3 Must-See Growth Show Sessions on AI Search, Retail & Breakout Brands
From AI-driven discovery to the reinvention of physical stores, the lines between channels, experiences and expectations are blurring. At 2026 Growth Show, June 23–24 in NYC, we’re taking these ideas to the stage with leaders from Ulta Beauty, Tecovas, Tractor Supply Co, and The Wharton School, bringing together leaders who are shaping what’s next in retail, and unpacking what’s actually working.
Take a look at three sessions you don’t want to miss, and register to be part of the conversation defining the future of growth.
Keynote: How AI Search and Agentic Commerce Are Reshaping Retail
Speaker:
- Kartik Hosanagar, Co-Director, Wharton Human-AI Research & Professor of Marketing, The Wharton School
AI is increasingly becoming the interface between brands and customers.
In this session, Kartik Hosanagar, Professor of Marketing at The Wharton School whose research focuses on the impact of AI on consumers and the digital economy, will explore how AI is transforming how people discover, evaluate and purchase products. As search becomes more conversational and commerce more “agentic,” brands will need to rethink how they show up, compete and convert.
Attendees will gain a forward-looking perspective on:
- How AI is reshaping product discovery and decision-making
- What “agentic commerce” means in practice
- How brands can adapt their strategies to stay competitive
Retailer Discussion: The Future of Personalization Is Physical, Human and Immersive
Speakers:
- Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Chief Retail Officer, Ulta Beauty
- Kim Heidt, Chief Retail Officer, Tecovas
- Moderator: Matthew Quint, Principal, Quintessential Communications
As digital channels dominate discovery and transactions, stores are being reimagined as high-impact experience hubs and measurable performance drivers. In this session, leaders from Ulta Beauty and Tecovas will share how they’re transforming stores from pure sales environments into engines for acquisition, engagement, fulfillment and brand storytelling.
Attendees will learn how leading brands are:
- Turning stores into experience-driven growth channels
- Measuring physical retail as a performance driver
- Connecting in-store activity to online conversion and long-term loyalty
Keynote: “Life Out Here” Meets Growth Out There: How Tractor Supply Became a Quiet Giant
Speakers:
- Kimberley Gardiner, Chief Marketing Officer, Tractor Supply Company
- Interviewed by: Steve Dennis, Host, The Remarkable Retail Podcast
Not all breakout brands are loud.
In this session, Kimberley Gardiner will share how Tractor Supply Company built a powerful, enduring brand by staying deeply connected to its customers and scaling with intention. From brand positioning to customer understanding, this session offers a look at how focus and consistency can quietly drive outsized growth.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- Building a differentiated brand through deep customer understanding
- Scaling with focus while maintaining authenticity
- Turning consistency into a long-term growth advantage
These are just a few of the conversations happening at Growth Show 2026.
Whether you’re focused on growth, brand or CX, these sessions are designed to spark ideas you can bring back to your business.
Don’t miss your chance to be in the room with leaders shaping the future of retail. Join us June 23–24 in NYC.
