Where Brands Meet to Unlock Envision Explore Build the Future
THE LEAD SUMMIT
The Lead Summit brings together globally-recognized scaled brands, high-growth challenger brands, forward-looking retailers, and the next-gen tech enabling the future.
Across two dynamic days in vibrant NYC, you’ll make beneficial connections, learn & apply what’s working for other brands, and develop business-changing tech partnerships.
INTRODUCING THE [VIP] BRAND TICKET
This is how you come for FREE and so much more!
The [VIP] Brand Ticket is for brand and retail attendees enrolled in The Meetings Program. As a VIP you receive incredible benefits including: Free registration, up to $1,000 in cash reimbursement*, access to The VIP Brand Lounge, Brand Breakout Discussions, The VIP Brand Wi-Fi Network, special VIP lines and so much more!
The Meetings Program is a special way to “speed date” the tech partners who can help you build a more successful future. Meetings are short and productive – just 15 minutes each! You choose 4 or 8 meetings* and because meetings are double opt-in, you only meet partners you’re interested in. The Meetings Program has a 94% satisfaction rate!
Free Registration to The Lead Summit
Up to $1,000 Cash Reimbursement*
4 or 8, 1-to-1 Double Opt-in Meetings
VIP Brand Lounge Access (New!)
VIP Brand Registration Line (New!)
VIP Brand Wi-Fi Access (New!)
*Up to $1,000 reimbursement if taking 8 meetings, $500 if taking 4 meetings.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Learn & Apply What’s Working for Other Brands:
Speak to and Compare Strategies with Other Ambitious Brands & Retailers:
Learn how other brands are overcoming common challenges, testing new concepts and excelling in an increasingly competitive landscape. Walk away with a clear understanding of how to apply these learnings to your everyday challenges and opportunities.
Meet peers in similar positions to discuss and solve challenges together through structured discussion groups, hands-on workshops, curated dinners, and focused lunches.
See Transformational Technology That Can Boost Your Business:
Meet and Experience the New York Way:
The Innovation Village is home to cutting-edge startups and proven tech partners delivering game-changing solutions. From ecommerce and marketing to automation, AI, CX, and personalization, the Village features over 80 tools that can help you do more with less.
The city’s best comes to The Lead Summit. From incredible eats to exclusive parties and unforgettable views, nowhere mixes business, entertainment and exclusive experiences better than New York City.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Learn & Apply What’s Working for Other Brands:
Learn how other brands are overcoming common challenges, testing new concepts and excelling in an increasingly competitive landscape. Walk away with a clear understanding of how to apply these learnings to your everyday challenges and opportunities.
Speak to and Compare Strategies with Other Ambitious Brands & Retailers:
Meet peers in similar positions to discuss and solve challenges together through structured discussion groups, hands-on workshops, curated dinners, and focused lunches.
See Transformational Technology That Can Boost Your Business:
The Innovation Village is home to cutting-edge startups and proven tech partners delivering game-changing solutions. From ecommerce and marketing to automation, AI, CX, and personalization, the Village features over 80 tools that can help you do more with less.
Meet and Experience the New York Way:
The city’s best comes to The Lead Summit. From incredible eats to exclusive parties and unforgettable views,nowhere mixes business, entertainment and exclusive experiences better than New York City.
2024 SPEAKERS
These are newsmakers, innovators and leaders driving success at their brands. The Lead’s content team is meticulously setting the agenda for the greatest impact – with a variety of perspectives and deep discussion and so you get to hear authentic takes on why and how they succeeded, and how you can too.
We are currently selecting 2025 speakers.
Join our mailing list to receive updates!
Melissa Worth
SVP, Americas
New Balance Athletics
Katie Reeves
Managing Director
COS North America
Heather Wilberger
CTO & CIO
VINCE
Christina Hennigton
EVP and Chief Growth Officer
Target
Angie Rieger
Chief Transformation Officer
Lands’ End
Cyntia Leo
Head of Brand Marketing
Urban Outfitters
Linda Li Steiner
Head of Customer Activation & Marketing, H&M Americas
H&M
Jed Berger
President
Kenneth Cole Productions
THE AGENDA
As the business of brands – both young and mature – evolves, the Lead Summit agenda will help you solve today’s problems while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. The program is truly authentic – we select the speakers, but we do not dictate the content. You’ll hear directly from leaders setting strategy, practitioners executing it and most importantly: why they did it, how they did it, and how you can too.
WHO ATTENDS
3,000+ professionals attend The Lead Summit, including more than 1,600 brand and retail attendees coming from marketing, ecommerce, digital, stores, customer experience, last mile, data, strategy, innovation, and information technology. The attendees represent a robust representation of how brands sell across channels, online and offline.
Network the New York Way
The Lead Summit goes beyond the agenda to craft unforgettable social experiences— where the biggest moves are made. Build lasting business connections over rooftop cocktails and dinners at NYC’s most exclusive restaurants. Enjoy elevated food with on-site favorites like Sweetgreen, Fuko, Levain, Chloe’s, Baked By Melissa, Cava and more. Explore creative activations like the Barbie Dream House in the Innovation Village, with even more surprises coming in 2025!
New for 2025!
The DTC Symposium is a new, co-located event taking place on May 29th at The Lead Summit – and included with your Summit registration!
As the DTC category settles into a more mature, omnichannel model, The DTC Symposium will serve as your home to discuss the most relevant topics, learn the most important skills, and collaborate on innovative approaches. Expect 16+ content sessions, structured networking, a Shark Tank-like brand competition, the DTC Marketplace, and a closing party to bring it all together!
More details coming soon!
SPONSORSHIP
Brand leaders and decision makers don’t simply attend – they swarm The Innovation Village and take advantage of The Meetings Program (prescheduled, double opt-in meetings) to go deeper on needs, follow up on stage content, explore value creating tools and prepare for the next buying cycle.
Engage full teams and hard-to-reach decision-makers
who have expressed interest in your solutions.
THE LOCATION
The Lead Summit is held at Pier 36 — with world-class views of DUMBO, The Brooklyn Bridge, and the NYC skyline. Located just north of Manhattan’s Financial District, Pier 36 radiates the energy of iconic & modern New York. (299 South St, New York, NY 10002)
