We have some exciting news that we’re finally able to share: Product Collective has been acquired by Pendo! 

Pendo is a long-time supporter of the product community and makers of the most comprehensive product experience platform out there. Pendo also owns Mind the Product, a thriving global community of 300,000 product people with events, editorial content, training and nearly 200 ProductTank meetups throughout the world. We are thrilled to be joining forces with Mind the Product to have an even greater impact in the product community. 

So what does this mean for the Product Collective community? First and foremost, both of us co-founders are staying put as part of the Pendo team! Our commitment to the Product Collective community remains as strong as ever, and we’re excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings. 

Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. INDUSTRY is coming back to Cleveland! Mark your calendars for Fall 2025. We’ll be sharing more details soon, but rest assured, our flagship event is returning to its roots.

2. Your weekly dose of product wisdom continues. You’ll still receive the same great resources every Friday in our weekly newsletter. We’re committed to delivering the valuable content you’ve come to expect from us.

3. Access to a broader network. Our relationship with Pendo and Mind the Product opens up exciting possibilities. You’ll soon have access to an even wider range of product management resources, education, and events.

4. More resources, more opportunities. With Pendo’s support, we’ll have even more resources to invest in our community. This means expanded learning opportunities, more events in more parts of the world, and new ways to connect with fellow product professionals.

While there may be some changes on the horizon, these changes will be for the better. Our core mission remains the same: to support and empower product people like you.

We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support and trust. This community has always been at the heart of everything we do, and that won’t change. We’re excited about this new chapter and can’t wait to share more updates with you as we move forward.

Thank you for being part of the Product Collective family. Here’s to an exciting future together!

Best

Mike Belsito and Paul McAvinchey
Co-Founders, Product Collective

The post Big news for Product Collective community! appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

Senior Product Manager – AI Data Foundation (Remote)

As a Sr. Product Manager at our large retail enterprise, you will be at the forefront of delivering a GenAI-ready knowledge foundation that serves as the enrichment layer atop our enterprise data lake, encompassing both structured and unstructured data. Your role will involve collaborating with engineers and data scientists to assess the criticality of knowledge sources in relation to business goals. You will be responsible for creating a CRUD vision for knowledge management, developing enrichment and vectorization layers with multimodal operations, and supporting various GenAI use cases at the application layer. Your expertise will be essential in driving innovation and ensuring our data infrastructure is optimized for advanced AI applications, ultimately enhancing our business operations and customer experiences.

Learn More >>

Home Depot

Senior Product Manager – AI Products (Remote)

As a Sr. Product Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI within our enterprise-wide retail operations. Your primary responsibility will be to gather and analyze AI use cases across various departments, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to support leadership’s investment priorities, driving initiatives that enhance our competitive edge. Additionally, you will help define and implement the company’s AI strategy, both short and long term, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation in the retail industry. Your expertise will be crucial in leveraging AI to optimize processes, improve customer experiences, and drive business growth.

Learn More >>

The post Product Management Jobs // August 2024 appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

We wanted you to be among the first to know about our plans to relaunch the Gigantic training courses that Product Collective now powers!

Here’s the deal:

From May 20th – May 31st, anybody that purchases one of our Gigantic courses will receive all of the following bonuses:

Bonus #1: The Best of INDUSTRY bundle – $99 value

This bundle includes 12 attendee-favorite keynotes from our conferences over the years. You’ll learn from Marty Cagan, April Dunford, Lenny Rachitsky, and many others, with videos to stream or download. It’s like the “best conference ever in a box!”

Bonus #2: Build What Matters, by Ben Foster – $20 value

In this ebook edition, INDUSTRY alum and Gigantic instructors Ben Foster and Rajesh Nerlikar introduce you to their methodology for becoming a product-driven company.

Bonus #3: Annual subscription (basic) to ChatPRD – $39 value

INDUSTRY alum Claire Vo has been turning heads with her fast-growing AI on-demand CPO platform that writes great product requirements documents while coaching you to become an elite Product Manager.

Bonus #4: $200 credit for INDUSTRY: The Product Conference (in-person or virtual)

You’ll have $200 of credit for your pass to INDUSTRY (Sept 24-25), or you can receive a complimentary pass to INDUSTRY Virtual (October 17) — your choice!

That’s $358 in extra bonuses if you purchase any Gigantic course (starting at $299) this month. But that’s not all…

Bonus #5: Access to an hour-long private live session on Product Leadership – priceless

You’ll be invited to a private group session to explore Product Leadership. You’ll learn from Gigantic instructors – and even a past course participant how they’ve already begun to put what they’ve learned into practice. You can join live and receive the recorded session, too.

The catch? You have to purchase any Gigantic course this month.

Starting in June, these bonuses will go away.

Email Mike@ProductCollective.com for info on group rates or with any questions.

The post Here’s the deal for Gigantic – the on-demand product training platform powered by Product Collective appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

The essence of this transformation lies in the ability of AI to process and analyze vast amounts of data, uncover patterns, and provide insights that were previously inaccessible or too complex to decipher. This all leads to empowering PM’s to make more informed decisions, anticipate market trends, and deliver products that truly resonate with their target audience. In short – AI has the potential to help Product Managers create even better products… faster.

This isn’t just about the future, though. AI is already changing the landscape for Product Managers today.  In this article, we’ll dive into three real-world examples that will not only highlight the practical applications of AI in product management but also illustrate the profound impact AI is having on strategy, user engagement, and the overall approach to product development. Whether you are a seasoned Product Manager or new to the field, understanding the role of AI in this domain is crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.

Personalization at Scale

One of the most striking examples of AI’s impact in the realm of product management is Spotify, the music streaming behemoth. Spotify’s journey from a simple music streaming service to a personalized music experience powerhouse offers invaluable lessons for Product Managers. Central to Spotify’s success is its AI-driven capability to create personalized playlists, a feature that has not only enhanced user engagement but also redefined the music listening experience. Imagine having your own personalized DJ right in your pocket. (Okay, that may sound a little weird, but you get the idea). 

In having the ability to understand each user’s musical taste intricately and tailor content to match their preferences. This level of personalization, which Spotify achieves through sophisticated AI algorithms, was once a distant dream. Today, it stands as a benchmark in user engagement and a testament to the power of AI in transforming a product offering.

Spotify’s AI algorithms work by analyzing billions of user interactions with songs – likes, skips, replays, and search history. This data, vast and complex, is processed to identify patterns and preferences unique to each user. The result is the ‘Discover Weekly’ playlist, a mix of tracks personalized for each of Spotify’s millions of users. For a PM, this is a goldmine of insights. It’s not just about the music that’s being played; it’s about understanding user behavior and preferences at a granular level.

This ability to deliver personalized experiences at scale is what sets AI apart. The Spotify DJ is just one example of how things can move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and empower product teams to create products that cater to the individual needs of their users. This level of customization ensures that users feel understood and valued, which in turn fosters loyalty and long-term engagement.

Of course, there are benefits even beyond user satisfaction. Spotify’s use of AI for personalization also provides critical insights into market trends and user preferences. This information is invaluable for strategic planning and decision-making. When we have a clear understanding of what users want, we can make more informed choices about product development, feature enhancements, and marketing strategies.

For Spotify, this has meant continuously evolving the platform based on user feedback and AI-driven insights. New features, like the ‘Time Capsule’ playlist, which offers a nostalgic music journey, or the ‘Daily Mix’, which blends favorite tracks with new recommendations, are direct outcomes of AI’s ability to discern and predict user preferences.

Spotify’s example is a compelling case study in harnessing AI for personalization. It demonstrates how AI can be used not just as a tool for data analysis, but as a driving force in creating a product that is ever-evolving, highly relevant, and deeply engaging for the user. 

Predictive Analytics and Decision Making

Another clear example of how AI is changing the world for Product Managers is Salesforce’s Einstein Analytics. This example underscores the vital role AI plays in enhancing not just customer relationship management (CRM) tools, but also in strategic planning and decision-making for Product Managers.

Salesforce, a leading CRM platform, integrated AI into its platform with Einstein Analytics, transforming the way businesses interact with their customers and manage their sales processes. For Product Managers, Einstein Analytics represents a paradigm shift in how data is utilized for strategic decision-making. This AI-powered tool provides predictive insights, recommendations, and automated actions based on the CRM data.

The ability to predict customer needs and market trends is invaluable. Einstein Analytics does this by analyzing historical data, spotting trends, and identifying patterns that might not be immediately obvious. This predictive power enables PMs to anticipate customer needs, tailor their product roadmaps, and stay ahead of the competition. In a way, it’s another set of eyes that can help a Product Manager identify things that they may not have identified on their own. 

The benefit of predictive analytics goes beyond just forecasting. It empowers PMs to be proactive rather than reactive. For example, Salesforce’s Einstein Analytics can identify which customers are likely to churn and why, allowing PMs to implement strategies to improve retention. This proactive approach in managing customer relationships and enhancing user experience is a direct outcome of AI’s analytical capabilities.

Einstein Analytics also offers a level of automation that simplifies complex processes for PMs. Automated data analysis, report generation, and actionable recommendations free up valuable time for Product Managers, allowing them to focus on what’s most important rather than getting bogged down in data analysis. Hopefully, that involves spending time with customers.

Enhancing the user-experience with AI-driven chatbots

Finally, let’s look deeper at the language-learning app, Duolingo – where AI-driven chatbots are enhancing the overall user experience.

Duolingo, known for its innovative approach to language learning, introduced an AI-driven chatbot feature to simulate real-life conversations. This feature allows learners to practice speaking, reading, and writing in a new language in a dynamic, interactive environment. It’s widely known that language learners learn best when they’re practicing alongside people. In a way, this chatbot mimics that experience. The inclusion of this AI technology is not just a novel feature; it represents a significant leap in how users engage with the app, making the learning process more immersive and effective.

The chatbot uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to understand user inputs, respond in a contextually relevant manner, and provide a personalized learning experience. This level of interaction is crucial for language learners who need practice in real-life conversational skills. No, they’re not practicing with real people. But the experience makes it feel that way. 

Another benefit that comes as a result of the AI-driven chatbot in Duolingo is the continuous feedback loop that it provides. By analyzing user interactions with the chatbot, Duolingo’s product team can gain insights into user behavior, preferences, and pain points. This information is invaluable for iterating on the product, enhancing features, and developing new strategies to improve user engagement.

Somewhat ironic, but the AI chatbot provides an automated, consistent learning experience – yet it’s designed to feel personal and human-like. This balance is actually one reason why engagement may be so high with Duolingo’s chatbot… and it’s a reminder how implementing AI technologies shouldn’t minimize the need for the “human touch.”

For Product Managers, this case study underscores the importance of leveraging AI not just for efficiency, but for creating a more personalized, interactive, and engaging user experience. It demonstrates the potential of AI in making products not only more user-friendly but also more adaptive and responsive to individual user needs. And yes – AI even has the potential to help make our products feel even more personal. 

A look to the future

Looking forward, the integration of AI in product management is set to deepen. As AI technologies evolve, they will offer even more sophisticated tools for PMs to enhance their products. This evolution will require PMs to continually adapt, learn, and innovate. The key to success in this AI-driven era will be a Product Manager’s ability to leverage AI not just as a tool but as an integral part of their strategic thinking and product development process.

One thing is for sure – AI doesn’t seem to be a passing fad. The future of product management is inextricably linked to AI, and those who embrace this relationship will lead the way in creating innovative, user-focused, and successful products in the digital age.

The post How AI is changing the world for Product Managers appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

Today… things have changed. The landscape has completely been transformed, and for the better. We’ve seen a surge of product management conferences popping up globally – and even more virtual events breaking down geographical barriers. These conferences cover a spectrum of themes – from the nitty-gritty of product development to leadership strategies and career growth pathways.

Choosing the right conference in this sea of options can be overwhelming. My aim with this article is to help you navigate these choices, so you can pinpoint a conference that aligns with what you’re looking to gain from the experience.

So, what can you really learn at a product management conference?

If you’ve ever huddled up with a group of Product Managers, you’ll hear them bring up a common question time and time again, “Am I doing this right?” While there were few just a decade ago, it’s true that today there are loads of online resources, bootcamps, and workshops that can help you navigate the product management career path. But nothing compares to the experience of a live conference. It’s where you get to see how today’s top companies implement best-practice product management principles. More than that, though, It’s a place that gives you the comfort of knowing you’re not alone in your doubts and questions.

And it’s not just about self-assurance. Attending product management conferences lets you:

• Connect with product people from diverse industries, each bringing unique insights.
• Listen to today’s top product management influencers and practitioners and learn directly from those who are shaping today’s ever-evolving landscape.
• Make new friends and connect with peers in product management – people who share the same passions, interests, and face the same challenges. 
• Discover emerging software and tech to enhance your products and processes.
• Perhaps most importantly, find that slice of inspiration you may be looking for in order to 10x the products you manage for your company.

What topics are covered at product management conferences?

Product management conferences can be quite broad, providing evergreen education that will always be useful – or focus on specific, niche topics that are especially timely.

Commons themes you may find in product conference tracks include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
• Growth
• Go-To-Market Strategies
• Product Analytics
• Product Discovery
• Product Operations
• Product Strategy and Roadmapping

Top conferences to attend in 2024

Are you looking to level up your skills as a Product Manager, Product Owner, or Product Leader in 2024? Consider attending any of the following conferences.

INDUSTRY: The Product Conference

European edition of INDUSTRY (Dublin, Ireland): June 15-17, 2024
Global edition of INDUSTRY (Cleveland, Ohio): September 23-25, 2024
Virtual edition of INDUSTRY (Anywhere): October 17, 2024

INDUSTRY offers attendees incredible keynotes, interactive Q&As, networking, and exclusive content to help you build, launch, and scale world-class software products. The premier conference for Product Managers – with a special experience for Product Leaders – INDUSTRY is one of the longest running independent product management conferences anywhere in the world. 

Who should attend this conference: Product Managers, Product Owners, and Product Leaders working in tech; Those involved with Digital Transformation at large enterprises. 

Why attend this conference: We’ve been at the helm of INDUSTRY since it first kicked off back in 2015, so it’s fair to say we’re a bit partial. But we pour our hearts (and a whole lot of elbow grease) into making INDUSTRY the best possible in-person conference experience for Product Managers and Product Leaders.

For those who’ve had the chance to join us, you know that INDUSTRY isn’t just another conference on the calendar – it’s a thriving community. Imagine diving into sessions where you get up close with some of the brightest minds in product, engaging in roundtable brainstorms, and bouncing ideas around in interactive working sessions. It’s one reason why some of the best of the best in the world of product – people like Marty Cagan, April Dunford, Janna Bastow, Christian Idiodi, Dan Olsen… and even celebrities like Common and BJ Novak – have taken the stage at INDUSTRY. 

The cherry on top? We hire a professional journalist to create detailed notes, which are delivered to you within 24 hours after the conference ends. That means you can immerse yourself in the conversations without the hassle of scribbling down that new framework you just learned.

Cost: The cost for INDUSTRY ranges by location and depending on whether you’re attending the 2-day conference only – or adding on additional workshops and courses. Earlybird are discounted by over 40% (if purchased before January 1st). Earlybird passes start at just $150 for the Virtual edition and as little as $745 for the in-person editions. 

New York Product Conference

New York, NY (April 18, 2024)

Looking to attend a product management conference in one of the best metropolitan cities in the world – right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan? Set against the backdrop of New York City’s dynamic landscape, this conference is a single-day experience (with an option for a half-day workshop on the day before) for those looking to fast-track their product management knowledge set. Originally launched to serve NYC’s growing product community, the New York Product Conference now sees attendees join from all over the world.

• Details: INDUSTRYconference.com/new-york
• Cost: Earlybird passes are available for as little as $495

Mind The Product

San Francisco, CA (Spring 2024)
London, England (Fall 2024)

As one of the largest gatherings of product professionals globally, Mind The Product unites industry leaders for inspiring talks and workshops. Now owned and operated by Pendo, MTP offers valuable learning opportunities for product managers at all career levels.

• Details: MindTheProduct.com

Productized

Lisbon, Portugal (Fall 2024)

Productized stands out for its practical approach, blending workshops and talks focused on the art and science of product management. It’s designed to equip product managers with skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of product development in today’s market.

• Details: https://www.productized.co/ 
• Cost: €769

Product at Heart

Hamburg, Germany (September 11-13, 2024)

Designed for those who are curious and looking to expand your knowledge and network within the product management community. The day will be structured with four insightful keynotes from renowned figures in the product world, framing the in-depth conversations across several dual-track-themed sessions. 

• Details: https://productatheart.com/ 
• Cost: €699

Product Camps

Various sites throughout the world

While ProductCamp isn’t a traditional conference, there’s a lot of benefit to be had in connecting with peers in the product space. Product Camps, known for their unique “unconference” style, offer a platform for product managers, UX designers, and marketers to engage in open, participant-driven discussions. These events are ideal for exchanging experiences and learning from peers in an informal setting.

• Details: http://www.productcamp.org/ 
• Cost: Often free; Sometimes there’s a nominal cost

Women in Product

Online (May 9-10)

A virtual conference that’s dedicated to equipping women and non-binary folks to thrive in product management careers at all levels. The aim is to have equitable opportunities to build rewarding careers and shape the products of the future – with its annual conference featuring some of the leading and up-and-coming product voices… you’re bound to learn things that will ultimately help you become a better product person.

• Details: https://womenpm.org/conference/ 
• Cost: $274+

Product Conferences by leading tech companies:

Various sites throughout the world

These days, product management conferences are so popular – that even some of today’s leading technology companies present their own conferences. Some of these are a combination of conference and customer events, but nevertheless – there’s still a lot to be learned at many of these events. Some of our favorites include:

• Amplify, by Ampltiude (Las Vegas, NV) Spring 2024
• ITX Product and Design Conference, by ITX (Rochester, NY) Summer 2024
• Pendomonium, by Pendo (Raleigh, North Carolina) Fall 2024
• Product Excellence Summit, by Productboard (Virtual) Fall 2024
• Spark, by Fullstory (Atlanta, GA)

Choosing the Best Conference for You

When selecting a conference to attend, consider your goals. Are you looking to network, gain specific skills, or find solutions to challenges you’re facing? Also, consider the format that suits you best, whether it’s the dynamic interaction of an unconference or the structured learning of a more traditional event.

Remember, attending these conferences is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about becoming part of a community. Each event offers unique opportunities to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and grow in your career.

We hope this guide helps you choose the best product management conference for your needs in 2024!

The post The Best Product Management Conferences of 2024 appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

So move over, feudal lords – it’s Twitter’s turn to play the Game of Thrones.

As Product Managers, we’re always looking for ways to make a buck. But, there is a larger debate here about whether or not it’s fair to charge for something that was once free. On one hand, Twitter needs to make money somehow. It’s pretty well known that they’ve been bleeding cash both before and after Musk took the helm. On the other hand, this move is certainly going to create even more of a divide in the Twitterverse. Some even are saying it could be the start of the demise of Twitter. While I’m not so sure that’s true just yet, I’m also not personally paying for the privilege to have the blue checkmark next to my name unless I see other real benefits added to the program.

At the end of the day, product managers need to strike a balance between revenue and inclusivity. Maybe Twitter could find a way to offer premium features without creating such a clear divide. Or maybe we’ll all just have to accept that we’re either peasants or lords and move on with our lives. We’ll just have to see.

For more on all of this, check out Rocketship.FM’s latest episode on the Elon Musk brand of Twitter – was released, appropriately, yesterday… on April 20th. You’re welcome, Elon.

The post Lords and Peasants appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

As I get ready to head to the airport, I’m reminded of the very last time I was in Ireland – as we put on INDUSTRY Europe on March 9-11, 2020. As you can imagine, our stress levels were on overdrive and we weren’t even sure if we’d be able to put on the show that we worked so hard to organize. It turns out that we were able to, but just barely. Minutes after our conference ended, the government in Ireland banned all mass events. The same thing happened nearly everywhere else in the world.

Thankfully, things are much different today. I’m feeling some anxiety, but it’s the normal kind of anxiety that I always get before we put on our conferences. I just want to make sure that everybody has an amazing experience.

So on this St. Patrick’s Day, I’m hoping that I can get some of that “Luck of the Irish” to make sure that all goes smoothly next week. If you get any extra luck today, please pass some my way. I promise to return the favor any time you need. Deal?

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In the spirit of Ted Lasso, though – I’ve found a few quotes of his that I think are perfectly applicable to product people. So grab your cup of coffee (not tea – that’s just hot brown water)…

“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong”.

Product work isn’t often “comfortable”. And that’s okay. Sometimes, the best products are made when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. Otherwise… well… we’re probably doing it wrong.

“If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”

Replace the word “someone” with “customers” and re-read the quote. Imagine if we thought about our customers… with a little love in our hearts? Maybe it could show through in our products.

“Believe.”

I believe… in “believe.” If we don’t have belief in the products we’re building… then is it even worth building them?

Do you have a favorite Ted Lasso quote of your own? Can you think of others that relate to our work as product people? Email me and let me know!

The post Stuff Ted Lasso says appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

Well… maybe that can’t happen with your software. But it did happen with the FAA this week.

In a pretty unprecedented move, the FAA was forced to ground all domestic flights due to a “glitch” disabling their NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) program. This program is critical for pilots to be aware of potential safety issues while flying.

Eventually, they fixed… the glitch (Office Space reference, anyone), but the domino effect of the systems being down ended up causing delays and cancellations throughout the entire day.

Obviously, it’s an embarrassing moment for the FAA. Supposedly, the cause of the fiasco was a single engineer replacing one file and bringing the entire system down. But it begs the question…

Why and how could a single engineer’s action take down an entire system like this?

I’m sure that the FAA is diving deep into this. But it’s probably a good reminder for all of us to really go through our code and systems. Could one mistake by an engineer bring down your entire product? If so… it may be time to come up with some new systems.

The post They fixed the glitch appeared first on Product Collective | Organizers of INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

But what do pundits really know, anyway?

I thought it’d be interesting to look back at some of the 2022 predictions that were made in the world of tech to see if what people foresaw actually came true. In my research, I found that many predictions actually did come true – but some, alas, did not. Here are a few to note:

There were lots of predictions made, but I picked one to look back on and sort of “fact check”:

From Dave Wright, Contributor at Forbes:

AI and Humans Will Collaborate More 
We certainly saw AI continue to explode in 2022 – particularly towards the end of the year, as OpenAI released ChatGPT into the wild.

Employees will demand – and deserve – more 
Employees probably do deserve more, but we’ve started to see things swing back in the favor of employers. From Elon Musk asking his staff to “go hardcore” to CEO’s pushing people to get back to the office, it seems like demands from employees may be starting to fall on deaf ears

We’ll be acutely aware of our physical world 
While some of the talk in the tech world for a while involved Metaverses… the reality is that we live in a physical world… and 2022 brought a lot of “physical world” issues, including logistical, macroeconomic, geopolitical… and, well, you name it.

Dave’s predictions were hit and miss, overall – which seems to be the case for most pundits. Nobody really knows what’s ahead. But hey, it’s an interesting thought exercise to think about what’s to come and how it may affect us all!

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