availability.

Question 6

Can I change my availability after submitting my profile?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can change your availability any time until March 15th at 5PM PT. *If you are a Hosted Retailer & Consumer Brand , you should be available for all 16 Meetup timeslots as part of the Hosted program.

Question 7

Is it recommended to share my participation on social media?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are encouraged to click "Post on Social" to inform your X followers and LinkedIn connections that you are participating in Shoptalk Spring. Additionally, you can add your profile photo while you're there.

Question 8

What is the requirement for Hosted Retailer & Brand participants?

Accepted Answer

Hosted Retailer & Brand participants are required to be available for all 16 time slots, and take up to eight (8), 15-minute onsite meetings with participating sponsors

Question 9

Can I choose to have non-hosted meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, during your registration, you have the option to indicate if you want to participate in Non-Hosted Meetings in addition to your requirement of up to eight (8) 15-minute onsite meetings with participating sponsors (Hosted Meetings). When completing your profile, you will be asked to confirm your choice. It is recommended to do both Hosted and Non-Hosted Meetings to maximise your Shoptalk experience. However, this is optional.

Question 10

What is the registration and cancellation deadline for Meetup participation

Accepted Answer

The registration deadline for Meetup participation is Friday, Febraury 26th. Hosted Retailers & Consumer Brands: If you are approved for the Program but become unable to participate even though you are still with your organisation, you agree to suggest one or more substitutes from your organisation as your replacement in the Program. Acceptance of any substitute is subject to our prior approval via email. If you cancel your participation in the Programme and are not able to provide a substitute approved by us, this may result in you being placed on a blacklist that will prevent you from qualifying for the Program for one or more future years. If you cancel your participation in the Program after Shoptalk Spring has initiated the meeting selection process via the Platform (as outlined in the Program guidelines) and are no longer able to attend the Event or send an approved substitute from your organisation as your replacement to participate in the Programme on your behalf, then Shoptalk reserves the right to charge your credit or debit card per the authorisation you agree to below a one-time cancellation fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) and you will not be eligible for any travel/hotel reimbursement outlined here.

Question 11

When can I start requesting meetings?

Accepted Answer

You can start requesting meetings on Monday, March 1st.

Question 12

When is the deadline to complete my meeting requests?

Accepted Answer

The deadline to complete your meeting requests is Wednesday, March 10th at 5PM PT.

Question 13

What is the request meeting stage?

Accepted Answer

This is your time to start selecting everyone you are interested in meeting with by marking them as "Relevant" or "Super Relevant" and providing a reason.

Question 14

How should I indicate my interest level for meetings?

Accepted Answer

You should indicate your interest level as either "Very Relevant" or "Relevant." Meetings marked as "Very Relevant" will be scheduled first before "Relevant" ones.

Question 15

How many meeting requests should i make?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to make meeting requests equal to at least 4 times the number of time slots you are available for.

Question 16

Where does recommended number of requests come from?

Accepted Answer

In order to ensure we will be able to schedule you a complete meeting schedule, we recommend you make a minimum of 4 times the number of time slots you are available for. If you are available for all 16 time slots, that equals 64 selections. This is because only mutual matches during available time slots will become scheduled meetings, and therefore, our algorithm accounts for (1) meeting requests that you make, (2) participant also agreeing to meet with you, (3) priortiztion by both the other party and you (Relevant vs Very Relevant selections), and (4) potential calendar availability/conflicts.

Question 17

Can I select multiple people from the same organization for meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can select multiple people from the same organization for meetings. When we run our scheduling algorithm, we will first schedule to meet with only 1 individual from any organization. Only after we schedule all of your meetings with unique organization , and if you still have available time slots, we will then schedule you for additional meetings with the same organization so that you can fill up your schedule!

Question 18

Are there any tools to help with making selections?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use filters to quickly and efficiently make your selections. You can also use the quick search on the upper right side.

Question 19

Who should I choose to meet with?

Accepted Answer

Select everyone from an organisation you would want to meet and spend 15 minutes with!

Question 20

Can Organization Admins request meetings on behalf of participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Organization Admins can request meetings on behalf of participants from their organization.

Question 21

When can I start opting in to meeting requests from people I didn't previously select?

Accepted Answer

You can start opting in to meeting requests from people you didn't previously select during the Opt-in stage.

Question 22

What is the deadline to opt in to meeting requests?

Accepted Answer

The deadline for opt-in is Monday, March 15th 5pm PT.

Question 23

Why is it important to opt in to meeting requests?

Accepted Answer

Opting in to meeting requests allows you to reciprocate interest and potentially schedule meetings with individuals who have requested to meet with you. The more requests you opt in to, the more meetings you are likely to get. We facilitate meetings based only on meetings that are double opt-in (both parties expressing interest) so please opt-in to every request from someone you’d spend 15 minutes with.

Question 24

Can Organization Admins opt in to meeting requests on behalf of participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Organization Admins have the ability to opt in to meeting requests on behalf of participants from their organization.

Question 25

When will I receive an email to review and view my meetings?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an email on Tuesday, March 16th at 9 am PT to review your meetings.

Question 26

Can I add a registered colleague to my meetings?

Accepted Answer

No, all meetings are one to one and only the individual who booked the meeting can take it.

Question 27

Where are the meetings held?

Accepted Answer

All meetings are held in a dedicated Meetup area.

Question 28

How can I find out where to go for my meetings?

Accepted Answer

You can check the Shoptalk Spring mobile app or the Shoptalk Spring platform for the assigned table number for each meeting. The table numbers will indicate where you should proceed for each scheduled meeting.

Question 29

When should I arrive at the Meetup area?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to arrive at the Meetup area 5-10 minutes before your first scheduled meeting. There is no check-in required, but if you have any questions, there will be a Meetup info desk available.

Question 30

What should I do if the person I'm supposed to meet doesn't show up?

Accepted Answer

If the person you're scheduled to meet doesn't show up, give them 5 minutes' grace. If they still haven't joined the meeting, you can click the "Mark as No Show" button in the Shoptalk mobile app.

Question 31

Are there any guidelines or rules to follow during the meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, here are some do's and don'ts: • Do join each meeting on time and ensure you stay within the allotted 15 minutes for each scheduled meeting. • Do check the table number for each scheduled meeting as each meeting will be assigned a different table. There is a 5-minute transition time between meetings. • Do download the Shoptalk Shoptalk Spring mobile app ahead of your meetings to take notes and request follow-ups. • Do let the organisers know if a solution provider directly reaches out to you about Shoptalk Spring, as they have been instructed not to do so. • Don't approach anyone in the Meetup area unless you have a scheduled Meetup meeting with them. • Don't enter the Meetup area at any time when you don't have a scheduled Meetup meeting.

Question 32

When will I receive an email to provide feedback on my meetings, the meetings program, Tabletalks (if applicable), Networking & social program activities and the event?

Accepted Answer

You will received an email on Thursday, March 26th with the link to complete your feedback.

Question 33

What can I do after providing feedback?

Accepted Answer

After providing feedback, you can download a summary of your meetings, including your notes and the contact details of the people you met. This is in the form of a CSV file.

Question 34

What are Tabletalks?

Accepted Answer

Tabletalks are peer-group discussions for retailers and brands. They are an awesome way to meet, network with and learn from your peers. These interactive, 50-minute small group conversations address the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Our unparalleled proprietary technology platform assigns attendees to tables based on interests, seniority and other variables. Tabletalks bring together 5-8 participants from retailers and brands to share insights, address issues and generate actionable takeaways.

Question 35

Where are the Tabletalks?

Accepted Answer

All meetings are held in a dedicated Tabletalks area and each Tabletalk is assigned a table number (check your calendar invite or the mobile app for the table number)

Question 36

Who is eligible for Tabletalks?

Accepted Answer

All Retailers & Consumer Brands are eligible for Tabletalks.

Question 37

Is participating in Tabletalks optional?

Accepted Answer

While participating in Tabletalks is optional and unrelated to the Hosted Program, it is highly recommended if you are interested in engaging in industry-related conversations and discuss key industry topics

Question 38

What information is required for Tabletalks selection?

Accepted Answer

If you are eligible for Tabletalks, you will need to indicate how many Tabletalks you would like to join (one or two), specify the topics you are interested in, provide questions you would like to be discussed, and mention any organizations you would prefer not to be placed with (to avoid competitors).

Question 39

What topics will be discussed at the Tabletalks?

Accepted Answer

TBC

Question 40

When can I start selecting my Tabletalks?

Accepted Answer

The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 41

When do the Tabletalks take place?

Accepted Answer

Tabletalks will take place onsite. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 42

When is the deadline to complete my Tabletalks selections?

Accepted Answer

The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 43

Can an Organization Admin select Tabletalks on behalf of participants?

Accepted Answer

No, Organization Admins cannot select Tabletalks or perform any other Tabletalks actions on behalf of participants. Participants need to make their own selections.

Question 44

When will I receive my Tabletalks assignments?

Accepted Answer

You’ll get your Tabletalks assignments to accept. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 45

What do I need to do once I receive my Tabletalks assignments?

Accepted Answer

Once you receive your Tabletalks assignments, you must accept them to confirm participation. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 46

How do I start the Tabletalk discussion?

Accepted Answer

Each discussion has a randomly assigned “Starter” who should kick off by introducing themselves. Each intro should be no more than 60 seconds, and each participant should call on another to introduce themselves. The last participant to do an intro should read the first of the suggested questions below to start the conversation, then everyone should help move the conversation along. *These discussions are not sales pitches. Each one is a deep dive with 5 to 8 of your peers to share insights, address issues and generate actionable takeaways.

Question 47

What happens if I don't accept my Tabletalks assignments?

Accepted Answer

If you don't accept your Tabletalks assignments by the deadline, it may result in your slot being assigned to someone else who is on the waitlist or available to participate.

Question 48

When will I receive the calendar invites for my Tabletalks?

Accepted Answer

You will receive separate calendar invites for your Tabletalks. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 49

Can an Organization Admin edit and complete profiles on behalf of participants from their organization?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are an Organization Admin, you have the ability to edit and complete profiles on behalf of participants from your organization.

Question 50

What is the registration deadline for Meetup participation?

Accepted Answer

The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 51

When will I receive an email to review and accept my meetings?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an email to review and accept each of your meetings. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 52

What is the deadline to accept my meetings?

Accepted Answer

The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 53

What happens if I don't accept a meeting by the deadline?

Accepted Answer

If you don't accept a meeting by the deadline, that meeting will not be scheduled.

Question 54

Can an Org Admin accept meetings on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

No, Org Admins cannot accept meetings on your behalf. The individual taking the meeting needs to personally accept their own meetings.

Question 55

What are backfilled meetings?

Accepted Answer

Backfilled meetings are either replacements for meetings that were not accepted by the other participant or new meetings from your previous selections where others have become available. A replacement meeting that is accepted by both you and the respective other party by TBD will be scheduled. If you or the other party do not accept a given meeting by the deadline, that meeting will not be scheduled. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 56

When will I receive an email to accept any backfilled meetings?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an email to accept any Backfilled meetings. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 57

What is the deadline to accept these backfilled meetings?

Accepted Answer

The deadline to accept these backfilled meetings is the same day. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 58

Can I receive a backfilled meeting in a time slot where I previously rejected or didn't accept a meeting?

Accepted Answer

No, if you previously rejected or didn't accept a meeting in a specific time slot, you won't be eligible to receive a backfilled meeting in that same time slot.

Question 59

When will I receive the calendar invites for my scheduled meetings?

Accepted Answer

You will receive the calendar invites for your scheduled meetings. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 60

What is the deadline to accept the calendar invites for my meetings?

Accepted Answer

The deadline to accept all calendar invites for your meetings is the same day. The meetup scheduling process will begin in February, and you’ll receive your finalized meeting schedule the week before the event. Full details on the scheduling process will be emailed to you in early 2026.

Question 61

What should I do if I cannot attend a meeting and need to decline the calendar invite?

Accepted Answer

If you cannot make it to a meeting and need to decline the calendar invite, it's important to email experience@shoptalk.com to inform them. Simply declining the calendar invite won't notify the organizers or the person you're scheduled to meet.

Question 62

Can I change the meeting times or reschedule the scheduled meetings?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot change the meeting times or reschedule the scheduled meetings outside of the Shoptalk Spring program. The meeting times are fixed and cannot be altered.

Question 63

What happens if the person I'm scheduled to meet is no longer available?

Accepted Answer

If the person you're scheduled to meet is no longer available, Shoptalk Spring organizers will notify you. Emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can sometimes cause scheduling changes.

Question 64

Where are the meetings held at Shoptalk Spring?

Accepted Answer

All meetings are held in a dedicated Meetup area, which is the size of a football field.

Meetup FAQs

Retailers & Brands

Complete Your Profile

Request meetings

Opt-In to Requests

Accept Meetings

Onsite

Feedback

Tabletalks

Paid Ticket/General

Complete your profile

Request Meetings

Opt-In to Requests

Accept Meetings

Accept Any Backfilled Meetings

Accept Your Calendar Invites

Onsite

Feedback

Meeting Reps/Org Admins

Org Admin

Complete Your Profile

Request Meetings

Opt-In to Requests

Accept Meetings

Accept Any Backfilled Meetings

Accept Your Calendar Invites

Onsite

Feedback

Email updates