Q: What reasons led to the creation of Digital 1to1, and what need was it designed to address?
A: Digital 1to1 is an event designed to connect players across the retail and e-commerce ecosystem, particularly within the digital space. It originated from a previous project led by the company’s two founding partners, who, prior to Digital 1to1, created Expo E-commerce in 2010, which was the first e-commerce trade fair in Spain. We then identified a strong need to connect technology and solution providers — such as payment platforms, logistics companies, e-commerce agencies, and digital marketing platforms — with decision-makers from large online retailers.
From the very beginning, we established strict criteria for participation. Online retailers attending our events must generate at least €5 million (US$5.9 million) in annual revenue, or €50 million (US$59 million) globally if they also operate physical retail, to ensure a high level of relevance and seniority among participants.
The format of the event was well received by the industry, and we evolved alongside the sector itself. What started as a small gathering of 50 or 60 participants grew into events hosting around 300 attendees. While our events are not designed to be massive, we believe this scale is optimal for fostering real connections. Over the past five years, we expanded the model across the European Union. We now operate events in Italy using the same format, and we also host a Southern Europe cross-border event in Spain with participants from Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal. This year, we decided to expand into Mexico, which we see as a highly strategic and promising market.
Q: Mexico’s e-commerce market has experienced exponential growth in recent years. How does this influence Digital 1to1’s approach, and how does its model differ from traditional networking events?
A: The key difference lies in time efficiency and relevance. Senior decision-makers at large e-commerce companies receive constant outreach, including emails, calls, and proposals from solution providers, often at moments when the message is not relevant or when they simply do not have the time to engage properly. We solve that problem through a structured matchmaking process. Two weeks before the event, all participants gain access to a dedicated platform. Online retailers indicate their specific needs, while technology providers list the services they offer. Based on this information, our system generates a series of one-to-one meetings using an algorithm that matches supply and demand.
As a result, each attendee arrives at the event with a personalized agenda of pre-scheduled meetings aligned with their business objectives. If an online retailer is interested in e-commerce platforms, payments, or logistics, they will meet providers offering those exact services. This ensures that meetings are purposeful and relevant from the outset.
Q: What trends are driving real transformation in the e-commerce sector?
A: The dominant force shaping the sector is AI. However, the real challenge lies in how AI is effectively applied to existing e-commerce tools and infrastructures. The market is no longer satisfied with generic AI solutions used at a consumer level. Instead, retailers are demanding tangible improvements in how AI enhances payments, logistics, marketing, and operational efficiency. Technology providers are increasingly using AI as an accelerator to deliver better, more scalable services.
Retail media is another highly relevant trend, alongside advances in logistics, particularly in cross-border logistics. At our Madrid event in March, we placed strong emphasis on Latin America, positioning Spain and Portugal as gateways for technological and service exchanges between the European Union and the region.
Q: What do you hope participants will take away from this year’s edition of Digital 1to1?
A: Above all, we hope they have an excellent experience and choose to return next year. Our goal is to continuously evolve and expand these events. Whether participants are online retailers or technology providers, we want them to meet new companies and individuals who help them improve operations, increase sales, or refine their strategies. For a first year in Mexico, achieving that would already be a great success for us.
Digital 1to1 promotes relationships between business leaders in the e-commerce sector and digital solutions companies that can offer them answers to their challenges in the sector.
