Headline Panel Exploring AI and the Future of Affiliate Performance to Feature Guy Raz as Moderator with Zack Kass and Eric Seufert
Rakuten International announces Rakuten Optimism, its U.S. flagship marketing conference, taking place May 5-6, 2026, at the iconic Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. Centered on the theme “Fueling Meaningful Connections,” the two-day event will bring together more than 1,000 marketing leaders and professionals to explore the transformation of affiliate and retail marketing in an AI-driven, performance-first era.
Hosted by Rakuten International and powered by insights from Rakuten Advertising and Rakuten Rewards, Optimism 2026 will feature keynote conversations, expert-led panels, and curated networking experiences that will deliver industry-defining insights and explore the trends shaping the future of affiliate marketing.
The headline panel session, titled “From Discovery to Conversion: Performance Marketing as the Constant in Consumer Change,” will be moderated by award-winning journalist and podcast creator Guy Raz and will bring together several of today’s most influential thinkers for an enlightening discussion on AI’s expanding role in digital marketing. Joining the discussion are Former Head of GTM at OpenAI Zack Kass and media strategist and quantitative marketing expert Eric Seufert, with additional industry leaders to be announced.
Optimism 2026 will spotlight a curated agenda of forward-looking discussions sure to engage today’s forward-thinking digital marketers, including sessions such as:
- From Search to Suggestion: How Gen AI is Rewiring the Path to Purchase
- AI-Powered Personalization: Capitalizing on Real-Time Intent
- Proving Affiliate’s Value and Overcoming the MMM Gap
“Rakuten Optimism is designed for digital marketing professionals who are navigating rapid technological change and increasing pressure to drive measurable results for their brands,” said Amit Patel, CEO of Rakuten International. “The conference will be a collaborative space where we can tackle these pressures head on together and uncover innovative approaches that will help all of us strengthen performance, deepen partnerships, and disrupt the industry status quo.”
Additional conference highlights include an expanded agenda, distinguished speakers, enhanced networking opportunities, and celebrations recognizing the achievements of Rakuten’s clients and partners.
Rakuten Optimism 2026 will take place May 5-6, 2026, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. A detailed agenda will be announced soon. For more information or to register, visit: optimism.rakuten.us. For sponsorship inquiries, email events@rakuten.com.
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