Social Media Portal

Danny Levy general manager of WBR Singapore and eTail Asia shares what's coming to 2019

Social Media Portal (SMP) What is your name and what do you do there for WBR Singapore Pte Ltd and eTail Asia 2018?

Danny Levy (DL): My name is Danny Levy. I?m the general manager of WBR Singapore the organisers of eTail Asia. I run the WBR Singapore office and am responsible for the research, production, marketing, sponsorship, operations and inside sales departments.

SMP: Tell us about eTail Asia 2018

DL: eTail Asia came to Singapore in 2012 and what started off as 100 people in a room discussing the future of Asian ecommerce has now become over 400 senior-level executives being inspired while learning and developing their company as well as their careers.

eTail Asia has now become the destination event for large, established eretailers to share best practices, challenge conventions and network among the leaders of Asian ecommerce.

Combining inspirational case studies from pioneers with dozens of small group, peer-to-peer learning formats, eTail Asia delivers a practical roadmap for every challenge and opportunity faced.

SMP: When was the event, where was it held and how many attended?

The event was held on 06-08 March 2018 at Sheraton Towers in Singapore. 400 senior-level executives attended from traditional brick and mortar retailers, online pure plays, marketplaces and technology and solutions providers.

SMP: Who were your target audience and why?

DL: The job titles we bring together are the heads of ecommerce, digital marketing and multi-channel retail innovators. They come from the billion dollar club, to the start-ups. From travel, beauty, arts, electronics and much more.  eTail Asia is for retailers wanting world-class ecommerce. This community is one of a kind, has the perfect balance of quality, quantity and variety.

SMP: What were the main themes which came from eTail Asia?

DL: Omnichannel and the way in which global brands are looking to translate the concept to consumers in Asia and diversify from their brick-and-mortar presence. International brands often forget there are varied characteristics across Southeast Asian markets and you can't build a one-size-fits-all strategy for the whole region. You need to have a certain unique experience that serves each market.

Amazon's expansion into Southeast Asia and how its seen as creating a positive ripple effect among smaller local online players. People trust Amazon, but people also like to compare in Singapore. As a result, while Amazon is luring more people to shop online, part of its traffic is spilling over to other marketplaces. And Amazon still needs to figure out its logistics capabilities before it can find success in its new market.

How augmented reality will change the landscape of how a customer experiences a product, both online and offline. AR applications will be adopted more widely in the retail industry in the next few years with chains such as furniture retailer IKEA and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE-owned cosmetics brand Sephora already using the technology. Sephora's Virtual Artist app, for example, allows customers to virtually sample makeup products such as lipsticks and eye shadows. Powered by facial visualization technology, the app maps and identifies facial features, then uses AR to virtually apply products and suggest shades based on the user's skin tone. Voice recognition was also raised as the next technology that will attract retailers' attention in Asia. While Amazon's Alexa smart speaker has gained traction in the US, retailers in this part of the world have not yet been able to leverage such technology to engage consumers.

SMP: What did attendees take away from eTail Asia?

DL: Attendees has the opportunity to hear the stories behind the brands. In doing so, they can connect faces to names, connect via multiple channels, and amplify technology engagement.

SMP: What are the challenges did you experience at eTail Asia 2018 and how to you overcome them?

DL: We moved to a new venue and had a lot of tracks, private events and sponsored meetings running at the same time. Making sure that everything ran seamlessly and our clients expectations were met is always a challenge. The various teams responsible came together eight weeks out from the conference to start the planning and divide up the responsibilities. Everything was well thought out and ran very well on the day. This resulted in lots of happy speakers, sponsors and delegates. This wouldn?t be possible without the hard work of the WBR team.  

SMP: What are the high moments of what you have been doing so far?

DL: Overseeing the growth of WBR?s Singapore office. Our Asian conferences cover B2C and B2B ecommerce, travel, procurement, finance and field service. I believe we are organising the best events in these sectors in the Asian market both in terms of content, innovative formats and the quality of the attendees.



SMP: How can stakeholders get involved for the 2019 event?

Drop us an email at sgwbrinfo@wbresearch.com or call us at +65 6722 9455

SMP: Is there anything else we should know, or is there anything that you?d like to share?

DL: We?re just wrapped up eTail Asia 2018 and are already gearing up for the 2019 edition. Watch this space to get regular updates about eTail Asia.

SMP: Best way to contact you and eTail Asia?

DL: You can reach us on +65 6722 9455


SMP: What did you have for breakfast / lunch?

DL: I had oats and chopped banana for breakfast this morning. A nice healthy start to the day. And of course my two morning coffees.

SMP: What?s the last good thing that you did for someone?

DL: Volunteering for the Singapore Cancer Society and National Kidney Foundation.

SMP: If you weren?t working at eTail Asia what would you be doing?

DL: I think I?d make a good influencer on Instagram. I mean I like to go on holiday and I?m very photogenic.

SMP: When / where did you go on your last holiday and why?

DL: The Marriott in Phuket. I have two young girls and it?s got a brilliant kids pool/club and nice spacious accommodation.

SMP: What?s the first thing you do when you get into the office of a morning?

DL: Take deep breath, organise my day ahead and check in with the team on what they might need help with.

SMP: If you had a superpower what would it be and why?

DL: I?d probably go for Batman. He?s rich.


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