Paul Banker
Former VP of Marketing BARK
With nearly 20 years building pet brands and consumer packaged goods companies, Paul Banker brings a full-stack marketing approach that combines data-driven strategy with the kind of creative storytelling that sparks emotional connections. At BARK, he has helped launch masterbrand campaigns and new product lines while championing surprise and delight as a core business strategy—proving that personalization and unexpected moments drive the loyalty that truly matters. His background spans brand building, CRO and performance marketing, team leadership, and creative direction, including co-founding a boutique music label called Shoeboxx Recordings. Paul believes that in an increasingly automated world, emotional intelligence and human-centered experiences are what set brands apart.
Tuesday, February 24
5:05 PM Track 3: Fireside Chat: Bringing Back The Surprise & Delight Factor To Drive Continued Brand Engagement
In an era where customer interactions are increasingly data-driven and automated, retailers risk losing the emotional spark that builds lasting loyalty. The art of surprise and delight—those unexpected moments that deepen engagement and keep shoppers coming back—has never been more essential. In this fireside chat, Paul Banker will explore how his team at Bark reimagined this strategy for today’s digital-first consumer, blending personalization, creativity, and innovation to drive stronger connections and sustained brand engagement. Expect to hear:
- Fostering emotional connections with your customers through surprise and delight initiatives
- Setting your brand apart from the competition through unexpected initiatives and personalized experiences
- Shaping positive brand perceptions and boosting customer satisfaction and long-term brand affinity with unique and fun customer experiences
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Paul.
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