When The New York Times acquired The Wirecutter last year, it spotted an attractive new source of revenue — earned commissions through product purchases made by consumers who trust the gadget review site for shopping advice. Soon after, BuzzFeed doubled down on its own commerce strategy when it launched Product Lab, a team of 10 that leverages audience data about viral stories to develop and license products to sell in as quickly as two days. The New York Times and BuzzFeed are betting big that media companies can transform their readers into buyers, built on the back of data.

What does this mean for your business? What can we learn from tapping into audience data to develop product?

The role of media companies in the e-commerce ecosystem is still nascent, and that’s why we’ve invited David Perpich from the New York Times-owned Wirecutter and Ben Kaufman from BuzzFeed Product Lab to join us at Code Commerce. These two rising stars will discuss media’s investment in commerce strategies — affiliate links and beyond — and what their companies bring to product development and marketing.

Perpich was tapped to lead The Wirecutter after its acquisition by The New York Times Company, following a long career working in various leadership roles at the storied publisher. Kaufman came to BuzzFeed when the company quietly acquired Scroll, his e-commerce platform, in late 2016. BuzzFeed is betting big on its own take on “social commerce” — the idea that people will purchase products that go viral directly through BuzzFeed. So far, the bet is working — Tasty: The Cookbook is one of the best-selling cookbooks of the year, and the Homesick collection has grown beyond candles to apparel, cutting boards, baskets and more.

Kaufman and Perpich are part of a diverse lineup of traditional retail, finance and e-commerce pioneers coming to Code Commerce. During our two-day event, you’ll hear from the entrepreneurs and executives disrupting the brick-and-mortar model, network with your peers, and get insight to bring to your own company.

You can still save $200 with the First Mover Registration when you register now.

		David Perpich President and General Manager, The Wirecutter David Perpich was named president and general manager of The Wirecutter in 2017. In this role, he leads all aspects of the business and editorial operations of the product-recommendation site, which was acquired by the Times Company in October 2016. Perpich served as senior vice president of product for The New York Times, where he was responsible for overseeing the company’s digital product portfolio. He came to the Times from Booz & Company.
		Ben Kaufman  Head of Product Labs, BuzzFeed Ben  Kaufman  is the  head  of BuzzFeed’s Product Labs, a division of the digital media company that’s focused on driving social commerce. He has spearheaded commerce initiatives for BuzzFeed, including products like the Tasty: The Cookbook, Homesick Candles and more. Prior to BuzzFeed,  Kaufman founded the Apple-accessory company mophie and social invention platform Quirky. Throughout his career, Kaufman  has been obsessed with speeding up the design, manufacturing and marketing processes of unique products.