The Summer of AI: Episode 4
HiTide
01:01:32
Pack up your flip flops and stash the sunscreen - the Summer of AI has officially wrapped.
And wow… this was the season when AI stopped being just the shiny new toy and started getting real for Brands.
AI isn’t just hype anymore—it’s already driving revenue, transforming workflows, and helping brands do more with less. And while the buzzwords haven’t slowed down (GenAI, LLMs, NLPs...), the real stories are happening inside the platforms and tools you’re using every day.
That’s why we’re bringing together leaders from top tech platforms and fast-growing brands for a fast-paced session on what’s actually happening in AI + commerce right now.
We’ll share quick, sharp snapshots of how AI is:
- Powering real results
- Improving day-to-day operations
- Helping operators and marketers move faster and smarter
No fluff. Just practical, real-world use cases to help you stay informed—and get ahead.
So grab your last sip of iced coffee and shake the sand out of your tote - before the leaves change, let’s dig into what the Summer of AI taught us, and where it’s taking us next.
Speakers
Jesse Clemmens
Co-founder at HiTide
Jesse is co-founder and CEO at HiTide, a platform for rapid, high intent SMS list growth from Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. With over a decade in marketing tech including at Meta and Google, Jesse is now focused 24/7 on helping Shopify merchants grow their owned marketing channels.
Danny Marken
Brand Manager @ True Citrus Compan
Danny Marken is Brand Manager at True Citrus Company, where he leads influencer, creative, and campaign strategy - turning first-party data into impactful marketing that drives results. From packaging to post-purchase flows, he shapes brand experiences that are both fun and functional, blending data, creativity, and culture to fuel growth.
Ian Patterson
Co-Founder and Head of Sales @ Remark
Ian Patterson is Co-Founder and Head of Sales at Remark, an ecommerce platform that connects online shoppers with human experts - assisted by AI - in under 20 seconds, 24/7. A longtime outdoor gear enthusiast, he previously founded Outdoorly, a pro-deal marketplace for outdoor professionals, and now helps high-traffic, technical-product brands solve conversion challenges with Agentic AI.
Hemant Varshney
Founder & CEO @ Digicom
Hemant Varshney is the CEO and Founder of DigiCom, bringing 16+ years of experience in growth marketing, business development, operations, and product innovation. From Fortune 500s to hyper-growth startups, he’s led teams to record-breaking revenue through strategic planning, data-driven marketing, and scalable product development - building high-performing organizations that excel in competitive markets
Pat Balles
Senior Dir. of E-Commerce Sales @ Nift Networks
Pat Balles is Senior Director of E-Commerce Sales at Nift Networks, where he helps brands acquire incremental new customers at or below target KPIs. Nift’s patented AI matches brand gifts with consumers - shared over 45M times per month through partners like TripAdvisor, Planet Fitness, and Afterpay - driving consistent, high-quality growth across categories from supplements to streaming.
Candice Sparks
Sr. Dir. of Product Marketing @ Attentive
Candice Sparks is Sr. Director of Product Marketing at Attentive, where she leads go-to-market strategies and product launches with over a decade of experience in product marketing. Known for building marketing functions from the ground up in high-growth startups, Candice blends strategic insight with operational grit to drive product adoption and revenue.
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The Summer of AI: Episode 4
01:01:32