---
title: 2026 Target Virtual Event
description: Kantar experts delve into the nuances of Target’s business. Explore key themes across the retailer’s marketing, merchandising, and operating strategies.
image: https://retailiq.kantar.com/hubfs/LinkedIn_Facebook_Full%20Bleed%20Image.png
---
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## 2026 Target Virtual Event
## 15 & 16 September 2026
Virtual
[Register](https://retailiq.kantar.com/2026-target-virtual-event#REGISTER)
[2026 Agenda](https://retailiq.kantar.com/hubfs/2026%20Event%20Images/2026%20Target%20Virtual%20Event%20Agenda%20V4.pdf?hsLang=en)
Target’s traditional formula of value, style, and discovery continues to face challenges as competitors copy its strengths and shoppers redefine their priorities. As retail boundaries blur and discovery increasingly happens outside the store, the question is whether Target can remain meaningfully different.
Kantar’s 2026 Target Virtual Event explores the forces reshaping retail, the evolving Target shopper, and the growth opportunities that will define Target’s next chapter.
You'll leave this event with:
- A clearer understanding of how retail convergence is changing the competitive landscape and Target’s plans to maintain a distinctive position in the market
- Actionable insights into the changing Target shopper, emerging growth opportunities, and the categories most likely to drive future performance
- A strategic road map for aligning with Target as social commerce, AI, loyalty, and evolving shopping behaviors redefine the path to growth
## Conference Agenda
#### Reach out to [events@kantarconsulting.com](mailto:events@kantarconsulting.com) for questions.
DAY 1: September 15 | The Target identity crisis DAY 2: September 16 | Solving for tomorrow
9:00-9:10 AM CT
**Welcome and introduction**
9:10-10:15 AM CT
**How Target is shaping the retail reset**
*Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights*
- What happens when every retailer has the same customer proposition?
- Explore the forces behind “The Great Retail Convergence” and the implications for Target.
- Consider how the future retail landscape will shift as Target reconsiders its ability to win new shoppers and dominate new categories.
10:15-10:45 AM CT
**The changing Target shopper**
*Erica Smith, Manager, Shopper Insights*
- Are Target shoppers fundamentally different from how they were five years ago?
- Are Target shoppers prioritizing convenience over discovery?
- Has social media changed how Target shoppers find products?
10:45-11:00 AM CT
**BREAK**
11:00-11:30 AM CT
**Target's identity crisis: The report card and road map**
*Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights*
- Evaluate Target's position in today's landscape and identify where the brand is losing ground.
- Understand the tension between Target's historical strengths and today's shopper expectations for value and convenience.
- Examine the strategic choices Target must make to rebuild relevance.
11:30 AM-12:15 PM CT
**The new Target ecosystem: Data, discovery, and growth**
*Karen Kelso, Vice President, Retail Insights*
- Explore how Target is connecting loyalty, first-party data, digital experiences, stores, and retail media to create a more integrated guest ecosytem.
- Examine how discovery is evolving beyond the shelf and how Target can influence shoppers earlier in the path to purchase.
- Understand how Circle, Roundel, AI, and omnichannel capabilities can work together to drive more personalized and relevant shopping experiences.
12:15-12:45 PM CT
**Essentials reimagined with Target**
Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Retail Insights
Ryan Beach, Vice President, Merchandising and Essentials, Target
- Find out how Target identifies and translates emerging guest behaviors into winning assortments across essentials.
- Learn where the biggest opportunities lie to drive frequency, loyalty, and growth.
- Understand the role of value, convenience, and discovery in reshaping guest expectations.
\*This session will only be available live.
12:45-1:00 PM CT
**Day 1 wrap-up**
9:00-9:10 AM CT
**Welcome and introduction**
9:10-9:40 AM CT
**The state of paid memberships and where Target lands**
*Julie Craig, Vice President, Shopper Insights
Kate McGee, Partner, Syndicated Retail Platforms*
- Learn how membership and loyalty programs are converging.
- Understand the influence of membership on shoppers’ planning and purchasing.
- Look ahead to which programs are likely to survive and thrive and the implications for Target.
9:40-10:10 AM CT
**Target, AI, and the next category growth engines**
*Gina Logan, Associate Director, Category Insights
Barry Thomas, Senior Retail Commerce Thought Leader, Retail Insights*
- Review how growth is shifting from where Target won yesterday to where shoppers will be spending tomorrow.
- What categories will be most impacted by AI and what are the implications for Target?
- Explore whether Target has the right to win in the categories in which it wants to win.
10:10-10:45 AM CT
**What's next: Discovery at Target is moving off the shelf**
*Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insight*
- What happens when discovery starts on TikTok?
- How is AI changing search, and are creators becoming merchants?
- What role will retail media play as discovery moves beyond Target's owned channels?
10:45-11:00 AM CT
**BREAK**
11:00-11:30 AM CT
**The emotional advantage: Why guests choose Target**
*Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights*
- Understand the emotional drivers behind Target’s strongest categories and experiences.
- Explore how discovery, trust, and inspiration influence shopper loyalty.
- Identify opportunities to rebuild differentiation in a marketplace built around convenience.
11:30 AM-Noon CT
**Bringing holistic health to life at Target**
*Amar Singh, Senior Director, Retail Insights*
- Explore the trends driving shoppers to embrace health and wellness.
- Review how Target is building an integrated approach to self-care for its guests.
- Consider partnership opportunities to drive holistic health and wellness programs at Target.
Noon-12:15 PM CT
**Day 2 wrap-up**
How to attend
## Available tickets
SEATBLOCK HOLDER?
[Talk to our event team ›](mailto:events@kantarconsulting.com)
meet the experts
## Event Speakers
*Check back for our speaker updates.*
We’re here to amplify your potential. Bringing exceptional experience across industries and organizations. Delivering a deep understanding of retailers and shoppers. We’ll help you meet and exceed your goals.
Taylre Stumpf
Lead Analyst, Retail Insights
Julie Craig
Vice President, Shopper Insights
Erica Smith
Manager, Shopper Insights
Karen Kelso
Vice President, Retail Insights
Kate McGee
Partner, Syndicated Retail Platforms
Gina Logan
Associate Director, Category Insights
Amar Singh
Senior Director, Retail Insights
Ryan Beach
Vice President, Merchandising and Essentials, Target
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## Kantar's new immersive experience
Focused on providing you with opportunities to network and engage with your peers and our content. Introducing, Kantar Connect.
Attendees will receive a link to virtually access the event prior to the event.
If you do not receive this link, please email [events@kantarconsulting.com](mailto:events@kantarconsulting.com)
**Experience Kantar’s expertise. Connect with our retail and shopper experts around the globe.** [Learn More about 2026 Events](https://retailiq.kantar.com/events?hsLang=en)
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