eCom18 Will Feature Former Travelocity CEO Terry Jones
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – With the rise of online purchasing, e-commerce is an increasingly fast-growing part of the Northeast Indiana economy. Business leaders and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to hone their online craft at eCom18, a one-day e-commerce and logistics conference scheduled for Feb. 7 at the Parkview Mirro Event and Conference Center.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, northern Indiana has the highest concentration of manufacturing workers in the nation. Manufacturing and e-commerce are increasingly going hand-in-hand; e-commerce now accounts for 63 percent of manufacturing sales, compared to 7.2 percent of retail sales. With nearly 10,000 wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers in northern Indiana, leveraging e-commerce is critical to economic growth in the region.
“Any business with a website is participating in e-commerce, and the online buying experience is so important,” said Patrick Dooley, Director of Airport Development at Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “No matter what size your business is or how long you’ve been operating, there’s always something to learn. We hope eCom18 helps our local business community stay on the cutting edge and succeed.”
Former Travelocity president and CEO Terry Jones will deliver the keynote address, “Building Digital Relationships.” Jones, who was also a founder of travel booking site Kayak.com, is currently a venture capitalist and serves as chairman of a consulting firm that helps companies transition to the digital economy.
Presentation topics include:
- Online selling channels
- Setting up operations
- Talent attraction and retention
- Mobile commerce
- Future e-commerce innovations
In addition to the full day of presentations and panel discussions, there are 16 spots available for individualized website critiques from the digital commerce experts at FitForCommerce, a leading boutique e-commerce and omnichannel consultancy. The critiques will be accompanied by personalized lists of action items to help entrepreneurs improve their websites.
General admission price is $189 per person. Special rates are available for Greater Fort Wayne Inc. investors and Allen County entrepreneurs. The PLUS Package, which includes a website critique, is priced at $250 per person. All packages include continental breakfast and lunch.
eCom18 is sponsored by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority and Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
To learn more about the event, visit eCom18.net.
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About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. To learn more, visit www.greaterfortwayneinc.com.
