Experience the difference. Meet your peers, talk with experts, build your network, and turn insights into action.
Robert Blaisdell
VP Analyst
Gartner
Speaker Topics
- Customer Retention and Growth
- Executive Skills and Influence
Speaker Bio
Robert Blaisdell is a Vice President, Analyst and Chief of Research in the Gartner Sales Research Practice. He covers all aspects of sales but with a primary focus on current customer retention and growth via account planning best practices and strategic key account management.
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Sessions
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM PDT
Leading Sales in the AI Era: Strategies for CSO Success
Robert Blaisdell,
VP Analyst, Gartner
AI is reshaping the sales landscape at an unprecedented pace—bringing both exciting opportunities and new challenges. The ability to lead through this volatility is critical. This session dives into how today’s CSOs can harness AI to drive sales productivity, reinvent go-to-market strategies in line with evolving buyer expectations, and prioritize investment in their teams—especially sales managers—to unlock peak seller performance. Join fellow sales executives to explore actionable approaches, proven strategies, and real-world examples that will help you thrive as a leader in the AI era.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2026 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM PDT
CSO Circle Ask the Expert: The Modern CSO: Orchestrating Commercial Transformation, Innovation, and Results
Robert Blaisdell,
VP Analyst, Gartner
The Chief Sales Officer role is no longer just tactical—it’s at the heart of shaping your company’s commercial future. Today’s successful CSOs are responsible for transforming sales to align with enterprise objectives, driving long-term profitable revenue growth, and rallying cross-functional partners to achieve today's results. Join fellow sales leaders and CSOs to explore actionable strategies, innovative technologies, and real-world insights that will empower you to lead at the highest level.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2026 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM PDT
From Static To Dynamic: Reimagined Key Account Programs for Growth
Robert Blaisdell,
VP Analyst, Gartner
Key accounts are the powerhouse of profitable growth—yet many programs still rely on static, one-size-fits-all strategies that fail to unlock the full potential of their customers. In this breakout session, discover how to elevate your approach by strategically tiering your most valuable accounts, harnessing the power of AI for deeper insights and delivering hyper-personalized engagement at scale. Leave with actionable strategies and proven frameworks to transform your key account program from static to dynamic.
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