Unlock is coming back to Chicago! Taking place April 13–14, 2026, we’re breaking down six compelling reasons as to why you should attend, from exclusive product and roadmap insights to hands-on learning, expert keynotes, real-world customer stories, and unforgettable community experiences. If you’re looking to modernize your tech stack, future-proof your product experiences, and connect with leaders shaping what’s next, this is your guide to why Unlock 2026 belongs on your calendar.
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Chicago knows a thing or two about doing things at scale, from towering architecture and legendary sports teams to deep-dish pizza that’s anything but shallow. On April 13–14, 2026, that same bigger-and-better energy comes to Convene Willis Tower as more than 250 eCommerce and Product Experience professionals gather for Unlock 2026, the leading U.S. event dedicated entirely to Product Experience.
Hosted by the team here at Akeneo, Unlock brings together the best of the best: dynamic keynote presentations, hands-on technical workshops, expert-led best practice sessions, real-world customer stories, and deep dives into the latest product innovations. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore new solutions, or simply stay ahead of where commerce is headed, Unlock 2026 delivers the perfect mix of learning, discovery, and connection.
Now, last year at Unlock, we talked about preparing for the AI wave. That wave is officially here, and it’s reshaping how product experiences are created, managed, and delivered.
That’s why we’re exploring what comes next: how to modernize your architecture, centralize product data, and evolve your tech stack to support AI-powered commerce at scale. You’ll learn what an AI-ready architecture really looks like, why systems of record are moving back to the center, and how to build a foundation for the next generation of intelligent commerce.
In short, this is where strategy meets reality.
Still on the fence? Here are six reasons Unlock 2026 belongs on your calendar.
One thing Unlock can always promise is providing a clear, practical understanding of how Akeneo Product Cloud is evolving. This year, we’ll be featuring a keynote on Akeneo’s 2026 Spring Release with Virginie Blot, Akeneo’s Principal Product Marketing Manager, and a forward-looking roadmap keynote with Andy Tyra, Akeneo’s Chief Product Officer that offers a sneak peek into what Akeneo has planned for the rest of 2026.
Why does this matter? Because product teams, IT leaders, marketers, and eCommerce teams all need to make informed decisions, about architecture, resourcing, integrations, and long-term investments. Seeing new capabilities in action helps you identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and deliver richer product experiences faster. Understanding what’s coming next allows you to plan with confidence, align internal teams, and future-proof your commerce strategy.
In short, this is your chance to see how Akeneo’s product vision aligns with your own goals, and to provide you with a roadmap that helps you turn strategy into action.
AI promises a lot, but turning that promise into consistent, repeatable value is where many organizations struggle.
At Unlock 2026, hands-on labs and workshops are designed to help you move beyond experimentation and into execution. You’ll see how to operationalize AI across product data enrichment, content consistency, and product syndication.
By learning how to automate enrichment, standardize tone of voice, and scale product storytelling across markets and channels, you free up time for higher-value work without sacrificing quality or brand consistency. You’ll leave with practical approaches you can apply immediately to maximize your Akeneo investment and accelerate ROI.
Want to learn how to collaborate between Akeneo PIM, Akeneo DAM, and Akeneo Activation to harmonize product data and assets into engaging experiences tailored for any market? Curious how Akeneo’s Digital Showroom eliminates the friction of outdated collateral? Interested in eliminating repetitive tasks, enforcing data governance, and improving data quality with Akeneo’s Triggered Rules? Our Unlock Labs answer all of these questions and more!
Check out one of our labs from Unlock 2025!
With the implementation of AI in shopping experiences across the board, commerce is being fundamentally re-architected.
Expert keynotes at Unlock this year will unpack how AI is reshaping the entire customer journey, from discovery and search to conversion and loyalty. As traditional models are challenged, the role of product data, systems of record, and cross-functional collaboration becomes even more critical.
Why does this matter? Because the decisions you make now about technology, data ownership, and organizational structure will define your ability to compete in an AI-powered future. These keynotes will help you connect high-level trends to real-world implications, giving you the insight needed to modernize your tech stack, align teams, and build a more agile commerce operation.
AI journeys aren’t linear, and they’re never one-size-fits-all.
Customer panels at Unlock 2026 offer something especially valuable: honest insight from organizations at different stages of AI maturity. From early adopters to innovation leaders, you’ll hear how peers from organizations like Costa Farms, Rainbow Shops, Steelcase, and Hunter Industries are overcoming challenges, proving value, and scaling AI in ways that improve product experiences and business performance.
You’ll gain clarity on what’s achievable, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to measure success, making it easier to build internal alignment and set realistic expectations. The result? Smarter decisions, faster progress, and more confidence in your own AI roadmap.
Success in today’s commerce ecosystem isn’t built alone, especially when AI, data, and integration strategies are evolving rapidly. That’s why Unlock 2026 begins a day early with an exclusive Partner Summit on Monday, April 13, a dedicated event designed just for Akeneo partners.
The Partner Summit puts partners front and center of Akeneo’s vision, strategy, and growth plans. You’ll gain early insights into the product direction, innovation priorities, and roadmap thinking that will shape the year ahead. Understanding these strategic threads early gives your business a real edge when advising customers, building solutions, or planning go-to-market activities.
Throughout the day, you’ll experience a blend of inspiring keynotes, strategic discussions, and focused networking, all structured to help you:
You can learn more and register for the Partner Summit here!
Some of the most valuable takeaways from Unlock don’t come from slides. They come from the people you meet.
Unlock is designed to foster meaningful connections across the entire PX community, from hallway conversations and networking breaks to shared learnings in sessions.
And when the formal agenda wraps, the opportunity to connect continues at the Unlock After Party, taking place on April 14 from 7:30–10:30pm at Punchbowl Social in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop. The venue blends entertainment and dining with activities like bowling, arcade games, and private karaoke rooms, creating a relaxed and fun environment where conversations flow naturally and connections stick.
Stepping out of the conference room and into a shared experience helps you return to work refreshed, and with a rolodex of allies who can support you as commerce continues to evolve (plus, karaoke is simply just fun!).
Best of all, every Unlock ticket includes one free pass to the party, so you can come ready to learn, connect, celebrate, and sing without missing a beat.
Learn more about Akeneo’s annual Unlock party!
Unlock is the time every year where the Product Experience community comes together to learn, connect, and shape what’s next in the new age of commerce. From strategic insights into AI-powered commerce to hands-on learning, real-world customer stories, and unforgettable community moments, Unlock is designed to leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take action.
Now’s the time to secure your spot. Early Bird tickets are available until February 28, and all paid tickets will be entered into a raffle, with the winner announced live at the event to take home a PlayStation 5 console!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s experience. Register now and join us in Chicago for Unlock 2026.
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