Since 2011, EMU’s Digital Marketing Workshop has grown into one of Michigan’s premier marketing events, equipping attendees with actionable insights, hands-on strategies, and valuable networking opportunities. This year’s conference will feature leaders from top organizations, including Ford Motor Company, Google, and the Detroit Tigers, who will explore how understanding customer behavior drives engagement and growth.
“In today’s digital age, knowing your customer has taken on a whole new dimension, and that’s what this workshop is here to explore,” said Bud Gibson, director of EMU Center for Digital Engagement. “With panelists ranging from diverse companies, there will truly be something for everybody. We believe this event provides a unique opportunity to learn from and network with local area professionals interested in digital.”
The full-day workshop brings together marketing professionals, industry leaders, the business community, and the university community to explore strategies for connecting with customers, with a focus on engagement. Highlights include:
- Breakfast Keynote (8 – 9 a.m.) - How Knowing Your Customer Can Drive Revenue: Derek Janis, chief marketing officer of AcquireUP, shares insights from developing a marketing strategy that took BrightDrop, GM’s new commercial EV and last-mile delivery company, from start-up to over $1 billion in revenue in two years. In his current role at AcquireUp, Janis is applying these skills to developing a sales generation platform for financial services.
- Panel One (9:10-10 a.m.): How Performance Marketers Get to Know Their Customers: Experts from Pinterest, Google, Ford, and CareerNow Brands will discuss how performance marketers guide customers along their journeys to successful outcomes. Speakers include Jorel McCree, lead client partner for Pinterest; Kayla Villegas, senior account executive for Google Large Client Services; Liz Ledlie, senior marketing leader for Ford; and Taylor Nash, manager for Marketing Automation, CareerNow Brands.
- Networking Break (10:20–10:50 a.m.): Sponsored by the Digital Summer Clinic: Co-hosted by EMU College of Business representatives Kim Barker, Sufian Qrunfleh, and Alankrita Pandey, together with Nick Woods, senior account manager for Google. Attendees will have an opportunity to connect.
- Panel Two (10:50 a.m.– noon) Connecting with Sports Fans through Storytelling: Learn how major league sports teams engage fans through storytelling, both in the moment and throughout seasons. Panelists include Emma Nye, director of Social Media for Detroit Tigers; Mal Smith, senior producer for Detroit Pistons; Andrew Kristoff, director Digital Media for Detroit Red Wings, moderated by Bilal Saeed, co-founder CLR Academy and Co-owner of Association Football Club Ann Arbor.
- Lunch Panel (noon–2 p.m.) What We’ve Learned Today: Bud Gibson, director of EMU Center for Digital Engagement, will host a discussion with the day’s contributors to review key points, answer questions, and share practical takeaways.
Tickets are available with an early bird discount of $35 for the general public until Nov. 7. Admission includes breakfast, lunch, and parking. To register, visit Digital Marketing Workshop Registration. For more information, visit the Digital Marketing Workshop website.
