About Us

kwolia is an innovation advisory providing connections and insights between consumer driven industries and technology innovations bridging physical and digital worlds. We provide discovery, assessment and connection partnering with our clients to accelerate innovation initiatives. Companies we work with include: technology, retailers, brands, agencies, entertainment, restaurants, and hospitality. Our services include: consulting, event marketing, communications and innovation information products.  

Anne Marie Stephen is ceo + founder of kwolia, an innovation advisory providing insights, connection + curation + communication between consumer driven industries and innovative technologies bridging physical and digital worlds.

She is also founder of global experiential tech event, RetailInnovationLounge.com.

As a customer experience guru and trends forecaster in retail, Anne Marie has worked with leading companies including: IBM, Panasonic, Toshiba, Microsoft, Simon Venture Group, TPN, Pepsico, Hershey’s, Disney, Chico’s, AutoZone, Ralph Lauren, Hickory Farms and Macerich.

Recognized as a thought leader, Anne Marie is a sought after speaker at future of retail, innovation and marketing at events including (edited):  SXSW, Shoptalk, Mobile Media Summit, Shop.org, CinemaCon, APEX, Ad Tech, Retail Evolution, Retail Smarter -University of Florida, International Council of Shopping Centers, National Sporting Goods Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Association of Theater Owners, Revtech and Retail Loco.and featured writer for Chain Store Age, Innovative Retail Technologies, Retailing Today, GeoMarketing, Chain Drug Review, Box Office Magazine, Fierce Retail, Street Fight, SharpHeels.

She is founder Smart Women in Retail Leadership (SWIRL); President, Location Based Marketing Association (LBMA) Chicago; Mentor at tech accelerators: Plug and Play Brand and Retail Center of Innovation Silicon Valley, RevTech in Dallas and 1871 in Chicago. Anne Marie is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

To learn more about Anne Marie; where she speaks, booking and upcoming events visit: annemariestephen.com