Reflecting on My Experience at Shopify's In-Person Event in Los Angeles

Just a few weeks ago in January 2023, I had the privilege of attending a Shopify in-person event in Los Angeles, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget. Not only did I get the chance to connect with merchants face-to-face, but I also had the opportunity to attend with five other Shopify advisors—an amazing group of talented people. It was such a great way to build connections, share knowledge, and gain new insights, not only with the merchants we helped but also within our own team.

Building Connections with Strong Staff

Attending this event with my fellow Shopify advisors was one of the best parts of the experience. Each one of them brought their own strengths and expertise to the table, and it was inspiring to be surrounded by such a passionate group of individuals. We got to know each other better through the work we did at the event and in the down time we spent together. From discussing how we could better support merchants to sharing tips on optimizing Shopify stores, I left the event with a wealth of knowledge and a deep appreciation for my colleagues.

Of course, no trip to Los Angeles would be complete without enjoying some of the incredible food the city has to offer. We ate at some fantastic spots, and over those meals, the conversations flowed effortlessly. It was a chance to bond outside of our usual work environment, which made the event even more memorable. The connections we made with each other are just as valuable as the ones we made with the merchants we were there to support.

Face-to-Face with Merchants: A Different Perspective

For years, I had been working remotely, assisting Shopify merchants through online channels. While this method is incredibly effective, meeting merchants in person brings a whole new perspective. There’s something about seeing someone’s excitement when talking about their products, or the relief in their eyes when you help them solve a business problem right there in real-time.

Many of the merchants I spoke with were seeking advice on everything from streamlining their operations to improving their product photography. It’s easy to get caught up in the technical side of e-commerce, but meeting these entrepreneurs face-to-face solidified to me that at the heart of it all, we’re here to help real people with real dreams. This is something that I had been sharing with my team since I started and it was truly rewarding to offer them tailored advice that could make an immediate impact on their businesses.

Hands-On Help: Improving E-Commerce Efficiency

At the event, my role was to offer hands-on help to merchants looking to optimize their Shopify stores. The conversations ranged from improving conversion rates, selecting the right apps to streamline workflows, and enhancing product pages with better descriptions and imagery. Many merchants were unaware of how an ERP system could sync with Shopify to streamline their backend processes, and we were able to offer them solutions that they could start implementing right away.

One of the most exciting parts of these in-person interactions was walking through Shopify’s suite of tools in real-time. I had the opportunity to introduce several merchants to apps that could help them with return management, automating fulfillment, and increasing customer engagement. Many were surprised to learn just how much Shopify could do to support their growing businesses beyond simply being an online storefront.

The Value of Real-Life Collaboration

In addition to helping merchants with their stores, this event was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with my fellow advisors. Whether it was sharing knowledge, discussing strategies, or just enjoying some downtime together, the event really solidified how much stronger we are when we work together. I left Los Angeles not only with more tools to help merchants but with a newfound appreciation for the collective knowledge of the Shopify team.

An Unforgettable Experience

Reflecting on the event, I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of it. Being able to help merchants face-to-face, while also building stronger relationships with my Shopify colleagues, has given me a renewed sense of energy and purpose. The lessons learned and connections made in Los Angeles will continue to shape the way I support Shopify merchants moving forward.

In the end, this event wasn’t just about providing technical support—it was about building community, sharing experiences, and inspiring each other to grow. I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to connect with Shopify merchants in person, knowing that the relationships we build today will help them thrive tomorrow.