The speakers and topics were great! Great job with the content!
Liked the outline, the rhythm, the host. Dynamic event with short, concise talks.
Loved that networking breaks had fun food stations. Whoever thought of that was brilliant.
Conference Agenda 2024
BrandSmart will deliver a powerful showcase of mainstage presentations featuring brand innovators, thought leaders, disruptors, and transformers discussing the cornerstones of brand resilience for The Future of Brand in an Experience-drive Economy.
The below agenda is subject to change.
- 9:00 - 9:25
Registration, Exhibits, and Networking
Registration opens at 9:00. Get checked in, then enjoy meeting fellow marketers and visit exhibitor booths for exciting giveaways and tools.
- 9:25 – 9:30
Welcome from AMA Chicago
A welcome to kickoff our highly anticipated marketing conference, where innovation meets strategy and creativity knows no bounds! Immerse yourself in a dynamic environment filled with marketing industry experts, thought leaders, and cutting-edge insights. Get ready to explore the latest marketing conversations, make fast connections while networking, and elevate your marketing game to new heights.
Chris McGuire
AMA Chicago
- President
Leslie Marshall
Emcee
- BrandSmart 2024
- 9:30 – 9:55
- Sheila Hamilton - Marketing and Menu Lead - New Business Ventures at McDonald’s
SESSION 1: Staying Grounded While Launching an Out-of-this-World Brand
CosMc’s is a new small-format, beverage-led concept from the McDonald’s universe that landed on earth in December 2023. Hear how the team leveraged design thinking and technology to move from concept to execution at lightspeed – extending the McDonald’s brand and connecting with customers in an unexpected way.
- 10:00 – 10:25
- Jennifer Polk – Chief Marketing and Digital Experience Officer at Feeding America
SESSION 2: Embracing A.I. and Maintaining the Human Touch
An insightful session to unravel the nuances of bias in AI for marketers. Discover the potential risks lurking beneath the surface and gain practical insights into recognizing and addressing bias to prevent replicating and perpetuating it. We'll explore the crucial steps marketers should take to navigate the complex landscape of AI, all while maintaining that irreplaceable human touch. Let's venture into the intersection of technology and empathy to ensure your marketing efforts are not just intelligent, but also genuinely inclusive. Over half of marketing leaders (62% of those surveyed), say their company has already invested in AI. 68% expect growth from AI once it’s fully integrated into their operations. There’ is absolutely a lot for marketers to gain from using AI and using it effectively.
- 10:30 – 11:00
- All Conference
Refreshment Break & Exhibits
Recharge with a refreshing break – an opportunity to mingle, grab a snack, and rejuvenate for the exciting sessions ahead!
- 11:00 – 11:25
- Multiple Speakers
SESSION 3: Beyond the Game: Crafting Unforgettable Brand Experience Journeys Through Sports
Dive into the world of sports, where the thrill of the game meets the power of brand experiences. Join us as we explore how iconic sports entities like the Chicago Fire Football Club and the groundbreaking NASCAR Streets, hosted by Choose Chicago, redefine brand engagement. Our panel will share insider perspectives on building dynamic brand experiences that captivate fans far beyond the final whistle.
Linden White
Head of Account Management and Integrated Solutions
- rEvolution
Lisa Nucci
CMO
- Choose Chicago
Dan Moriarty
CMO
- Chicago Fire FC
- 11:30 – 11:55
- Kristian A. Alomá, Ph.D. – Founder & CEO at Threadline
SESSION 4: Branding in the Narrative Economy: The Psychology of Consumer Experiences
Join Kristian A Alomá, PhD, as he delves into the evolving psychology of consumer-brand relationships. Drawing on extensive research and two decades of expertise, this session offers an enlightening journey into consumer mindsets. Kristian will reveal how these relationships have transformed in the last decade and present actionable strategies for marketers. Expect research-driven insights and a practical framework for enhancing brand connections in today's dynamic world.
- 12:00 – 1:00
Networking Luncheon
Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with like-minded marketers and professionals eager to connect, share experiences, and build community.
Bennie Johnson
CEO
- American Marketing Association
- 1:00 – 1:25
- Multiple Speakers
SESSION 5: Ask Me Anything Panel of Experts
A unique interactive session with a panel of experts to take on key marketing questions! Join us for a candid and insightful discussion as our panel of industry leaders and remarkable professionals, share their knowledge and expertise. This is the chance to engage directly with the experts and gain invaluable insights.
Pose your question to this panel by posting it in the BrandSmart Slack Channel: #ask-me-anything.
Shannon Lee
Senior VP of Creative
- StudioNorth
Pepper Miller
President
- The Huner-Miller Group
Lindsay Gash
Creative Innovation Lead, NA Agency
- Meta
Andy Crestodina
Co-founder & CMO
- Orbit Media Studios
- 1:30 – 1:55
- Meghan Hurley - Interviewed by Cheryl Moe
SESSION 6: Innovation as Creativity
Discover Claire's creative journey from a familiar mall retailer to a global icon. This session spotlights the brand's transformative innovation driven by imagination and bold ideas. Join us for an energizing exploration of how nurturing creativity has fueled Claire's growth, offering practical insights and inspiring stories for marketing professionals eager to spark innovation in their own brands. Witness the evolution of a nostalgic brand into a worldwide sensation.
Meghan Hurley
Vice-President of Global Brand Marketing
- Claire's
Cheryl Moe
Past President
- AMA Chicago
- 2:00 – 2:30
Exhibits, Networking & Refreshment Break
- 2:30 – 2:55
SESSION 7: Bronco Boost: Generative AI’s Marketing Journey Goes from Zero to 60
This real-world discussion showcases tangible results and practical business applications realized by the Ford 2024 Bronco Sport, highlighting the exploration of Generative AI for background images. Join to learn how challenges were overcome and objectives were achieved, illustrating the impact on operational and performance metrics, and providing valuable learning experiences for the future of AI in marketing.
Joe Grigsby
Panel Moderator
- VML
Jen Swanstrom
US Retail & Shopper Marketing Manager
- Ford Motor Company
Chris Scuro
VP/Director of Digital Business at Platforms
- Ford at GTB
David Chan
Digital Strategist
- Ford at GTB
- 3:00 – 3:30
- Jennifer Wesley – Managing Director, Talent Strategy and Development at Google
Architecting Your Future
In the midst of social, technological and industry shifts, we must approach our career development and planning with ambidexterity, agility and keen acumen. In this session, we will explore how to architect a fulfilling, meaningful, and generative career and craft an aspirational north star to help you navigate toward your future self.