“How will you go beyond in 2020?” 

That was the question of the day at Affirmation 2020, the conference we hosted in New York in early February. Nearly 100 of our retailer partners met to hear experts discuss cutting-edge advances in retail, learn about Affirm’s latest product innovations, and network with each other.

Silvija Martincevic, Affirm’s Chief Commercial Officer, kicked off the event with an inspiring quote from Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” 

She also pledged to build on our recent progress. Last year we grew to 800 employees, opened offices in Pittsburgh and Chicago, and transacted sales amounting to 1% of total U.S. e-commerce.

Technology intensifies the value of time

Erica Orange, a futurist, challenged attendees to imagine how rapid innovations will change their professions, creating unforeseen jobs like regional emoji expert. She sees technology shaping the next decade in nonlinear ways, marked by the phenomenon of “templosion.” The term refers to the “exponential implosion” of time into smaller and smaller chunks. 

“Time is the new luxury value prop. We want to amplify time because it’s in short supply,” she said. The rapid development of technology makes time more valuable, as we’re seeing now in the increasing demand from two-day to same-day delivery. 

Virtual and augmented realities will introduce “omnichannel 2.0,” she said, citing a virtual store in China that looks like an empty parking lot. As sensor-equipped shoppers walk through virtual aisles of merchandise, they make purchases that are then delivered to their homes.

Affirm is poised to deliver more powerful results

Max Levchin, CEO of Affirm, revealed how our network of over 4.5 million high-value, high-intent shoppers delivers a powerful marketplace. We leveraged this network to drive over $500 million in referrals to retailers last year, showing that our value for merchants extends beyond payments to amplify their marketing activity.

Levchin also hosted fireside chats with executives from Delta Airlines and David Yurman. Other Affirmation 2020 speakers included leaders from Walmart, Moda Operandi, Tamara Mellon, and Universal Standard discussing innovations like stores on wheels and personalized, pre-packed “mystery boxes” of apparel.

Tom O’Rourke, Vice President of Retail at David Yurman, talked about how Affirm is helping the jewelry business penetrate a younger demographic. He also shared how the company has seen a 19% lift in AOV for purchases made with Affirm.

Peter Magnabosco, Financial Services Business Leader at Walmart, discussed emerging trends and opportunities in omnichannel. “A big trend for us is ambidexterity,” he said. “We have to create great shopping experiences in all of our stores, but also use those locations as fulfillment centers.”

Attendees got a preview of Affirm’s innovations from Kane Wright, our head of product marketing. “Our product strategy is tailored around the customer journey,” he said. The coming innovations will help retailers convert more browsers into buyers and reduce friction at checkout. (Stay tuned for more as we roll them out later this year.)

Art and inspiration enhance the day

The daylong event wasn’t all business. After everyone identified how they want to go beyond in 2020, an artist translated each of their goals into a custom T-shirt they could take home. A graffiti artist also created a large mural depicting all the goals, as conference attendees networked and enjoyed the hospitality and Manhattan skyline views of The William Vale hotel in Brooklyn.

Jennifer Huang, Product Manager for Buyer Payments at StubHub, called the event “super inspiring.” 

“Being able to partner with Affirm and learn about the product roadmap helps us as we innovate and make plans for doing what’s best for our customers,” she added.

Shark Tank star Daymond John closed the conference by telling the story of his remarkable career journey. Infused with hip-hop music and comedy, the session inspired everyone in the room to adapt his entrepreneur principles to go beyond.

To see how Affirm can drive sales results that go beyond your expectations, visit our site.