American Marketing Association Chicago to Host Virtual BrandSmart Conference

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Chicago announces that registration is now open for its Brand Smart Virtual Experience Conference, Tuesday, June 30, from 1-5 PM CDT and Wednesday, July 1 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM CDT.

Previously scheduled to be held in April of this year, BrandSmart, which is the longest-running brand marketing conference in the country, has been transformed into two half-day virtual experiences.

Now in its 18th year, the Conference brings together notable industry leaders, marketing decision-makers, and future-forward brand associates to share proven tools, learn about marketing strategies, and hear stories from the field. Brand leaders, agency directors, chief marketing officers, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to register for the BrandSmart Virtual Conference on the AMA Chicago website. The event is open to both AMA members and non-members alike.

This year's Virtual BrandSmart conference will feature live-streamed main stage speakers, breakout sessions, and moderated discussion rooms. Attendees can look forward to learning from industry leaders with a mix of how-tos to successful strategies and finding out what's next. The event will also feature online networking opportunities and a virtual cocktail party. On Wednesday, July 1, attendees are invited to celebrate together as the Conference closes with a presentation of the 2020 BrandSmart Awards at noon. The winners of the 2020 BrandSmart Awards, including the Grand Champion Award, will be announced during the closing session.

"As marketers, we've honed our adaptation skills for almost any situation. This is a group of professionals who can roll with the punches and hit back harder. This year, transforming the BrandSmart Conference to fit a virtual setting was a challenge that our volunteer board took on with grace and positivity, said Cindy Bond, President of Bond Digital and the AMA Chicago Board Member responsible for this year's BrandSmart event. "We are confident that the value and quality that our Conference is known for will shine through in an online setting. I'm looking forward to piloting this virtual format. It could present quite an opportunity for those who may not have otherwise been able to travel and attend this event."

The BrandSmart Awards celebrate the brands and agencies behind the year's best brand marketing campaigns that marry creativity with measurable results. This year's finalists, in alphabetical order, include Frigo Cheese Heads from Hangar12, HEIDENHAIN from LoSasso Integrated Marketing, Jayco from LoSasso Integrated Marketing, StudioNorth, USAA from Sixième Son, Wisconsin Cheese from Brains on Fire.

Keynoting this year's event is Tonise Paul, Chairwoman of Energy BBDO. Ms. Paul will present "Timeless and Timely: The Five Fundamentals Brand Marketers Must Draw on Today." Additional speakers at this year's BrandSmart Virtual event include Peter Borowski, Vice President Global Band Design at AT&T; Christine Buck, Global Head of Marketing & Brand, Talent & Culture at Morningstar; Andy Crestodina, Co-founder and CMO of Orbit Media Solutions; Dean DeLisle, Founder & CEO of Forward Progress; Carol Franczek, Senior Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications at NorthShore University HealthSystem; Ilan Geva, President at Ilan Geva & Friends; Mark Miller, Former VP of Global ProfessionalMarkets at SC Johnson; Laurence Minsky, Associate Professor of Communications, School of Media Arts at Columbia College Chicago; Stephanie Pines, Global Director, Creative & Design - Family Care at Kimberly Clark; Amanda Puck, Director of Strategic Brand Development at Mariano's; Karuna Rawal, Chief Marketing Officer at Sustainable Bioproducts; La Sridhar, Global Director, Insights and Consumer Excellence at Molson Coors; Steve Yastrow, President & Founder of Yastrow and Partners; and Mat Zucker Partner and Digital Strategist at Prophet. A complete list of topics and breakout sessions are available on the website.

AMA members receive a discounted ticket rate of $175, and non-members can purchase tickets for $245. All ticket purchases are subject to processing fees, and refunds are not available. Registered guests will have access to recordings of sessions for 90 days after the event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website at https://amachicago.org/brand-smart/.

AMA Chicago, the largest chapter in the American Marketing Association's global network, stands an incredible 81 years strong. Its mission is to provide ongoing development opportunities for Chicago marketers to expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and grow in their careers through access to innovative marketing thought leaders and cutting-edge programming. For more details, visit amachicago.org