Salsify Digital Shelf Summit - A First Flight in 20 Years

This week, my commute looked a little different. Instead of waking up and driving to the office, I had to head to the airport the night before, beginning a trip that felt like a mission in itself.

Navigating the parking garage, the terminal, finding my gate—every step was unfamiliar but exciting. It was my first time flying solo, and the first time I’d stepped into an airport in nearly 20 years. Packing light was key, with just one suitcase and one backpack, ensuring everything stayed within reach as carry-on.

Waiting to board, I found my seat and settled in, the hum of the plane filling the cabin. In my head, "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin played on repeat, a fitting soundtrack for a moment that marked both travel and transition.

As the plane took off, I was met with a spectacular view of New York City at night—a glittering expanse of lights stretching far below. But once we ascended higher, the world disappeared into the clouds, transforming the journey into something almost surreal.

When the plane landed, I realized I was probably the furthest from home I had ever been—New Orleans. Navigating the airport, I called an Uber, though my ears were still ringing from the flight. By 1 or 2 AM, I was finally checked into my hotel, ready for the conference to begin in the morning. Monday marked the start of Salsify’s Digital Shelf Summit, bringing together e-commerce leaders, tech innovators, and product experts. I was surrounded by conversations about AI-driven shopping, personalization, and automation, each session packed with insights that reshaped how I view digital shelf management.

The energy was palpable—keynotes, networking, deep-dive training sessions. Whether it was hands-on learning or hearing Salsify’s vision for 2025, the Summit wasn’t just about theory—it was about real strategies in motion. Throughout the day, I was deep in panel discussions and hands-on sessions, diving into strategies for AI-driven shopping, automation, and digital shelf optimization. The sessions ran through normal working hours, keeping me engaged in a fast-paced exchange of ideas.

As the panels wrapped up, New Orleans was mine to explore. My hotel sat on Canal Street, placing me right in the heart of the city’s energy. Stepping outside, the blend of history, music, and buzzing streets made every moment feel alive. After a full day of structured discussions, wandering through the architecture, culture, and atmosphere of the French Quarter was the perfect contrast. Eventually, I found myself on Bourbon Street, where the neon glow, music spilling from open doors, and the steady movement of people made the experience unpredictable, immersive, unforgettable. Everywhere I turned, something was happening—jazz, blues, street performers, and the scent of Creole cooking drifting through the air. The structured conversations of the day gave way to the chaotic, electrifying rhythm of the city, reminding me just how much a place can pull you in.

Tuesday brought bigger presentations, with AI taking center stage—reshaping commerce, automation, and personalization. The discussions highlighted how businesses are leveraging AI for smarter product experiences, marketing, and inventory management, pushing the industry forward.

As the day wrapped up, I called an Uber, watching the city fade as we made our way to the airport, the quiet ride giving me a moment to reflect. Navigating security, finding my gate, and boarding the plane, the familiar rhythm of travel had returned. As the aircraft lifted off, I caught one last glimpse of New Orleans, fading beneath the clouds. The flight home was calm, the energy of the past days settling into memory. Landing, I moved through the airport, stepping into the parking garage, where my car waited to take me the final stretch home