Amazon unveils virtual seller event

Amazon will host a free digital conference aimed at U.S. small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Scheduled for Sept. 1-3, 2020, “Amazon Accelerate” will offer more than 60 sessions of content across a range of educational topics for SMBs who currently sell or are considering selling via Amazon’s online store. The interactive event will include breakout sessions, panels, lightning talks, and live Q&A with Amazon experts.

There will be customized sessions for new and existing sellers. For example, attendees who are new to selling online will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of successful sellers on "Growing to a $1 Million Business," or a 15-minute lightning talk on "Creating Great Listings." Experienced Amazon sellers can attend sessions such as "Responding to Changes in Consumer Demand" or "Optimizing Your Marketing."

Presentations from Amazon executives will include Jeff Wilke, CEO of worldwide consumer in conversation with Dharmesh Mehta, VP of customer trust & partner support, on Amazon’ customer obsession. In addition, Christine Beauchamp, president of Amazon fashion, will discuss building a brand in Amazon’s store; and Devesh Mishra, VP of supply chain, will explain Amazon’s continued investments in operations and what’s ahead for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).

"We are deeply invested in empowering small businesses, and now more than ever, it is critically important for us to bring our seller community together as we all navigate new economic realities," said Jeff Wilke, CEO worldwide consumer at Amazon. "Amazon is privileged to partner with a large, vibrant community of small business sellers. Amazon Accelerate will help these entrepreneurial organizations find new ways to serve customers, grow, and expand."

In 2019, Amazon reported more than 15,000 American SMBs exceeded $1 million in sales in its stores worldwide, and nearly 25,000 surpassed $500,000 in sales. Products from SMBs make up more than half of all items sold in Amazon’s stores worldwide. Amazon says it spent $15 billion during 2019 on logistics, tools, services, programs, and people to help SMBs around the globe succeed in its online stores.