Everyone knows I go to conferences. You might even say I collect conference apps like some people collect sneakers (I collect sneakers too, lol).

But why do I do it? How do I get the most out of my investment?

Here’s the thing: I don’t go just for the swag or the fancy hotel coffee. I go because nothing—and I mean nothing—beats the magic that happens when you meet someone IRL. Not a Zoom call. Not a LinkedIn DM. Real-life, eye-contact, “Oh wow, you're much more handsome IRL” moments. 😜

Hard stop.

Cool, cool… but you said this post was about AI. What gives?

Rumors are swirling about a potential integration of Shopify directly into ChatGPT. 

From a user perspective, this sounds incredibly convenient. Imagine asking your AI assistant to find the perfect gift and being able to purchase it directly within the chat interface. This seamless experience hints at a future where conversational AI becomes a central hub for online shopping.

However, this development also sparks a familiar unease, echoing the era of America Online (AOL!). One where users were largely confined within a single, proprietary ecosystem. Similarly, the dominance of Internet Explorer leveraging the Windows install base. This raises serious concerns about powerful platforms potentially dictating user access and limiting choice.