Product at Heart 2026 - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille
•January 20, 2026
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Why It Matters
By integrating AI across all content and sharpening the program, the conference sets a new standard for product leadership events, driving more actionable learning for practitioners. The format shifts signal how the industry is adapting to faster technology cycles and the need for deeper peer interaction.
Key Takeaways
- •AI integrated across all sessions, no dedicated track
- •Single-track format demands tighter curation, higher speaker standards
- •Expanded roundtables act as alternative engagement track
- •Workshops target PMs, leaders, and role transitions
- •Leadership retreat grows to 1.5 days, 60 attendees
Pulse Analysis
The shift to a single‑track agenda at Product at Heart 2026 reflects a broader industry trend toward curated, high‑impact experiences. As artificial intelligence reshapes product development tools, conference planners are moving away from isolated AI tracks and embedding the technology into every discussion. This approach ensures attendees encounter AI concepts in context—whether in keynote storytelling, metrics workshops, or hands‑on Maker Studio sessions—making the learning curve more realistic and immediately applicable.
Roundtables have emerged as a strategic response to the limitations of traditional stage talks. By offering an "alternative track," they foster intimate, peer‑driven dialogues that surface real‑world challenges and solutions faster than formal presentations. For product managers and leaders, these sessions provide a sandbox for testing ideas, receiving rapid feedback, and building networks that extend beyond the conference walls. The expanded roundtable format signals that community‑generated content is becoming as valuable as curated speaker sessions.
The enlarged Product Leadership Retreat underscores the growing demand for immersive, experiential learning among senior product professionals. Extending to 1.5 days with capped attendance, the retreat blends workshops, excursions, and networking dinners to deepen relationships and accelerate skill transfer. This model mirrors the shift toward hybrid learning ecosystems where in‑person interaction complements digital resources, delivering a holistic development experience that aligns with the fast‑moving pace of product innovation.
Product at Heart 2026 - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille
Listen to this episode on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
In this episode, Petra Wille and Teresa Torres sit down to talk about what’s coming to Product at Heart 2026—from the speaker lineup to the workshops to the big structural shifts shaping next year’s conference. They unpack why curating a single-track event in the age of fast-moving AI is harder than ever, what kinds of conversations they want to elevate on stage, and how the team is thinking about creating deeper connections and hands-on learning opportunities for product people.
You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Teresa’s Maker Studio workshop, updates on returning favorites like Rich Mironov and Büşra’s metrics workshop, and a first peek at the expanded product leadership retreat. If you’re planning your 2026 calendar—or just curious how conferences evolve alongside the craft—this is a fun and thoughtful walkthrough of what to expect.
What We Cover:
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Why curating a product conference is getting trickier (hint: AI is moving fast)
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The shift to a single-track conference for 2026—and what that means for attendees
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Sneak peek at confirmed keynotes, including:
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Christian Idiodi (SVPG) and his storytelling magic
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Elaine Kasket, cyber-psychologist, exploring digital afterlife and AI replicas
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Teresa Torres, sharing what she’s learning about AI
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How roundtables have become an attendee favorite and what’s changing this year
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A preview of Teresa’s Maker Studio workshop and how participants will build personal AI workflows
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Overview of additional workshops from Rich Mironov, Büşra Coşkuner, Marcus Castenfors, and Özlem Yüce.
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The evolution of the Product Leadership Event into a 1.5-day retreat with workshops, excursions, and lots of space to connect
Key Takeaways:
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No AI track—AI will show up everywhere, but not as a siloed topic. The team sees it as part of the everyday toolkit.
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Single-track means tighter curation. Every talk needs to earn its place.
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Roundtables are growing. They now act as an “alternative track,” giving people more ways to engage beyond stage talks.
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Workshops go deep. There’s content for product managers, product leaders, and folks stepping into new roles.
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Leadership retreat expands. More time, more interaction, more opportunities to learn from peers.
About the Product Leadership Retreat:
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Now 1.5 days instead of a half day
Includes:
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Talk sessions
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Small-group excursions (boat rides, improv, etc.)
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Dinners and networking
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Mini-workshops led by seasoned practitioners (including Petra)
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Capped at 60 attendees (all in product leadership roles) to keep it intimate and useful
If You’re Attending Product at Heart:
Come say hi to Teresa and Petra—on stage, at a roundtable, or somewhere in the hallway conversations that make these events memorable.
Resources & Links:
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Follow Teresa Torres: https://ProductTalk.org
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Follow Petra Wille: https://Petra-Wille.com
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