Nothing is more important to the product development process than effective communication. Combined with the right systems for aggregating, reviewing, and responding to feedback, product managers can implement communication routines to engage stakeholders, build trust, and craft a strategic roadmap. In this talk, we will explore (and try to answer) the following questions:

• How do I manage input from a wide range of stakeholders with varying objectives?
• How do I use stakeholder input to make data-informed decisions?
• How do I help my customers and internal teams understand (and buy into) our product roadmap?

Learn from our group of panelists:

Nate Eberly - Nate is a product leader who recognizes that complex operational problems often have simple software solutions. As a Product Manager at FareHarbor, Nate helps design and build reservations and business management tools for activity and tour operators. Leaning on his experience in the travel industry and his penchant for small business, Nate helps guide FareHarbor’s product decisions to ensure they align with industry needs.

Kris McKee - Kris is a Senior Product Manager at Optimizely, the leading optimization platform for digital products. Kris is responsible for managing the enterprise experience for Optimizely’s largest and most innovative customers. Prior to joining Optimizely, Kris served as Head of Product for BlueCart, Inc., a B2B e-commerce marketplace, and as Head of Operations for Jumia Nigeria, Africa’s first e-commerce company and tech unicorn. Kris holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS from Northwestern University. In her spare time, you'll likely find Kris day dreaming in a local art gallery or playing with the nearest dog.

Paul Rowe - Paul is an Engineering Manager at Skookum, a consulting firm specializing in digital innovation and transformation. In addition to engineering, he's previously served as Director of UX Design at Crownpeak, and developed product strategy processes at Frontdesk Anywhere. He believes that there's a way to accomplish anything with the right people around you. Outside the office, you'll find him on the golf course in the warm months, and jumping off of snowy cliffs while snowboarding in the cold ones.

Christine Hettinger is the Director of Product, Student Experience at Guild Education.