Where Brands Meet to
Unlock the Future
The Lead Summit is the only event built specifically for brands, where leaders shaping the future of lifestyle, beauty, apparel, and retail come together.
Across two powerful days in NYC, you’ll connect with brand builders and innovators, exchange ideas that move the industry forward, and uncover the insights and partnerships that will define what’s next.
WHO YOU'LL MEET
The Lead Summit hosts 3,000+ senior retail innovators across marketing, ecommerce, digital, stores, customer experience, last mile, data, strategy, innovation, information technology and more.
Learn & Apply What’s Working For Other Brands
The 2026 agenda tackles the industry’s most urgent challenges.
Meet the Speakers
Hear from 180+ executives shaping the future of retail.
Kristin Patrick
CMO & CDO
Marc Jacobs
Tracy Knauer
VP, North America Marketing & DTC
New Balance
Tracy Bay
SVP, Head of Strategy & Head of Ecommerce
J.Crew Group
Lori Singer
President
Parlux
Jen Jackson Brown
SVP, Fashion Private Brands
Walmart
Ricardo Lajoie
Global Chief Merchant
Vans
Kristin Patrick
CMO & CDO
Marc Jacobs
Tracy Knauer
VP, North America Marketing & DTC
New Balance
Jen Jackson Brown
SVP, Fashion Private Brands
Walmart
Ricardo Lajoie
Global Chief Merchant
Vans
Tracy Bay
SVP, Head of Strategy & Head of Ecommerce
J.Crew Group
Lori Singer
President
Parlux
Experience the New York Way
From incredible eats to exclusive parties and unforgettable views, nowhere mixes business, entertainment and exclusivity better
The Ultimate Networking for the Retail Industry
The Meetings Program is a special way to Brands and Retailers to network with the solution providers who can help you build a more successful future. Meetings are short & productive – just 15 minutes each – and are confirmed by you before you get to The Lead Summit.
94% of 2025 participants gave it a positive review!
LEARN ABOUT THE MEETINGS PROGRAM
Sponsor or Exhibit
Meet 1,600+ hard-to-reach brand & retail decision-makers through meetings, branding & activations.
The DTC Symposium is a co-located event taking place on May 29th at The Lead Summit – and included with your Summit registration! Build your network with 600+ fellow DTC leaders in this program designed to help you develop strategies and tactics that will serve your uniquely high-growth cultures.
Compare Strategies in Small Group Settings
Meet with other ambitious brand & retail peers through curated roundtable discussions, workshops, dinners and lunches.
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)
IN THE NEWS
