In 1999, Amazon first made virtual shelf space available in our online store to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to sell online and help us provide customers with even greater selection, lower prices, and more convenience. Over the last 20 years, sales from our small business selling partners have grown to account for more than half of everything sold in Amazon’s store.
Although 2020 has been an unprecedented year that has challenged all of us in unexpected ways, small businesses selling in Amazon’s store have risen to the challenge and seen record sales growth. In a recent twelve-month period, U.S. SMBs sold more than 3.4 billion products in our store. Our commitment to supporting SMBs and adapting together for the future has never been more steadfast.
In that spirit, today, we are excited to announce that we are bringing together SMBs for our largest-ever U.S. event dedicated to seller success—Amazon Accelerate—which will take place September 1-3, 2020. Given the current environment, the event is entirely virtual and free to attend. Participants will hear from Amazon, connect with peers, and learn proven techniques and best practices to apply as they grow their businesses in the digital economy. Experts will also provide strategies on ways to adapt to the variability of the current climate. Amazon Accelerate is for both existing Amazon sellers looking to continue to grow their success and small businesses considering going digital and selling online for the first time.
With more than 60 sessions of engaging content across the three-day event, attendees will be able to select the sessions of most interest to them on a range of educational topics. The interactive event will include breakout sessions, panels, lightning talks, and live Q&A with Amazon experts.
"Amazon is deeply invested in empowering small businesses, and this is an important time for us to come together and learn from each other as we navigate new economic realities,” said Jeff Wilke, CEO worldwide consumer at Amazon. "It’s our good fortune at Amazon to partner with a large, vibrant community of sellers. Accelerate will help small businesses find new ways to grow and expand while also creating new connections.”
"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 in-depth sessions such as "Responding to Changes in Consumer Demand" or "Optimizing Your Marketing."
Participants can also hear from:
- Jeff Wilke, CEO of worldwide consumer, in conversation with Dharmesh Mehta, VP of customer trust & partner support, on how Amazon’s customer obsession drives its commitment to seller success
- Christine Beauchamp, president of Amazon Fashion on building a brand in Amazon’s store
- Devesh Mishra, VP of worldwide supply chain, on Amazon’s continued investments in operations and what’s ahead for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
