Conference Agenda

Set the Tone for an Incredible Conference! To start our event on a high note, we invite you to participate in a rewarding volunteer activity at nearby Three Square Food Bank, which is committed to fighting hunger in southern Nevada. By volunteering, you’ll help provide nutritious meals to those in need, support the local community, and engage with fellow attendees in a meaningful way. Begin the conference with a shared purpose and positive energy. Email us today to volunteer. You’ll be back in plenty of time to get ready for the start of conference.

To reigster please send an email to registration@ana.net 

WELCOME REMARKS & HOUSEKEEPING

Bernice Veloz

Senior Director, Multicultural Marketing & Diversity Initiatives ANA

GROWTH BY CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO

American Family Insurance has its eye on growing with today’s new and evolving consumer, which is more multicultural than ever. How? By expanding the role of its multicultural agency, Elite Media, to lean into the changing face of the general market. The session will discuss how American Family is challenging the status quo by putting  “the new general market” at the center of their marketing strategy, agency relationships, and go-to-market approach. They'll go into how the new EFFIE award-winning "Life's Better" campaign authentically and simultaneously speaks to multicultural audiences and is relevant for a broad audience, ultimately delivering some of the strongest brand results that American Family has seen in a long time.

Sherina Smith

Chief Marketing Officer American Family Insurance

REACHING DIVERSE AUDIENCES THROUGH THE POWER OF MOVIES AND POP CULTURE

Today’s moviegoers are more diverse than ever – representing 62% of the audience each week and growing. With certain culturally relevant titles or genres, movie audiences are even more diverse. For instance, recent opening weekends for Inside Out 2 commanded a 40% Hispanic/Latino, 13% Black, and 16% Asian/other audience. Increasingly multicultural, this audience – the Gen Z and young Millennial cord-cutters and ad skippers – is also the hardest to reach in a highly fragmented media landscape. They not only pay attention to cinema ads, but they also are consummate consumers, spending three times more in key categories versus the general population in and around the movie experience. In this session, National CineMedia (NCM) – the largest cinema advertising platform in the U.S.  and OMG's cross-cultural business lead, will share how cinema has become the go-to option for brands seeking to reach and engage with these key growth audiences.

Catherine Sullivan

President National CineMedia

REAL TALK, REAL TRUST: SHANNON SHARPE ON THE POWER OF AUTHENTICITY IN BRANDING

Join NFL Hall of Famer, celebrated sports commentator, and award-winning podcast host Shannon Sharpe for an inspiring discussion on how personal and brand authenticity foster loyalty within multicultural audiences. Drawing from his own journey and real-world examples, Shannon highlights the power of diverse influencers in building meaningful connections and demonstrates how authentic storytelling resonates across cultures to establish genuine trust. This session unveils key strategies for making authenticity a cornerstone of multicultural marketing, empowering brands and individuals to stay true to their values while forging deep, genuine connections with diverse communities.

Moderator: Nicky Sparrow

Senior Vice President of Multicultural Sales iHeart Media

AI UNLEASHED: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MULTICULTURAL MARKETING

Join us for three distinct sessions exploring the dynamic space where artificial intelligence intersects with multicultural marketing. Our expert speakers will delve into cutting-edge AI applications, diversity-driven insights, and innovative strategies that empower brands to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to decode the future of marketing!

Michael Olaye

Executive Vice President and Managing Director Hero Digital

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: Q&A AND DISCUSSION

Join us at the end of Day 1 for interactive discussion and Q&A with speakers and fellow attendees. You’ll see high top tables with signs in the back of the room for each of our AI experts. Once we wrap, we invite you to stick around to discuss these topics with other marketers. The room will stay open until 6:00 at which time we’ll all transition to the evening cocktail reception.

BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

On the first full day of the Multicultural Marketing and Diversity Conference, we’ll be offering 5 themed and hosted breakfast discussions on topics including:

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Influencers
3. LGBTQ+
4. AIMM
5. SeeHer

Conference attendees will have the option to join a themed table and have breakfast with peers knowledgeable about and interested in a similar topic from 7:30am-8:00am. It will be very informal and allow attendees to connect with other marketers in similar roles. To join a table, simply look towards the front of the breakfast room for the tabletop sign with the breakfast theme you’d like to attend- no need to register in advance.

"THE RIGHT PITCH" - FROM OUR REALITY, TO REALITY TV, THE IMPERATIVE FOR A DIVERSE-FIRST MARKETING APPROACH

For years, ad campaigns have been crafted by a select few - but not at My Code, which has taken a diverse-first approach to marketing and advertising since day one. Now entering its 10th year in business, My Code has turned OUR reality into reality TV, with the launch of “The Right Pitch”, an original reality TV series that asks “what happens when eight trailblazing creatives vie to redefine the game and compete for $25K to deliver the Right Pitch?”Please join the show’s producer and GM of Branded Content and Creative at My Code, Victoria Jordan, in conversation with judge and cultural expert Roy Broderick Jr. to discuss the imperative to include and amplify diverse creatives and strategists at all levels of marketing and advertising.

Roy Broderick, Jr.

Chief Growth Officer & Executive Producer WHTWRKS

SPONSOR OPENING REMARKS

Michelle Winters

Director of Global Product Marketing Amazon Ads

ANA’S COMMITMENT TO DEIB

In today’s dynamic marketing landscape, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) play a pivotal role in shaping successful strategies and driving market growth. The ANA’s commitment to DEIB is unwavering, fueled by the collaborative efforts of the Global CMO Growth Council, the global community of chief marketers that have come together in unified leadership to transform marketing into a force for growth and a force for good. ANA’s focus areas cover gender equality (SeeHer), inclusive marketing (AIMM), talent development (AEF), supplier diversity, an LGBTQ+ practice, and our annual diversity benchmarking report.

Bob Liodice

CEO ANA

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIR REMARKS & HOUSEKEEPING

Gilbert Dávila

Co-Founder, Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing (AIMM) Co-President DMI Consulting

THE KEYS TO UNLOCKING INCLUSIVE GROWTH NOW

This is the eighth consecutive year that P&G has opened the ANA Multicultural & Diversity Conference. The focus of messages has been consistent to help inspire action in the industry, and today is no different. We are at a moment when multicultural consumers are no longer on the periphery. We all know that serving ALL people—across gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, age—and serving EACH unique multicultural consumer group is not just the right thing to do; it is a business imperative; and it is THE most significant opportunity for growth and value creation in our industry.  In this keynote, two leaders will share their experience and perspective on how P&G is unlocking growth through building superior, inclusive brands.

Lela Coffey

Vice President, Multi-Cultural Business Acceleration Procter & Gamble North America

NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY: EMPOWERING AUTHENTICALLY AND SHIFTING PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS

Representation can only be achieved authentically if your target audience is part of the decision-making process. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) prioritizes this, making sure individuals with Down syndrome are a part of important decisions, including marketing and advertising strategy. This session will explore how NDSS has partnered with brands like Barbie and Voya Financial to advance their shared commitment to advancing representation and shifting public perceptions by putting people with disabilities at the forefront of their marketing efforts.

Kandi Pickard

President & Chief Executive Officer National Down Syndrome Society

PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION: PERNOD RICARD'S JOURNEY OF GROWTH IN MULTICULTURAL MARKETING

In this insightful session, Daneyni Sanguinetti will explore Pernod Ricard’s ongoing journey to connect authentically and consistently with multicultural consumers. Emphasizing the philosophy of “progress over perfection,” the discussion will highlight how Pernod Ricard leverages the strengths of both internal teams and external agencies to build deep multicultural connections. The speaker will delve into the strategic incremental changes made within the organization, focusing on establishing a solid internal foundation. These foundational changes, though not always flashy or immediately visible, have been crucial in positioning Pernod Ricard to effectively engage with diverse consumer groups. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the importance of internal alignment and steady progress in achieving meaningful multicultural marketing success.

Daneyni Sanguinetti-Ureña

Senior Director of Culture & Inclusive Marketing Pernod Ricard

DEI PUSHBACK VS. CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS: THE MARKETING TIGHTROPE

In an age of ever-evolving consumer expectations and market resistance to DEI, we must pause to chart the future of inclusive marketing and DEI. Join us for a groundbreaking session unveiling the latest Cultural Inclusion Accelerator (CIA) study launched in partnership with AIMM that recalibrates our understanding of multicultural and inclusive segments. Learn how to boldly realign your marketing strategies with consumer desires, ensuring brand growth and relevance in a changing landscape. AIMMbassadors will share insights, stories and experiences, empowering you with the tools to position your brand at the forefront of inclusive marketing.

Lisette Arsuaga

CEO, DMI Consulting and Co-founder AIMM

LATINOS: VERIZON'S GROWTH DISRUPTORS

While many Fortune 100 companies look at Latinos as a secondary target, Verizon starts with Latinos at the core of their creative strategy to ultimately win with the masses. In this session, Ricardo will discuss how making Latinos a core business priority has helped Verizon grow their business holistically as well as futureproof the brand for the New Mainstream.

Ricardo Aspiazu

SVP, Creative and Brand Design Verizon

CREATING CONNECTIONS THAT DRIVE ACTION: MAKING THE MAGIC HAPPEN WITH INTENTIONALITY

Disney reaches an expansive audience, and as a business, it is imperative that we cultivate an inclusive portfolio of stories, creatives, and partnerships that reflect the representation, experiences, and interest of our audiences. In this session, Disney Advertising will showcase two of these recently renewed best-in-class collaborations, equalpride and Mecenas. We will explore the importance of these commitments, access and opportunity made available, and the roadmap for future successful collaborations. 

Christina Carey Dunleavy

VP, Client Partnerships Disney Advertising

DON’T MISS OUT ON A HUGE SHARE OF THE MARKET: LEARN ABOUT THIS VIBRANT AND VITAL COMMUNITY

Join AARP’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Martha Boudreau, as she reveals the immense potential of the 125 million consumers aged 50 and above, who contribute a staggering $8.5 trillion annually to the economy. In this eye-opening session, Boudreau will discuss the critical need for businesses to break down internal barriers and embrace older consumers as a vital part of their diversity and inclusion strategies. She’ll present new proprietary research on how to authentically represent the dynamic lifestyles and life stages of older consumers across various product categories, including travel, transportation, cosmetics, apparel, and technology. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights that can transform your marketing approach and drive business growth.

Martha Boudreau

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer AARP

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS… IS MULTICULTURAL

Las Vegas is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with some 40 million annual visitors, and 80 percent returnees. Gambling, conventions, lounge acts, headliners, sports, food, and shopping are all popular activities for visitors to Las Vegas. Many of those visitors are multicultural, including a high incidence of the Asian, LGBTQ, and Hispanic communities. The CMO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will moderate a conversation with local business leaders on how Las Vegas is connecting with multicultural audiences.

Blair Hardiek

Chief Strategy Officer Las Vegas Aces

Entertainment Provided by AURN

Join Brilla Media, creators of Nuestro Stories and Nuestro Studios, along with celebrity guest Carlos Ponce, for the Pre-Awards Cocktail Reception in the AIMM Belonging Lounge—a welcoming space for all. Sip, mingle, and test your luck on the Brilla Slot Machine as we celebrate the launch of Minivela, a media and entertainment innovation - Vegas Style!  Don’t miss this unforgettable evening!

The 2024 Multiculural Excellence Awards celebrate the year's best multicultural advertising campaigns raising awareness and providing exposure for the outstanding work being done across 17 different categories including Hispanic, African American, LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Digital/Social/Mobile, Experiential Marketing and more. The Multicultural Awards Gala celebration is an exciting event to celebrate individuals and organizations that have achieved outstanding success. We hope to see you there!

Elliot Lum

EVP, Community and Growth ANA/AEF

Entertainment Provided by AURN

AMPLIFYING VOICES: KARGO AND DANONE’S COMMITMENT TO MULITCULTURALISM AND DEI

Join us for a special breakfast featuring an enlightening fireside chat during which Wavemaker’s Maddie Pelchat will speak with Jeannine Shao Collins about Danone’s participation in Kargo’s Multicultural Content Amplifier program to drive more media spend toward diverse-owned publishers. This event will delve into the innovative strategies and impactful initiatives both organizations have implemented to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the advertising and marketing landscape.

Moderator: Jeannine Shao Collins

Chief Client Officer Kargo

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIR REMARKS & HOUSEKEEPING

Gilbert Dávila

Co-Founder, Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing (AIMM) Co-President DMI Consulting

TAPPING INTO CULTURE TO BUILD STRONG BRAND EQUITY

An insightful session exploring the strategic partnerships and initiatives that have bolstered U.S. Bank brand equity with multicultural audiences. At the intersection of art and data, discover how U.S. Bank leverages cultural insights and touchstones to connect authentically with diverse audiences and reinforce its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. This session will delve into the company’s creative vision of its "Translators" documentary film and its recent sponsorship of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance in partnership with The New York Times.

Michael Lacorazza

Chief Marketing Officer U.S. Bank

MOVEMENT, NOT A MOMENT: YEAR-ROUND INCLUSION STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING A MULTICULTURAL FAN BASE IN TRADITIONAL SPORTS

In today's global marketplace, effectively engaging underrepresented audiences is crucial for business growth and developing an intentional growth strategy for the multicultural market is essential. However, reaching these untapped markets and building genuine connections is a complex task, where successfully navigating different communities requires both sensitivity and expertise. The NHL is committed to driving the long-term economic performance of its league through relentless efforts in inclusion, access, and cultural relevance. Join us to learn about the specific initiatives underway to elevate the sport to the next level, fostering a truly inclusive environment for all.

Kimberly Davis

Senior EVP of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs National Hockey League (NHL)

SeeHer: EQUALITY FOR WOMEN, FROM MENSTRUATION TO MENOPAUSE

Women wield immense influence in the global economy, driving over $30 trillion in annual consumer spending and influencing a staggering 85% of all purchase decisions. This substantial economic power underscores the importance of how brands connect with and support women in their health and wellness journeys—from menstruation to menopause. Effective representation and support not only foster healthier community but also contributes to a more robust economy.  When brands get it right, they see a whopping 500% increase in spending!

Christine Guilfoyle

President ANA's SeeHer

FROM BLOCKED TO UNLOCKED: TRANSFORMING LGBTQ+ MARKETING INTO GROWTH

Imagine unlocking the full potential of the LGBTQ+ segment, turning uncertainty into opportunity.  Discover what 'getting it right' truly means to this high-growth audience with a spotlight on Gen Z, where 75% identify as LGBTQ+ and Allies. Groundbreaking research reveals the sweet spot between inclusive and targeted efforts, how to avoid the authenticity trap, and exploring the power of engagement beyond Pride. Learn from the panel of experts as they bring insights into how brands may approach 2025 with confidence and an inclusive growth vision. Join us to transform your approach and connect meaningfully with LGBTQ+ consumers.

Carlos Santiago

CEO, Santiago Solutions Group Co-Founder, ANA AIMM

POWERING UP MULTICULTURAL SPONSORSHIPS WITH EV EDUCATION FROM CADILLAC

In a landscape where myths about electric vehicles persist, Cadillac views live sponsorship activations as the perfect platform to educate diverse audiences and raise awareness about its EV portfolio. So, for their 14th year as a sponsor of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Cadillac embraced the opportunity to directly engage curious consumers and potential buyers with an immersive sponsorship activation designed to engage Black creators. Cadillac transformed audience insights into The Cadillac Lounge—a relaxing space that addressed the festivalgoers' need for downtime while providing exclusive access to talent, content, and in-depth EV education. Join us to learn how Cadillac turned an annual partnership into the most talked-about activation at ABFF and discover actionable tips on leveraging multicultural event sponsorships to build brand awareness, educate consumers, and drive consideration for your latest innovations.

Juanita Slappy

Head of Multicultural Marketing Cadillac

CLOSING REMARKS