Berlin conference explores AI agents real-world retail challenges

AI agents are transforming purchasing processes, yet retailers still face uncertainty about how to develop the infrastructure needed to support them. This challenge is central to AI:Deep Dive Berlin, a free conference scheduled for November 10, 2026, organized by Team One Developers and Stripe in Berlin. The event will assemble experts from Stripe, Zalando, flaconi, Axite, ShopAgentic, and Deloitte to analyze what agentic commerce delivers in practice—and what obstacles lie ahead.

The discussion will center on three key issues: the technical requirements for enabling AI-driven transactions, the role of payments and liability when agents execute purchases, and the extent of consumer control when buying decisions are automated. The Berlin session marks the third stop in a four-city tour, following events in Munich and Cologne, and concludes the 2026 series. The final installment will occur in January 2027.

Five keynote presentations will examine different dimensions of agentic commerce. David Rissmann from flaconi will analyze how customer data informs strategic decisions. Saim Rolf Alkan of Axite will demonstrate how AI agents eliminate the need for a visible shopping cart. Malte Karstan will introduce H-Commerce (Human Commerce), while Kai-Thomas Krause from ShopAgentic will outline how retailers must adjust to customers relying on agents rather than direct interaction at checkout. Stephan Ritter from Deloitte will examine the trust trends between humans and AI systems.

A closing panel, featuring Julius Danek from Stripe, Nils Stotz from Zalando, and Dr. Markus Wübben, will evaluate which aspects of agentic commerce are already functional. The conversation will likely emphasize the divide between theoretical advancements and real-world implementation, addressing both technical and ethical hurdles.

The event will be conducted primarily in German, though some speakers will present in English. It runs from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with networking opportunities integrated throughout. While attendance is free, registration is capped, so early sign-ups are advised.

This gathering shows a broader industry evolution: AI agents have moved beyond experimentation and are now integrated into commercial operations. However, speakers will show unresolved challenges, ranging from system integration to ethical governance. Retailers and brands continue to handle how to merge automation with transparency, a conflict that will shape the discussion.