eMarketing Association

Want to guarantee a migraine? Ask your CMO about the business value of AI agents. It’s one of the most diabolically confusing and overhyped categories in Martech right now. And yet, enterprise AI spend has doubled in just three years. So the real question is: are AI agents a credible pathway to ROI, or are martech leaders underwriting the next hype cycle? To answer that, I am SO EXCITED to launch a new research initiative: AI Agents in the Enterprise: From Pilots to Proof, in partnership with Treasure Data. We’re interviewing leading enterprise brands to understand where AI agents are delivering measurable value, tangible ROI, and actual capability, not just experimentation and pilots. There is hope: As one Chief Growth Officer at a global travel company told us: “We are transforming our business with AI, making it leaner, smarter, and impossible to replicate.” If you’re ready to replace AI agent hype with operational reality, this research is for you. Massive shoutout to the team behind this project Keanu Taylor, Michele Nieberding 🚀 and Nick Davis. Report here: https://lnkd.in/gtmgQKQq

As part of our official DealFlow Discovery Conference Interview Series, produced by Mission Matters, along with our partner DealFlow Events, we’re showcasing the innovative companies presenting at the upcoming DealFlow Discovery Conference (January 28-29, at the Borgata in Atlantic City) and the executives behind them. Today’s feature spotlights Kevin Lee, CEO of VariousVentures.com. In our conversation, Kevin offers a powerful perspective on how marketing has evolved—from early search engines to today’s generative AI landscape—and why the pace of innovation is now faster than even the dot-com boom. We discuss how visibility has always been the foundation of marketing, why search reflects true customer intent, and how entrepreneurs can win by solving real problems at the exact moment people are looking for answers. Kevin’s mission is centered on delivering value through entrepreneurship while giving forward and creating long-term impact. This interview is part of our effort to help investors discover compelling companies ahead of the event — and to help CEOs introduce their story to the 1500+ conference attendees. Learn more about the event and presenting companies: https://lnkd.in/e4rdQNJA (𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.𝐜𝐨𝐦/)

If you're looking to build a solid foundation around your AI strategy, this one's for you. Join the EMA for the launch of Office Hours. Each week our subject matter experts dive into the solutions that get results. The 'closed door meetings' are open to all and participation is encouraged. No recordings, and what happens inside stays inside.

Join Retail AI Council for the Last Best Retail Party of 2025! Thursday night, October 23rd, 6:00 - 9:00 pm in NYC at Apotheke NoMad. Retailers and DTC brands can request an invitation at https://dougwei.ch/4oXV2DN. Tickets are going fast. Join retail executives from 260 Sample Sale, Alchemee (formerly The Proactiv Company), Ashley Furniture Industries, Authentic Brands Group, Barnes & Noble, Inc., Burlington Stores, Inc., Capri Holdings Limited, Centric Brands, CHANEL, The Children's Place, David Yurman, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Hammacher Schlemmer, Hermès, J.McLaughlin, KHAITE, L'Oréal, Macy's, The Museum of Modern Art, Murray's Cheese, NARS Cosmetics, Nuudii System, Pandora, rag & bone, Ralph Lauren, Ross Stores, Inc., Saks OFF 5TH, Solo Brands, Steve Madden, TORY BURCH, Tourneau|Bucherer, The Vitamin Shoppe, and many more! Thanks to our partners and sponsors: eMarketing Association, CommerceNext, BlueConic, KWI, Sophelle , BluStream.io, and Blue Yonder.

I'm not good at everything, have an amazing team! Are you ready to admit your weak areas? Fractional CMOs and consultants aren't good at everything either. https://lnkd.in/eDc3bhQd