iMedia Brand Summit USA
February 12 - 14, 2018, Bonita Springs, Florida

iMedia Brand Summit provides an intimate environment for senior brand marketers to converge, debate and discuss the major strategic issues they face. This exclusive, invitation-only event is a closed forum for the sharpest minds in the industry to connect and discuss shared challenges, as well as network, build relationships and meet potential partners.
Brand Activation in the New Economy
We are on the precipice of a huge shift in the brand-consumer relationship. New economy businesses have fundamentally changed the way consumers transact and continue to disrupt categories. So how do media, marketing, and customer experience interplay in this ever-changing landscape? How can we foresee the future of the industry and get ahead of new competitive challenges?
Marketing teams no longer have the singular goal of selling products to consumers. Today’s paradigm is customer activation and engagement front and center, with the end goal of creating passionate advocates who cherish your brand. Marketers are tasked with making consumers feel like the brand experience is contributing to their lives and adding value. That’s the new “advertising.” That’s what sparks customer loyalty.
At the iMedia Brand Summit in February, together we will redefine how brands can return to greatness. We’ll explore:
- Future trends: Some of the radical new capabilities for individuals, consumers, and brands
- The end of advertising: Why it had to die, and the creative resurrection to come
- Building passion and purpose-driven brands
- The person to person economy: What does this disruption mean for your business
- The connected consumer experience and actionable data: What information should we be focused on?
- Best practices and strategies for building breakthrough multi touchpoint campaigns that reach and activate the target consumer
By the end of this event, you will be armed with the inspiration, tools, peer connections and partnerships to help make you an effective brand pioneer in 2018!
Confirmed Attendees:

Attend the Summit
Qualified agency executives are invited to be our VIP guests. If eligible, you’ll receive a complimentary pass to this event along with these benefits:
- Automatic invitation to the agency-only, closed-door Marketer Only Meeting
- 2.5 days of peer-to-peer exchange
- Informative, insightful sessions and keynotes on the most timely and critical issues
- Roundtable discussions
- Access to networking functions, including iMedia's exclusive One to One program
- Complimentary meals and beverages
- Complimentary 2-nights accommodation
With such limited time and budget, it's always tough to pick the right conference. iMedia is an easy pick because of the brands that attend. Being able to meet with peers from multiple industries in one setting is invaluable.”
Joshua Palau
VP of Digital Strategy & Platforms
Bayer US
The iMedia Brand Summit provides an inside look into the worlds of innovative marketing from leaders in other industries, giving me a perspective outside of the four walls of my employer.”
Corey Olfert
Head of Content Marketing Strategy
GE Digital
iMedia is a rare experience to learn from other brands that you only see in the trades. I'd highly recommend this summit to anyone looking to learn from other brands and get the most out of their conference budgets.”
Kelsey Eckberg
Account Activation Manager
adidas
iMedia's new adjustments are a game changer. After taking a two-year break, I returned in 2017 to find that the new format and tools have added a whole new element to the experience.”
John Bohan
CEO/Founder
Socialtyze
I've been to many summits led by other companies, and continue to be impressed with iMedia. They bring together great people who are looking to get deals done and grow their businesses.”
David Gitter
VP Marketing
World Poker Tour
I attend a lot of industry events, but the people, the content and the fun keep me coming back to iMedia events every year.”
Peter Stringer
VP, Social Media
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Featured Speakers
Jill Abbott
Head of Global Brand Equity Global Nutrition Group
PepsiCo

Karen Jones
EVP & CMO
Ryder Systems

Howard Pyle
Senior VP of Customer Experience and Design
MetLife

Beverly Jackson
VP, Social Media & Content Strategy
MGM Resorts International

Joshua Palau
VP of Digital Strategy & Platforms
Bayer US

Brandie Feuer
VP Brand Experience
Eileen Fisher

Rikke Alderson
Director North American Digital Marketing
The Hershey Company

Mark Karlan
Director of Digital Marketing
Prestige Brands

Kelly Jewell
Manager, Online Media
Universal Studios

Hala Sheta
Manager, Ecommerce Business Intelligence
Bayer US

Torsten Gross
Head of Strategy
J. Walter Thompson Worldwide

Daanish Chishti
Partner, Group Director, Search & Social
Mindshare

Andrew Essex
Author
The End of Advertising

Jamie Clarke
CEO & Co-Founder
Live Out There

Liz Miller
Senior Vice President, Marketing
CMO Council

Brian Zweig
SVP of Strategic Partnerships
Social Native

Oren Stern
GM
Kenshoo

Erik Swain
President
Respondology

Casey Campbell
Senior Director of North America Advertising
Gameloft

Scott Travis
Director of Sales
eBay Advertising

Rick Martira
VP, Marketing
Unified

Richard Wong
VP Marketing & Creator Relations
Hashtag Paid Inc

Ishan Bhaumik
Co-Founder
Velocity

Dennis Yu
CTO
BlitzMetrics

Abhi Vyas
Digital Marketing, Personalization and Analytics
Verizon Wireless

Karin Levi
Vice President, US B2B Digital Marketing
MasterCard

Jenn Willey
Founder & CEO, Wet Cement; Founder, Advance Women
Wet Cement

Lisa Kaplan
Founder, CEO
Lamp Partners

Katharine Panessidi
VP, Content & Programming
Comexposium USA

Agenda
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch 1
Marketer-Only Welcome Lunch
We start the event with a brand marketer-only networking lunch and learn, followed by deep conversations and work groups in the Marketer-Only Meeting. Don't miss it!
VP, Social Media & Content Strategy
We start the event with a brand marketer-only networking lunch and learn, followed by deep conversations and work groups in the Marketer-Only Meeting. Don't miss it!
Lunch 2
Networker Lunch
Kick-off the iMedia Summit with casual networking with your peers over lunch.
Kick-off the iMedia Summit with casual networking with your peers over lunch.
12:20 PM - 12:40 PM
People today are spending just 1.7 seconds with any piece of online content. Not even 2 whole seconds on something it took weeks and potentially thousands of dollars for a brand to create. Join this session to discuss how marketers are utilizing personalized marketing solutions to predict content re
... (More)
SVP of Strategic Partnerships
Digital Marketing, Personalization and Analytics
People today are spending just 1.7 seconds with any piece of online content. Not even 2 whole seconds on something it took weeks and potentially thousands of dollars for a brand to create. Join this session to discuss how marketers are utilizing personalized marketing solutions to predict content relevancy and increase performance.
12:40 PM - 1:00 PM
Commerce platforms have increased their online footprint and today, are now reaching over 72% of the population. To drive real, sustained growth in 2018, marketers must re-think their advertising strategy and expand their reach and frequency to connect with consumers at scale. Commerce platforms not
... (More)
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Commerce platforms have increased their online footprint and today, are now reaching over 72% of the population. To drive real, sustained growth in 2018, marketers must re-think their advertising strategy and expand their reach and frequency to connect with consumers at scale. Commerce platforms not only offer brands a global audience but are also content centers that will help brands better understand how their customers are engaging with products. Liz Miller, SVP of Marketing at the CMO Council and eBay Advertising’s Sr Director of Sales and Marketing, Josh Wetzel, will share a sneak preview of their research recently released on how top brands are regaining the mindset of their customers and re-shaping their commerce strategy with new potential platforms.
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Session 1
Marketer-Only Meeting
"Senior brand marketers shouldn't miss the Marketer-Only Meeting, a candid and intimate town hall working session that gets to the root of major challenges and provides a platform for ongoing peer-to-peer networking. Kicking off with lunch, this action-packed afternoon will leave you inspired, energ ... (More)
VP, Social Media & Content Strategy
"Senior brand marketers shouldn't miss the Marketer-Only Meeting, a candid and intimate town hall working session that gets to the root of major challenges and provides a platform for ongoing peer-to-peer networking. Kicking off with lunch, this action-packed afternoon will leave you inspired, energized and ready to tackle the iMedia Brand Summit!
Topic 1: Content: Video content, i.e. real time video content, live-streaming, episodic
Startup highlight: A real-time motion targeting company, leveraging phone motion data capture using AI decoding to determine what people are doing.
Topic 2: Experiences & Emerging Tech: VR, Alexa, Personalization, IOT, Snapchat immersive lenses, Chatbots, self-driving cars. (Retail, hospitality, travel, auto, entertainment)"
Session 2
Networker Sessions
Even if you have achieved extraordinary success – there is always more to learn. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with and be inspired by like-minded leaders. Kicking off with lunch, this intimate working session is a must-attend crash course to help you succeed at iMedia and beyond. We promi ... (More)
Vice President, US B2B Digital Marketing
Even if you have achieved extraordinary success – there is always more to learn. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with and be inspired by like-minded leaders. Kicking off with lunch, this intimate working session is a must-attend crash course to help you succeed at iMedia and beyond. We promise you will leave inspired, energized and with a clear line of sight into maximizing your results and ready to unleash your inner sales hero.
Topics:
Successful Coaching
Exhibition and Networking
Hiring and retention
Creating a path
Getting (And Keeping) a Fortune 500 Client
When buyers get 15 rep calls and 25 emails per day, there's no way they can spend time with everyone who wants their attention. How do you break through and land the elephant? Join us in this session to hear directly from brand marketers on how to get the opportunity to make your pitch and what they are looking for in partners once you do.
3:30 PM - 6:10 PM
The One to One session is a fundamental part of iMedia and gives you a chance to meet with peers and industry leaders to discuss Marketing challenges. The session is a fantastic ice breaker and allows you to meet solution providers in a relaxed and informal environment.
The One to One session is a fundamental part of iMedia and gives you a chance to meet with peers and industry leaders to discuss Marketing challenges. The session is a fantastic ice breaker and allows you to meet solution providers in a relaxed and informal environment.
6:45 PM - 7:30 PM
Welcome Reception & Canapes
7:30 PM - 7:45 PM
Opening Remarks by Summit Host
VP of Digital Strategy & Platforms
7:45 PM - 8:20 PM
With humour and palpable emotion, Jamie challenges audiences to think differently about success, failure, hard work and fear, as he shares insights from his journeys, adventures and explorations to and through the world’s most dangerous places. Perfect for audiences seeking expertise on risk-taking,
... (More)
With humour and palpable emotion, Jamie challenges audiences to think differently about success, failure, hard work and fear, as he shares insights from his journeys, adventures and explorations to and through the world’s most dangerous places. Perfect for audiences seeking expertise on risk-taking, project management, and team building, Clarke delivers powerful perspectives on learning from failure, the art of grunt work, conquering fear of focus and above all — living life with passion.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast Session 1
Breakfast
Fuel your brain for what is a jam-packed (pun intended) day two!
VP of Digital Strategy & Platforms
Founder & CEO, Wet Cement; Founder, Advance Women
Fuel your brain for what is a jam-packed (pun intended) day two!
Breakfast Session 2
Invitation Only Breakfast Session: Women in Media, Marketing & Advertising
Join us on the terrace for a meaningful discussion on women's leadership, while making new professional connections. With an emphasis on peer-to-peer experiences, this intimate gathering is designed to foster connections, communication, and mutual support. At each of our events, we provide unique ne ... (More)
VP, Content & Programming
VP, Social Media & Content Strategy
Head of Global Brand Equity Global Nutrition Group
Join us on the terrace for a meaningful discussion on women's leadership, while making new professional connections. With an emphasis on peer-to-peer experiences, this intimate gathering is designed to foster connections, communication, and mutual support. At each of our events, we provide unique networking and programming meant to support women in our field through education, inspiration and relationship building.
*Session is for women only. Strictly limited capacity and access is by invitation only.
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
In this Keynote session, Andrew Essex discusses why brand matter more than ever in the "Golden Age of Performance Marketing." With experience on the agency, brand and publisher side - the former CEO of Tribeca Enterprises and founding CEO of Droga5 - Andrew has a unique perspective to share on what'
... (More)
In this Keynote session, Andrew Essex discusses why brand matter more than ever in the "Golden Age of Performance Marketing." With experience on the agency, brand and publisher side - the former CEO of Tribeca Enterprises and founding CEO of Droga5 - Andrew has a unique perspective to share on what's next for brands. And you won't want to miss it!
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Breakout Session 1
The New Age Of Transparency In Social Advertising
Despite social budgets growing 3X faster than display and search, only 8% of marketers feel confident that they have the technology to make the best possible decisions. That means they are making critical decisions on large-scale investments based on incomplete, and potentially inaccurate informatio ... (More)
Director North American Digital Marketing
Despite social budgets growing 3X faster than display and search, only 8% of marketers feel confident that they have the technology to make the best possible decisions. That means they are making critical decisions on large-scale investments based on incomplete, and potentially inaccurate information. But why? What’s causing this lack of transparency? Learn how brands are taking back control over their social advertising, and why data ownership is the first critical step in developing a solution.
Breakout Session 2
Fun and Games for Brand Connections
Competition for your audience’s attention is tough and once you have it, you’d better make things interesting for them. Video games have hit the mainstream through our mobile devices and are enjoying popularity far beyond the stereotypical teenager-in-a-basement demo. Interactive entertainment provi ... (More)
Senior Director of North America Advertising
Competition for your audience’s attention is tough and once you have it, you’d better make things interesting for them. Video games have hit the mainstream through our mobile devices and are enjoying popularity far beyond the stereotypical teenager-in-a-basement demo. Interactive entertainment provides brands with engaging, fun opportunities to build fans and interact with them like never before. We’ll discuss why games and interactive entertainment media are important emerging tools in creating that critical, emotional brand connection.
11:00 AM - 11:35 AM
In today’s dynamic and ever-changing world, creativity and technology are evolving consumer expectations in new and unexpected ways. No longer is identifying and speaking to customers’ existing and immediate needs enough. Customers’ experiences with new technologies and the resultant behavior change
... (More)
In today’s dynamic and ever-changing world, creativity and technology are evolving consumer expectations in new and unexpected ways. No longer is identifying and speaking to customers’ existing and immediate needs enough. Customers’ experiences with new technologies and the resultant behavior changes are causing cultural shockwaves that are altering their expectations of brands: their marketing experiences, product/services as well as their value propositions. These shockwaves require companies step back to consider the entire ecosystem in which their customers live.
Ryder has been living this new reality for some time now, launching new products and reimagined offerings to form freight and logistics industry’s most comprehensive and flexible range of products and services. Ryder CMO and Chief Brand Strategy Officer at Sapient Razorfish will discuss how the brand is leveraging mobility to drive innovation with new products and create a deeper customer experience by bringing new, unexpected capabilities, and value to existing customers.
Call it what you will. The Expectation Gap, the Tesla Effect, the Uber Effect, and the Amazon Effect. It’s undeniably all around us. Over the next 10 years, commercial transportation and logistics will undergo one of the most radical and complete transformations experienced by any industry, ever. Join us to learn how Ryder will emerge a leader.
11:35 AM - 12:15 PM
Jill Abbott, Head of Global Brand Equity, Global Nutrition Group at PepsiCo will discuss the topic she is most passionate about: purpose driven brands. Jill will share how she has found personal and professional success in her career when future-proofing brands by keeping a meaningful purpose at the
... (More)
Head of Global Brand Equity Global Nutrition Group
Jill Abbott, Head of Global Brand Equity, Global Nutrition Group at PepsiCo will discuss the topic she is most passionate about: purpose driven brands. Jill will share how she has found personal and professional success in her career when future-proofing brands by keeping a meaningful purpose at the core.
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Discuss the emergence of Amazon and similar such marketplaces as key destinations for consumer engagement. How has advertising in the age of e-commerce have changed and what do marketers need to do to better capture this opportunity.
Director of Digital Marketing
Manager, Ecommerce Business Intelligence
Partner, Group Director, Search & Social
Discuss the emergence of Amazon and similar such marketplaces as key destinations for consumer engagement. How has advertising in the age of e-commerce have changed and what do marketers need to do to better capture this opportunity.
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Activity 1
Kayaking
1 1/2 -2 hour Guided kayaking tour. Experience the local knowledge of our guides as they explain the Florida vegetation, wildlife, and real estate in the surrounding area. We travel through the mangro ... (More)
Sponsored by:
1 1/2 -2 hour Guided kayaking tour. Experience the local knowledge of our guides as they explain the Florida vegetation, wildlife, and real estate in the surrounding area. We travel through the mangrove islands that are inhabited by an abundance of wildlife from dolphins, ospreys, egrets and bald eagles. (6 person minimum/50 person maximum or up to 25 double Kayaks). Guests will have time to eat lunch on the patio prior to launching. We also will be providing wine and beer on the patio after the tour.
Activity 2
Sushi Cook Off
The Interactive Sushi and Sake Experience
2-3 Hour Event
Tired of the same old meal program? Then get ready for an extremely engaging cooking experience like none other! This is an interacti ... (More)
Sponsored by:
The Interactive Sushi and Sake Experience
2-3 Hour Event
Tired of the same old meal program? Then get ready for an extremely engaging cooking experience like none other! This is an interactive experience at its finest! Teams will learn to master the art of making sushi and tasting sake. Learn about sushi and sake history and production while you sip a variety of premium sake flights. We supply the ingredients; you supply the talent, enthusiasm and creativity.
Activity 3
Beach Olympics
Let's get ready to rumble!!!!! Teams go head to head for the Gold Medal rotating through games that challenge the mind and body, like scrabble scramble, jigsaw jumble, and obstacle relay... all to the ... (More)
Let's get ready to rumble!!!!! Teams go head to head for the Gold Medal rotating through games that challenge the mind and body, like scrabble scramble, jigsaw jumble, and obstacle relay... all to the tunes of a rockin' DJ with the most beautiful backdrop mother nature could provide.
Teams will be split prior to event by client. Stations mentioned below will be a rotation of events amongst teams. The Sand Castle Competition will include all teams at once, for the grand finale. Scoring will be based on a point system, per station. The team with the most points at the end of the Olympics, wins first place. Prizes will be awarded to first place winners.
8:45 AM - 9:40 AM
Over breakfast, experts will facilitate an exchange of information and ideas between participants in small groups. This is your chance for unconventionally structured discussions with like-minded peers.
Over breakfast, experts will facilitate an exchange of information and ideas between participants in small groups. This is your chance for unconventionally structured discussions with like-minded peers.
9:45 AM - 10:20 AM
With start-ups setting new standards for products, services and experiences, large corporations are being forced to focus on transforming their customer experiences. Senior executives at legacy companies have had to make it their top priority to achieve the transformation required to compete and thr
... (More)
Senior VP of Customer Experience and Design
With start-ups setting new standards for products, services and experiences, large corporations are being forced to focus on transforming their customer experiences. Senior executives at legacy companies have had to make it their top priority to achieve the transformation required to compete and thrive.
But if you direct the question, “Who owns the customer experience?” to 10 different people within the same company, you’ll get 10 different answers. The new economy is all about connectivity through digital, and since you play a major role in consumer engagement - what is your role in customer experience? What is it you care about when you say customer experience? And where do you begin to formalize your approach?
In this session, hear Howard Pyle, MetLife’s SVP, Customer Experience & Design, discuss the benefits of combining theory and practice to pioneer a nimble, repeatable model that you can use to create the best customer experience that motivates your consumer to activate.
10:20 AM - 10:35 AM
Replying to social posts is the largest pool of untapped digital ad inventory in the world. Brands need a way to respond in real-time and at scale to people expressing their wants and needs on social media everyday. That's where Reply-Based Advertising comes in. Join this session to learn a revol
... (More)
Director North American Digital Marketing
Replying to social posts is the largest pool of untapped digital ad inventory in the world. Brands need a way to respond in real-time and at scale to people expressing their wants and needs on social media everyday. That's where Reply-Based Advertising comes in. Join this session to learn a revolutionary new way to advertise in real-time on comment-driven social platforms and hear how Hershey's is leveraging Reply-Based Ads for their brands.
10:35 AM - 10:50 AM
VP Marketing & Creator Relations
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
The final One to One Session at the iMedia Brand Summit consists of 5 X 10 minute networking meetings that can be scheduled immediately following the One to One sessions on Monday. This second One to One session offers Brands and Networkers an opportunity to schedule additional meetings or dive dee
... (More)
The final One to One Session at the iMedia Brand Summit consists of 5 X 10 minute networking meetings that can be scheduled immediately following the One to One sessions on Monday. This second One to One session offers Brands and Networkers an opportunity to schedule additional meetings or dive deeper into discussions they’ve already started with new connections.
12:40 PM - 1:10 PM
Trends and innovation are moving at breakneck speed, powered by an engaged, sophisticated, curious global consumer. Every year the Innovation Group at JWT launches an annual forecast of consumer trends to watch in the coming year: The Future 100. Join Torsten Gross, Head of Strategy at J. Walter Tho
... (More)
Trends and innovation are moving at breakneck speed, powered by an engaged, sophisticated, curious global consumer. Every year the Innovation Group at JWT launches an annual forecast of consumer trends to watch in the coming year: The Future 100. Join Torsten Gross, Head of Strategy at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, as he debuts a snapshot of emerging trends for 2018 - for the first time in front of a brand audience. These trends and changes to watch will knock your socks off!
1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Senior brand marketers shouldn't miss the Closing Marketer-Only Meeting, where you'll have the chance to distill and package the shared learnings and insights made over the past few days. Bring a pen! You'll want to take vigorous notes to share with your team once your'e back at your desk. With ongo
... (More)
VP, Social Media & Content Strategy
Senior brand marketers shouldn't miss the Closing Marketer-Only Meeting, where you'll have the chance to distill and package the shared learnings and insights made over the past few days. Bring a pen! You'll want to take vigorous notes to share with your team once your'e back at your desk. With ongoing peer-to-peer networking, you won't want to miss the opportunity to share event highlights and walk away with the a summary of the tools you need to excel. Kicking off with lunch, this action-packed afternoon will leave you inspired, energized and ready to tackle your work after a successful iMedia Brand Summit!
Startup highlight: A real-time motion targeting company, leveraging phone motion data capture using AI decoding to determine what people are doing.
Advisory Board
David Aglar
EVP Digital
Weber Shandwick

Kendall Allen
Founder
Influence Collective, LLC

Jeremy Cornfeldt
President
iProspect

Chris Cox
Senior Manager Global Digital Marketing
The Hershey Company

Jenifer Dasho
Brand Marketing Lead
Pinterest

Tom Edwards
Chief Digital Officer
Epsilon

Bob Estrada
EVP, Senior Director, Digital & Emerging Media
BBDO

Chris Evans
VP of Media
R&R Partners

Brandie Feuer
VP Brand Experience
Eileen Fisher

Carl Fremont
Global, Chief Digital Officer
MEC

David Gitter
VP Marketing
World Poker Tour

Beverly Jackson
VP, Social Media & Content Strategy
MGM Resorts International

Benjamin Jankowski
Group Head, Global Media
MasterCard

Dave Knox
Managing Director
WPP Ventures

Alison Lange Engel
VP Global Marketing
LinkedIn

Manu Mathew
CEO & Co-Founder
Visual IQ

Darren McColl
Global Chief Brand & Marketing Strategy Officer
SapientRazorfish

Art Muldoon
CEO & Co-Founder
Accordant Media

Jim Nichols
VP - Marketing
Apsalar
Jason Oates
Chief Business Officer
LiveIntent

Katherine Riley
Director of Marketing
Danze, Inc. and Gerber Plumbing Fixtures

David Shadpour
CEO & Founder
Social Native

Kate Stebner
VP, Digital
Claritas

Peter Stringer
VP, Social Media
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Kevin Williams
Head of Multicultural Marketing
BMW, MINI, and Motorrad
Location