Registration for this event is free! | Save the Date
Join us for a free virtual conference that looks ahead to what’s next in marketing. Industry leaders and trend-watchers will explore the forces shaping the marketing landscape in the coming year—from shifting consumer expectations and emerging technologies to evolving team structures and measurement strategies. Whether you’re planning campaigns or setting long-term strategy, this event will help you prepare with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Key marketing trends to watch in the year ahead
- Insights into how AI and tech will reshape marketing roles and workflows
- Predictions for evolving consumer behavior and expectations
- Tips for aligning strategy with brand values and business goals
- Tools to help guide planning, budgeting, and innovation
Can’t attend every session? No problem. All conference sessions will be available on-demand for 6 months after the event!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
January 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. CT
Bennie F. Johnson
CEO, American Marketing Association
Bennie F. Johnson
CEO, American Marketing AssociationBennie F. Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Marketing Association. AMA is the largest community-based marketing association in the world, trusted by marketing and sales professionals to help them discover industry trends. AMA’s community of local chapters spans more than 70 cities and 320 college campuses throughout North America. AMA is home to award-winning content, PCM® professional certification, five premiere academic journals, and industry-leading live and virtual training events.
He most recently served as the Executive Director of AIGA, the largest professional association for design. AIGA grows the power of design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, business driver and catalyst for positive impact. While at AIGA, Bennie hosted the acclaimed Design Adjacent podcast and the design leadership fireside chat series from 2020 to 2022.
Currently, he serves on the Board of Overseers for Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, and is a former Board Chair of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Bennie is also a special advisor to the People’s Graphic Design Archive. He was recently named to the Board of the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC.
Bennie thrives on the connections between marketing, technology, education and innovation. With experience in strategic and consumer marketing, brand management and innovation management, he is drawn to opportunities that allow him to lead and create new modes for business engagement. He has broad experience growing brands, businesses and organizations with a special focus on venture launch and brand relaunch business environments.
Bennie graduated from Yale University with a B.A. and from Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies with a M.S., Strategic Communications.
