2025 ANA AI and Technology for Marketers Conference

TIME	EVENT DETAILS	LOCATION
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
11:00am - 6:00pm	REGISTRATION OPEN	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
12:05pm - 12:15pm	WELCOME REMARKS FROM YOUR AI, MARTECH, AND MARKETING FUTURES TEAM Michael Donnelly Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA John Hardy SVP, MarTech ANA Jeff Minsky Vice President, AI and Marketing Futures ANA Cynthia Ramsaran Director, AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures. ANA	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
12:15pm - 1:45pm	INNOVATE WITH IMPACT: HOW TO MAKE WINNING DECISIONS ABOUT AI (AND OTHER NEW MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES) For marketing leaders, innovation is only as powerful as the strategy driving it. In this no-fluff, value-packed session, CognitivePath founders Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston will introduce the new marketing innovation framework they co-created with the ANA—a powerful and practical tool to help brands cut through the noise, sidestep costly pitfalls, and turn innovation into a strategic advantage. Through an interactive exercise evaluating cutting-edge marketing AI opportunities, you’ll master a systematic approach to deciding when an innovation is a game-changer for your organization and customers—and when to walk away. Perfect for forward-thinking marketing leaders, this session will empower you to outpace the competition, place smarter innovation bets, and unlock measurable value for both your customers and your bottom line. Greg Verdino Chief Operating Officer & Founder CognitivePath Geoff Livingston Chief Strategy Officer & Founder CognitivePath	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
1:45pm - 2:05pm	NETWORKING BREAK	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
2:05pm - 2:40pm	THE POWER AND POTENTIAL OF AI TO TRANSFORM BRANDS AI is a truly powerful ally to marketers, from creative design inspiration and fantastical ad campaigns to scaling personalized recommendations and streamlining operations in-house. But the exciting possibilities of this technology can still be hard to prioritize. In this conversation, we’ll explore what brand leaders can do today to reap the benefits of AI tomorrow. This panel session will unpack the role of AI in serving customers and how it is improving marketer productivity while democratizing creativity. Meghann York Global Head of Product Marketing SAP CX	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
2:40pm - 3:15pm	AI AGENTS – THE FUTURE WORKFORCE OF MARKETING The rise of digital labor—AI agents working in tandem within marketing functions—will redefine how campaigns are created, executed, and optimized. This session goes beyond theory, featuring live demos and real-world case studies showcasing how AI agents are already managing marketing tasks, from dynamic content creation to automated media buying and hyper-personalized customer engagement. Attendees will witness AI agents in action, see how AI agents can be integrated into their workflows, and gain insights into how digital labor is revolutionizing decision making, efficiency, creativity, and media optimization. This session will prepare marketers for a future where AI agents are not just assistants but core drivers of business growth. Shiv Singh Co-Founder AI Trailblazers	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
3:15pm - 3:35pm	NETWORKING BREAK	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
3:35pm - 4:10pm	HOW DEVELOPMENTS IN DATA AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE IMPROVED TARGETING, TIMING, PERSONALIZATION, AND MEASUREMENT OF OMNICHANNEL CAMPAIGNS. In the early days of omnichannel, marketers had limited ability to deliver the right message through the right channel at the right time. Today, with the growth of martech, adtech, lookalike models, AI, and digital presses, we can deliver impressive results by identifying highly targeted audiences, delivering coordinated and personalized messages in multiple online and offline channels, and measuring incremental impact. Christopher Karpenko Sr. Director Product Management USPS	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
4:10pm - 4:45pm	HUMAN CONNECTION + EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE IN THE AGE OF AI As we move more deeply into the Age of AI, Allison delves into the sometimes uncomfortable territory of human emotion crucial to navigating the psychological currents of this transformative era. Through a lens of deeper empathy and understanding, marketers and their technology partners can create more human-centric products and experiences that not only solve problems but also resonate with the deepest human needs and aspirations. Allison shares ideas to empower leaders to build cultures of emotional resilience, and foster environments where individuals feel safe to innovate, adapt, and thrive. Allison Arden Founder + Creator The Elements of Us	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
4:45pm - 4:50pm	CLOSING REMARKS Jeff Minsky Vice President, AI and Marketing Futures ANA	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
5:00pm - 6:00pm	WELCOME RECEPTION	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
6:00pm	DINNER ON YOUR OWN
Thursday, March 27, 2025
7:00am - 6:30pm	REGISTRATION OPEN	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
7:45am - 8:30am	BREAKFAST (Sponsored by Offerfit.AI)	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)
8:00am - 8:20am	BREAKFAST SESSION: HOW AI DECISIONING IS REPLACING NEXT BEST ACTION For marketing teams to be successful far into the future, they’ll need to harness the power of AI and machine learning now. This session is a masterclass for marketing leaders about how marketers are currently leveraging machine learning, and how you can be successful in bridging the gap between the complex world of ML and the real-world needs of your team. You’ll leave with a deep understanding of AI decisioning and the value it can bring as a tool in your 2025 toolkit. Nathaniel Rounds Head of Product Marketing OfferFit	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)
8:30am - 8:35am	SPONSOR OPENING REMARKS Christy Cooper Global Director, Industry Relations Meta	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
8:35am - 9:05am	WELCOME REMARKS Bill Tucker CEO/Aquila Group EVP/ANA	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
9:05am - 9:20am	OPENING REMARKS AND HOUSEKEEPING Michael Donnelly Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
9:20am - 9:55am	HOW MARKETERS AND NOT JUST MARKETING WILL BE TRANSFORMED IN THE AI AGE Rishad Tobaccowala will provide a perspective on how best to thrive in the upcoming AI age sharing perspectives on how this is different from the shifts that have come before and how best Marketers can thrive and work with their external partners to drive growth and succeed in their transformation. Rishad Tobaccowala Author Rishad Tobaccowala LLC	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
9:55am - 10:30am	TURN CONSUMER INSIGHTS INTO STRATEGIC GROWTH Join Melanie Huet, CMO of Newell Brands, as she shares how to transform iconic brands for today’s consumers, including the strategies and tools that drive consumer engagement, boost conversion, and fuel profitable growth in an ever-evolving marketplace. Melanie Huet Chief Marketing Officer Newell Brands	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
10:30am - 10:45am	FIRESTARTER SESSION: STARTING YOUR AI JOURNEY - LOOK INWARD BEFORE LOOKING AHEAD According to the Cella Intelligence Report Over 43% of marketers are still at the beginning of their AI journey, and while companies navigate legalities and governance, teams can take immediate action. The first step is assessing your current tools, processes, and expertise—many enterprise platforms like Workfront, Salesforce, and Adobe AEM already have AI capabilities waiting to be leveraged. Success requires clear goals and a people-first approach, ensuring AI enhances both efficiency and individual growth. As Rishad Tobaccowala says, “The future does not fit in the containers of the past”—embrace AI thoughtfully to build something that lasts. Steve Bevilacqua Principal Consultant Cella by Randstad Digital	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
10:45am - 11:05am	NETWORKING BREAK	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
11:05am - 11:40am	LIBERTY MUTUAL’S JOURNEY TO A DATA-DRIVEN MARKETING FUTURE WITH SNOWFLAKE As the marketing landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, Liberty Mutual is leading the way with a bold, data-first strategy that prioritizes ownership, agility, and innovation. By adopting a composable and privacy-centric approach, the company has built a next-generation MarTech and AdTech ecosystem designed to maximize efficiency and unlock new opportunities. In this session, senior leaders from Liberty Mutual and Snowflake will share how Liberty Mutual is leveraging the Snowflake AI Data Cloud as the foundation for its marketing transformation—enabling seamless data unification, powering memorable campaigns and driving smarter, privacy-compliant marketing strategies. Hear the "Wow and the How" behind Liberty Mutual’s strategic decision to in-house creative and media functions, the impact of a modular technology stack on marketing performance, and the key considerations for brands looking to find greater control with their data and advertising investments. This discussion will provide a roadmap for executives seeking to break free from legacy constraints and build a future-proof marketing organization. Eddie Drake Industry Principal, Financial Services Marketing & Advertising Snowflake Thomas Komin Sr Director of Marketing Technology Liberty Mutual Cong (Chelsey) Lu Director, Media Analytics Liberty Mutual	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
11:40am - 12:15pm	UNLOCKING THE FUTURE WITH OPENSOURCE Join us to explore the transformative power of open source in driving AI innovation. Discover how Meta's commitment to open science and open source has accelerated advancements in foundational models, fostering collaboration across the global AI community and enabling diverse applications. As we push the boundaries of what's possible with AI, we're not just building technology – we're shaping the future. And that future is full of opportunity: for creativity, for connection, and for growth. Artur Souza VP, Business Engineering Meta	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
12:15pm - 1:15pm	LUNCH (Sponsored by Resonate)	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)
12:40pm - 1:00pm	LUNCH SESSION: LEVERAGING AI TO REVEAL HUMAN MOTIVATION CMO Ericka Podesta McCoy of Resonate explores understanding AI-driven insights in marketing and human motivation. While demographics initially provided a broad understanding of audiences for marketers, their limitations are painfully evident today. A more effective approach involves deeper audience segmentation that considers attributes like values, motivations, and preferences, using data-driven insights to precisely target individuals at a human level. Ericka Podesta McCoy CMO Resonate	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)
1:15pm - 1:40pm	MARTECH EXCELLENCE: THE INAUGURAL AWARDS WINNERS SHOWCASE Meet the innovators reshaping the marketing technology landscape as we unveil the Innovator of the Year and Innovative Team of the Year winners of the first-ever Marketing Technology Innovator Awards. Join us in celebrating the breakthrough achievements that are setting new standards for innovation and excellence in our industry. John Hardy SVP, MarTech ANA Michael Donnelly Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
1:40pm - 2:15pm	THE FUTURE OF MARTECH LEADERSHIP The future of marketing will depend on a brand’s ability to drive growth through investments in technology, data and generative artificial intelligence. However, MarTech is currently facing a significant talent shortage at every level. How do we ensure our current teams are equipped to realize the business-building potential of the new technologies, and how do we as an industry come together to develop a robust and diverse next generation of MarTech leaders? In this session, a leading professor and top marketers come together to share their experience on how to develop powerful MarTech teams, build new marketing capabilities, and create career paths that lead to personal and professional growth. John Hardy SVP, MarTech ANA Jeannine Shao Collins Chief Client Officer Kargo Alyssa Rolfe Director of Demand Strategy IBM Paul Lambson AVP Marketing Analytics and Technology Northwell Health Travis Freeman Chief Media Officer, SVP Demand Generation + Agency Management Inspire Brands	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
2:15pm - 2:50pm	THE ANSWER ECONOMY – WHAT AI IS SAYING ABOUT YOUR BRAND Consumers are no longer just searching—they’re getting answers. AI Answer Engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and even Amazon Rufus are reshaping product discovery, with 65% of consumers open to purchasing based on AI recommendations. Brands that fail to monitor, analyze, and optimize their AI presence risk losing visibility, trust, and sales. Nestlé Canada's Lee Beech, Senior Director of Consumer Experience, Data, and Transformation, has partnered with BrandRank.AI over the past year to track AI-generated responses, ensuring their brands lead in sustainability, crisis response, and competitive visibility. This session will reveal how to win at the "Prompted Moment of Truth"—when consumers turn to AI for buying decisions. Tracey Cooke CMO Nestlé Pete Blackshaw Founder & CEO BrandRank.AI Lee Beech Senior Director, Consumer Experience, Data & Transformation Nestlé	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
2:50pm - 3:25pm	THE AI ADOPTION CURVE FOR MARKETING: HOW TO SCALE WITH IMPACT Marketing is in the midst of many changes; AI is just one of them. And yet it’s becoming the loudest one, driven by pressure from boards and leadership to “do AI”. As generative AI “usage” becomes more prevalent, many leaders remain uncertain about the business impact and best strategies for implementing tools across their teams. The reality is marketing teams are struggling with meaningful AI adoption. In this session, we’ll discuss how to Lead through the three phases of AI adoption Identify use cases that impact Drive responsible AI adoption-at-scale Lia Easler, Associate Vice President of Marketing at Nationwide, will join Jessica Hreha, Director of AI Transformation at Jasper, to share real-world trends, challenges, and frameworks from pioneering enterprise brands across industries including CPG/retail, financial services, B2b tech, and more. Jessica Hreha Director of AI Transformation Jasper Lia Easler Associate Vice President, Marketing Nationwide	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
3:25pm - 3:35pm	FIRESTARTER SESSION: AI AND THE DEATH OF INAUTHENTIC INFLUENCERS - WHERE HUMANS STILL WIN As AI-generated content floods our feeds and virtual influencers rack up millions of followers, it’s tempting to believe that the era of human talent is over. But the data tells a different story. Despite AI’s ability to produce hyper-personalized ads and synthetic spokespeople, human creativity, authenticity, and emotional resonance remain irreplaceable – it can however help marketers get the most out of human centric stories by shrinking knowledge gaps and creating personalization opportunities we’ve never had before. In this session, Kantar unpacks the latest research proving that real people—whether celebrities, creators, or everyday consumers—are still the driving force behind advertising effectiveness and impact, and the role AI should play in scaling that impact. We’ll explore: Why AI-generated influencers struggle to build deep consumer trust and engagement How human emotion and storytelling outperform machine-made content in driving action The neuroscience behind why consumers connect with real faces and voices What brands get wrong when they prioritize efficiency over authentic influence How AI should enhance, not replace, human talent in advertising Join us for a provocative discussion that challenges the hype and reinforces a simple truth: In a world of artificial everything, human connection is the most powerful currency, but AI can help you cash in. Jeff L. Herrmann VP Global Clients The Kantar Group	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
3:35pm - 3:55pm	NETWORKING BREAK	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
3:55pm - 4:30pm	IMPACT OF AI: AN INCLUSIVE MARKETING PANEL Explore how AI supports and advances inclusive marketing for both social impact and positive business results even as headwinds challenge leaders, in a discussion with SeeHer President, Christine Guilfoyle and a panel of experts, moderated by Jack Myers, Media Ecologist and Author. Christine Guilfoyle President SeeHer Jack Myers Media Ecologist, Author: The Tao of Leadership in the AI Era MediaVillage Jo McKinney Chief Growth Officer Board of Innovation	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
4:30pm - 4:55pm	UNLOCKING MARKETING SUCCESS: THE POWER OF AI IN ATTRIBUTION AND OPTIMIZATION In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, accurately attributing marketing success across channels is more challenging than ever. This session explores how AI-powered attribution models are transforming the way marketers measure performance, allocate budgets, and optimize campaigns. We’ll dive into cutting-edge machine learning techniques, from multi-touch attribution to predictive analytics, and discuss real-world applications that drive revenue and ROI. Whether you're a data-driven marketer or a business leader looking to maximize impact, this session will equip you with the insights and tools needed to harness AI for smarter, more effective marketing decisions. Winnie Shen EVP Data Cloud Applications Zeta Global	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
5:05pm - 5:10pm	CLOSING REMARKS Michael Donnelly Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
6:00pm - 7:00pm	RECEPTION	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
7:00pm - 8:20pm	DINNER	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)
Friday, March 28, 2025
7:15am - 11:00am	REGISTRATION OPEN	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
7:45am - 8:30am	BREAKFAST	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)
7:45am - 8:05am	BREAKFAST SESSION Speaker TBA Acxiom	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)
8:30am - 8:35am	OPENING REMARKS Michael Donnelly Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
8:35am - 9:10am	REGULATORY PANEL From privacy laws to AI guardrails - get the insider's view from Texas State Representative Giovanni Capriglione, who's helping shape the rules that will govern marketing technology. Join Representative Capriglione and ANA's Chris Oswald for an essential discussion on turning regulatory challenges into opportunities for innovation. Chris Oswald Executive Vice President & Head of Government Relations ANA Giovanni Capriglione Texas State Representative Texas House of Representatives Chris Duffey Head Of Gen AI Adobe	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
9:10am - 9:45am	MAKING MARKETING MORE HUMAN THROUGH AI This session will unveil how AI is making marketing more “human” and deepening customer relationships. Additionally, AI-driven personalization, predictive analytics, automated content creation, dynamic pricing, and enhanced customer engagement have and will change the trajectory of marketing forever. This session will outline critical steps to stay competitive in the AI-driven landscape and will share insights into challenges like AI job displacement, data privacy nightmares, deepfakes, hyper-personalization backlash, and the death of link-based search. Shelly Palmer Chief Executive Officer The Palmer Group	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
9:45am - 10:20am	TALK TO MY AGENT: HOW AI IS ALREADY CHANGING WORK AI and the agent revolution is already under way, driven by fundamental shifts in data, CRM and autonomous technologies. How will the use of AI agents impact the way work is done for sales teams, customer service organizations, marketing and more? In this session, Salesforce SVP Martin Kihn reveals how innovative enterprises are already using data, AI and agents to dramatically improve efficiency and effectiveness, while expanding the power of humans through hybridized ways of working. Martin Kihn SVP Salesforce	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
10:20am - 10:55am	THE CULTURE OF AI: HUMAN FIRST, HUMAN LAST This session will show how Kyndryl is deploying Gen AI across the marketing organization to boost engagement and enablement while keeping a “human first, human last” approach to ensure AI is embraced and not feared. You’ll learn how to integrate Gen AI strategically into your marketing operations, identifying key areas where it can quickly add value. The discussion will also cover best practices for training and upskilling your team, creating a culture of continuous learning and innovation, and sharing real-world examples of successful GenAI implementations. Kyndryl is the world’s largest provider of IT infrastructure services. Our customers are 60% of Fortune’s Global 100. You will hear insights on how Gen AI can drive significant marketing efficiency and creativity improvements. A key focus will be on maintaining human oversight in AI processes. We’ll address common fears about Gen AI and offer strategies to foster a collaborative environment where Gen AI and human creativity thrive together. This session will equip you to adopt a human-centric approach to Gen AI, which can unlock new levels of marketing efficiency and creativity. Michael Therrien Director, Content, Global Strategic Solutions and AI Marketing Task Force Kyndryl	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
10:55am - 11:10am	NETWORKING BREAK	Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)
11:10am - 11:45am	THE FUTURE OF HUMAN CONNECTION Join us as we explore the emerging technologies moving us toward a mixed-reality future. From the promise of Orion glasses to multimodal AI experiences, these advancements are poised to revolutionize how we interact with each other and the world around us. Veronica Parker-Hahn Director Global Creative Council Meta	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
11:45am - 12:20pm	CONTENT FOR THE NEXT WAVE: MATTEL’S GAME-CHANGING APPROACH TO MODERN CONTENT SUPPLY CHAINS Join Deepak Madhavan, Director of Enterprise Architecture at Mattel, the mastermind behind Mattel's Enterprise Architecture, and Sal Hakimi, Co-Founder of Tenovos, for an insightful session focusing on the transformative power of unifying your content supply chain to scale digital content workflows. This session zeroes in on how Mattel has elevated its content supply chain to be the cornerstone of its pioneering Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategy and execution of its global digital transformation, leveraging Tenovos and its use of multiple GenAI LLMs and Foundation Models through Amazon Bedrock – BDA to provide a global unified AI-powered search which eliminates the use of manual metadata inputs and taxonomies by providing a dynamic AI-powered semantic search to leverage all its digital content. Under Deepak's guidance, witness firsthand how strategic integration and unification of its content supply chain can significantly enhance digital, DTC, and B2B initiatives. With over two decades of experience, Deepak stands as a beacon of knowledge in leveraging content technologies to fuel digital transformation and reinvigorate content management processes. Deepak Madhavan Director of Enterprise Architecture Mattel Sal Hakimi Co-Founder Tenovos	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)
12:20pm - 12:55pm	HOW GENERATIVE AI HELPED TRANSFORM GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOLS' CONTENT STRATEGY Why This Session Will Be Valuable: * Real-World Case Study – Goldfish had an abundance of content but lacked clarity on what was working and why. We’ll share how a hybrid human/AI solution provided a scalable, effective answer to their challenge. * CMO Perspective – Shana will offer firsthand insights into the strategic hurdles of scaling a business and why they saw content optimization as key to building brand awareness and driving consideration. * Actionable Takeaways (the how!) – Attendees will gain practical, hands-on lessons on using AI to solve content bottlenecks and enhance business performance. Robin Riddle Chief Strategy Officer DDM Content Solutions, part of Dotdash Meredith Shana Krisan, CFE Chief Marketing Officer Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC	Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

11:00am
- 6:00pm

REGISTRATION OPEN

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

12:05pm
- 12:15pm

WELCOME REMARKS FROM YOUR AI, MARTECH, AND MARKETING FUTURES TEAM

Michael Donnelly: Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA

John Hardy

SVP, MarTech ANA

Jeff Minsky

Vice President, AI and Marketing Futures ANA

Cynthia Ramsaran

Director, AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures. ANA

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

12:15pm
- 1:45pm

INNOVATE WITH IMPACT: HOW TO MAKE WINNING DECISIONS ABOUT AI (AND OTHER NEW MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES)

For marketing leaders, innovation is only as powerful as the strategy driving it. In this no-fluff, value-packed session, CognitivePath founders Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston will introduce the new marketing innovation framework they co-created with the ANA—a powerful and practical tool to help brands cut through the noise, sidestep costly pitfalls, and turn innovation into a strategic advantage.

Through an interactive exercise evaluating cutting-edge marketing AI opportunities, you’ll master a systematic approach to deciding when an innovation is a game-changer for your organization and customers—and when to walk away. Perfect for forward-thinking marketing leaders, this session will empower you to outpace the competition, place smarter innovation bets, and unlock measurable value for both your customers and your bottom line.

Greg Verdino: Chief Operating Officer & Founder CognitivePath

Geoff Livingston

Chief Strategy Officer & Founder CognitivePath

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

1:45pm
- 2:05pm

NETWORKING BREAK

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

2:05pm
- 2:40pm

THE POWER AND POTENTIAL OF AI TO TRANSFORM BRANDS

AI is a truly powerful ally to marketers, from creative design inspiration and fantastical ad campaigns to scaling personalized recommendations and streamlining operations in-house. But the exciting possibilities of this technology can still be hard to prioritize. In this conversation, we’ll explore what brand leaders can do today to reap the benefits of AI tomorrow. This panel session will unpack the role of AI in serving customers and how it is improving marketer productivity while democratizing creativity.

Meghann York: Global Head of Product Marketing SAP CX

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

2:40pm
- 3:15pm

AI AGENTS – THE FUTURE WORKFORCE OF MARKETING

The rise of digital labor—AI agents working in tandem within marketing functions—will redefine how campaigns are created, executed, and optimized. This session goes beyond theory, featuring live demos and real-world case studies showcasing how AI agents are already managing marketing tasks, from dynamic content creation to automated media buying and hyper-personalized customer engagement.

Attendees will witness AI agents in action, see how AI agents can be integrated into their workflows, and gain insights into how digital labor is revolutionizing decision making, efficiency, creativity, and media optimization. This session will prepare marketers for a future where AI agents are not just assistants but core drivers of business growth.

Shiv Singh: Co-Founder AI Trailblazers

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

3:15pm
- 3:35pm

NETWORKING BREAK

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

3:35pm
- 4:10pm

HOW DEVELOPMENTS IN DATA AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE IMPROVED TARGETING, TIMING, PERSONALIZATION, AND MEASUREMENT OF OMNICHANNEL CAMPAIGNS.

In the early days of omnichannel, marketers had limited ability to deliver the right message through the right channel at the right time. Today, with the growth of martech, adtech, lookalike models, AI, and digital presses, we can deliver impressive results by identifying highly targeted audiences, delivering coordinated and personalized messages in multiple online and offline channels, and measuring incremental impact.

Christopher Karpenko: Sr. Director Product Management USPS

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

4:10pm
- 4:45pm

HUMAN CONNECTION + EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE IN THE AGE OF AI

As we move more deeply into the Age of AI, Allison delves into the sometimes uncomfortable territory of human emotion crucial to navigating the psychological currents of this transformative era. Through a lens of deeper empathy and understanding, marketers and their technology partners can create more human-centric products and experiences that not only solve problems but also resonate with the deepest human needs and aspirations. Allison shares ideas to empower leaders to build cultures of emotional resilience, and foster environments where individuals feel safe to innovate, adapt, and thrive.

Allison Arden: Founder + Creator The Elements of Us

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

4:45pm
- 4:50pm

CLOSING REMARKS

Jeff Minsky: Vice President, AI and Marketing Futures ANA

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

5:00pm
- 6:00pm

WELCOME RECEPTION

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

6:00pm

DINNER ON YOUR OWN

7:00am
- 6:30pm

REGISTRATION OPEN

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

7:45am
- 8:30am

BREAKFAST

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)

8:00am
- 8:20am

BREAKFAST SESSION: HOW AI DECISIONING IS REPLACING NEXT BEST ACTION

For marketing teams to be successful far into the future, they’ll need to harness the power of AI and machine learning now. This session is a masterclass for marketing leaders about how marketers are currently leveraging machine learning, and how you can be successful in bridging the gap between the complex world of ML and the real-world needs of your team. You’ll leave with a deep understanding of AI decisioning and the value it can bring as a tool in your 2025 toolkit.

Nathaniel Rounds: Head of Product Marketing OfferFit

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)

8:30am
- 8:35am

SPONSOR OPENING REMARKS

Christy Cooper: Global Director, Industry Relations Meta

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

8:35am
- 9:05am

WELCOME REMARKS

Bill Tucker: CEO/Aquila Group EVP/ANA

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

9:05am
- 9:20am

OPENING REMARKS AND HOUSEKEEPING

Michael Donnelly: Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

9:20am
- 9:55am

HOW MARKETERS AND NOT JUST MARKETING WILL BE TRANSFORMED IN THE AI AGE

Rishad Tobaccowala will provide a perspective on how best to thrive in the upcoming AI age sharing perspectives on how this is different from the shifts that have come before and how best Marketers can thrive and work with their external partners to drive growth and succeed in their transformation.

Rishad Tobaccowala: Author Rishad Tobaccowala LLC

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

9:55am
- 10:30am

TURN CONSUMER INSIGHTS INTO STRATEGIC GROWTH

Join Melanie Huet, CMO of Newell Brands, as she shares how to transform iconic brands for today’s consumers, including the strategies and tools that drive consumer engagement, boost conversion, and fuel profitable growth in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Melanie Huet: Chief Marketing Officer Newell Brands

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

10:30am
- 10:45am

FIRESTARTER SESSION: STARTING YOUR AI JOURNEY - LOOK INWARD BEFORE LOOKING AHEAD

According to the Cella Intelligence Report Over 43% of marketers are still at the beginning of their AI journey, and while companies navigate legalities and governance, teams can take immediate action. The first step is assessing your current tools, processes, and expertise—many enterprise platforms like Workfront, Salesforce, and Adobe AEM already have AI capabilities waiting to be leveraged. Success requires clear goals and a people-first approach, ensuring AI enhances both efficiency and individual growth. As Rishad Tobaccowala says, “The future does not fit in the containers of the past”—embrace AI thoughtfully to build something that lasts.

Steve Bevilacqua: Principal Consultant Cella by Randstad Digital

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

10:45am
- 11:05am

NETWORKING BREAK

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

11:05am
- 11:40am

LIBERTY MUTUAL’S JOURNEY TO A DATA-DRIVEN MARKETING FUTURE WITH SNOWFLAKE

As the marketing landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, Liberty Mutual is leading the way with a bold, data-first strategy that prioritizes ownership, agility, and innovation. By adopting a composable and privacy-centric approach, the company has built a next-generation MarTech and AdTech ecosystem designed to maximize efficiency and unlock new opportunities.

In this session, senior leaders from Liberty Mutual and Snowflake will share how Liberty Mutual is leveraging the Snowflake AI Data Cloud as the foundation for its marketing transformation—enabling seamless data unification, powering memorable campaigns and driving smarter, privacy-compliant marketing strategies.

Hear the "Wow and the How" behind Liberty Mutual’s strategic decision to in-house creative and media functions, the impact of a modular technology stack on marketing performance, and the key considerations for brands looking to find greater control with their data and advertising investments. This discussion will provide a roadmap for executives seeking to break free from legacy constraints and build a future-proof marketing organization.

Eddie Drake: Industry Principal, Financial Services Marketing & Advertising Snowflake

Thomas Komin

Sr Director of Marketing Technology Liberty Mutual

Cong (Chelsey) Lu

Director, Media Analytics Liberty Mutual

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

11:40am
- 12:15pm

UNLOCKING THE FUTURE WITH OPENSOURCE

Join us to explore the transformative power of open source in driving AI innovation. Discover how Meta's commitment to open science and open source has accelerated advancements in foundational models, fostering collaboration across the global AI community and enabling diverse applications.
As we push the boundaries of what's possible with AI, we're not just building technology – we're shaping the future. And that future is full of opportunity: for creativity, for connection, and for growth.

Artur Souza: VP, Business Engineering Meta

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

12:15pm
- 1:15pm

LUNCH

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)

12:40pm
- 1:00pm

LUNCH SESSION: LEVERAGING AI TO REVEAL HUMAN MOTIVATION

CMO Ericka Podesta McCoy of Resonate explores understanding AI-driven insights in marketing and human motivation. While demographics initially provided a broad understanding of audiences for marketers, their limitations are painfully evident today. A more effective approach involves deeper audience segmentation that considers attributes like values, motivations, and preferences, using data-driven insights to precisely target individuals at a human level.

Ericka Podesta McCoy: CMO Resonate

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)

1:15pm
- 1:40pm

MARTECH EXCELLENCE: THE INAUGURAL AWARDS WINNERS SHOWCASE

Meet the innovators reshaping the marketing technology landscape as we unveil the Innovator of the Year and Innovative Team of the Year winners of the first-ever Marketing Technology Innovator Awards. Join us in celebrating the breakthrough achievements that are setting new standards for innovation and excellence in our industry.

John Hardy: SVP, MarTech ANA

Michael Donnelly

Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

1:40pm
- 2:15pm

THE FUTURE OF MARTECH LEADERSHIP

The future of marketing will depend on a brand’s ability to drive growth through investments in technology, data and generative artificial intelligence. However, MarTech is currently facing a significant talent shortage at every level. How do we ensure our current teams are equipped to realize the business-building potential of the new technologies, and how do we as an industry come together to develop a robust and diverse next generation of MarTech leaders? In this session, a leading professor and top marketers come together to share their experience on how to develop powerful MarTech teams, build new marketing capabilities, and create career paths that lead to personal and professional growth.

John Hardy: SVP, MarTech ANA

Jeannine Shao Collins

Chief Client Officer Kargo

Alyssa Rolfe

Director of Demand Strategy IBM

Paul Lambson

AVP Marketing Analytics and Technology Northwell Health

Travis Freeman

Chief Media Officer, SVP Demand Generation + Agency Management Inspire Brands

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

2:15pm
- 2:50pm

THE ANSWER ECONOMY – WHAT AI IS SAYING ABOUT YOUR BRAND

Consumers are no longer just searching—they’re getting answers. AI Answer Engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and even Amazon Rufus are reshaping product discovery, with 65% of consumers open to purchasing based on AI recommendations. Brands that fail to monitor, analyze, and optimize their AI presence risk losing visibility, trust, and sales. Nestlé Canada's Lee Beech, Senior Director of Consumer Experience, Data, and Transformation, has partnered with BrandRank.AI over the past year to track AI-generated responses, ensuring their brands lead in sustainability, crisis response, and competitive visibility. This session will reveal how to win at the "Prompted Moment of Truth"—when consumers turn to AI for buying decisions.

Tracey Cooke: CMO Nestlé

Pete Blackshaw

Founder & CEO BrandRank.AI

Lee Beech

Senior Director, Consumer Experience, Data & Transformation Nestlé

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

2:50pm
- 3:25pm

THE AI ADOPTION CURVE FOR MARKETING: HOW TO SCALE WITH IMPACT

Marketing is in the midst of many changes; AI is just one of them. And yet it’s becoming the loudest one, driven by pressure from boards and leadership to “do AI”.

As generative AI “usage” becomes more prevalent, many leaders remain uncertain about the business impact and best strategies for implementing tools across their teams. The reality is marketing teams are struggling with meaningful AI adoption.

In this session, we’ll discuss how to

Lead through the three phases of AI adoption
Identify use cases that impact
Drive responsible AI adoption-at-scale

Lia Easler, Associate Vice President of Marketing at Nationwide, will join Jessica Hreha, Director of AI Transformation at Jasper, to share real-world trends, challenges, and frameworks from pioneering enterprise brands across industries including CPG/retail, financial services, B2b tech, and more.

Jessica Hreha: Director of AI Transformation Jasper

Lia Easler

Associate Vice President, Marketing Nationwide

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

3:25pm
- 3:35pm

FIRESTARTER SESSION: AI AND THE DEATH OF INAUTHENTIC INFLUENCERS - WHERE HUMANS STILL WIN

As AI-generated content floods our feeds and virtual influencers rack up millions of followers, it’s tempting to believe that the era of human talent is over. But the data tells a different story. Despite AI’s ability to produce hyper-personalized ads and synthetic spokespeople, human creativity, authenticity, and emotional resonance remain irreplaceable – it can however help marketers get the most out of human centric stories by shrinking knowledge gaps and creating personalization opportunities we’ve never had before.

In this session, Kantar unpacks the latest research proving that real people—whether celebrities, creators, or everyday consumers—are still the driving force behind advertising effectiveness and impact, and the role AI should play in scaling that impact.

We’ll explore:

Why AI-generated influencers struggle to build deep consumer trust and engagement
How human emotion and storytelling outperform machine-made content in driving action
The neuroscience behind why consumers connect with real faces and voices
What brands get wrong when they prioritize efficiency over authentic influence
How AI should enhance, not replace, human talent in advertising

Join us for a provocative discussion that challenges the hype and reinforces a simple truth: In a world of artificial everything, human connection is the most powerful currency, but AI can help you cash in.

Jeff L. Herrmann: VP Global Clients The Kantar Group

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

3:35pm
- 3:55pm

NETWORKING BREAK

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

3:55pm
- 4:30pm

IMPACT OF AI: AN INCLUSIVE MARKETING PANEL

Explore how AI supports and advances inclusive marketing for both social impact and positive business results even as headwinds challenge leaders, in a discussion with SeeHer President, Christine Guilfoyle and a panel of experts, moderated by Jack Myers, Media Ecologist and Author.

Christine Guilfoyle: President SeeHer

Jack Myers

Media Ecologist, Author: The Tao of Leadership in the AI Era MediaVillage

Jo McKinney

Chief Growth Officer Board of Innovation

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

4:30pm
- 4:55pm

UNLOCKING MARKETING SUCCESS: THE POWER OF AI IN ATTRIBUTION AND OPTIMIZATION

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, accurately attributing marketing success across channels is more challenging than ever. This session explores how AI-powered attribution models are transforming the way marketers measure performance, allocate budgets, and optimize campaigns. We’ll dive into cutting-edge machine learning techniques, from multi-touch attribution to predictive analytics, and discuss real-world applications that drive revenue and ROI. Whether you're a data-driven marketer or a business leader looking to maximize impact, this session will equip you with the insights and tools needed to harness AI for smarter, more effective marketing decisions.

Winnie Shen: EVP Data Cloud Applications Zeta Global

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

5:05pm
- 5:10pm

CLOSING REMARKS

Michael Donnelly: Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

6:00pm
- 7:00pm

RECEPTION

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

7:00pm
- 8:20pm

DINNER

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)

7:15am
- 11:00am

REGISTRATION OPEN

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

7:45am
- 8:30am

BREAKFAST

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)

7:45am
- 8:05am

BREAKFAST SESSION

Speaker TBA: Acxiom

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (IN-PERSON ONLY)

8:30am
- 8:35am

OPENING REMARKS

Michael Donnelly: Executive Vice President - AI, MarTech, and Marketing Futures ANA

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

8:35am
- 9:10am

REGULATORY PANEL

From privacy laws to AI guardrails - get the insider's view from Texas State Representative Giovanni Capriglione, who's helping shape the rules that will govern marketing technology. Join Representative Capriglione and ANA's Chris Oswald for an essential discussion on turning regulatory challenges into opportunities for innovation.

Chris Oswald: Executive Vice President & Head of Government Relations ANA

Giovanni Capriglione

Texas State Representative Texas House of Representatives

Chris Duffey

Head Of Gen AI Adobe

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

9:10am
- 9:45am

MAKING MARKETING MORE HUMAN THROUGH AI

This session will unveil how AI is making marketing more “human” and deepening customer relationships. Additionally, AI-driven personalization, predictive analytics, automated content creation, dynamic pricing, and enhanced customer engagement have and will change the trajectory of marketing forever. This session will outline critical steps to stay competitive in the AI-driven landscape and will share insights into challenges like AI job displacement, data privacy nightmares, deepfakes, hyper-personalization backlash, and the death of link-based search.

Shelly Palmer: Chief Executive Officer The Palmer Group

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

9:45am
- 10:20am

TALK TO MY AGENT: HOW AI IS ALREADY CHANGING WORK

AI and the agent revolution is already under way, driven by fundamental shifts in data, CRM and autonomous technologies. How will the use of AI agents impact the way work is done for sales teams, customer service organizations, marketing and more? In this session, Salesforce SVP Martin Kihn reveals how innovative enterprises are already using data, AI and agents to dramatically improve efficiency and effectiveness, while expanding the power of humans through hybridized ways of working.

Martin Kihn: SVP Salesforce

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

10:20am
- 10:55am

THE CULTURE OF AI: HUMAN FIRST, HUMAN LAST

This session will show how Kyndryl is deploying Gen AI across the marketing organization to boost engagement and enablement while keeping a “human first, human last” approach to ensure AI is embraced and not feared.

You’ll learn how to integrate Gen AI strategically into your marketing operations, identifying key areas where it can quickly add value. The discussion will also cover best practices for training and upskilling your team, creating a culture of continuous learning and innovation, and sharing real-world examples of successful GenAI implementations.

Kyndryl is the world’s largest provider of IT infrastructure services. Our customers are 60% of Fortune’s Global 100. You will hear insights on how Gen AI can drive significant marketing efficiency and creativity improvements.

A key focus will be on maintaining human oversight in AI processes. We’ll address common fears about Gen AI and offer strategies to foster a collaborative environment where Gen AI and human creativity thrive together.
This session will equip you to adopt a human-centric approach to Gen AI, which can unlock new levels of marketing efficiency and creativity.

Michael Therrien: Director, Content, Global Strategic Solutions and AI Marketing Task Force Kyndryl

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

10:55am
- 11:10am

NETWORKING BREAK

Waterloo Ballroom Foyer (IN-PERSON ONLY)

11:10am
- 11:45am

THE FUTURE OF HUMAN CONNECTION

Join us as we explore the emerging technologies moving us toward a mixed-reality future. From the promise of Orion glasses to multimodal AI experiences, these advancements are poised to revolutionize how we interact with each other and the world around us.

Veronica Parker-Hahn: Director Global Creative Council Meta

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

11:45am
- 12:20pm

CONTENT FOR THE NEXT WAVE: MATTEL’S GAME-CHANGING APPROACH TO MODERN CONTENT SUPPLY CHAINS

Join Deepak Madhavan, Director of Enterprise Architecture at Mattel, the mastermind behind Mattel's Enterprise Architecture, and Sal Hakimi, Co-Founder of Tenovos, for an insightful session focusing on the transformative power of unifying your content supply chain to scale digital content workflows. This session zeroes in on how Mattel has elevated its content supply chain to be the cornerstone of its pioneering Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategy and execution of its global digital transformation, leveraging Tenovos and its use of multiple GenAI LLMs and Foundation Models through Amazon Bedrock – BDA to provide a global unified AI-powered search which eliminates the use of manual metadata inputs and taxonomies by providing a dynamic AI-powered semantic search to leverage all its digital content.

Under Deepak's guidance, witness firsthand how strategic integration and unification of its content supply chain can significantly enhance digital, DTC, and B2B initiatives. With over two decades of experience, Deepak stands as a beacon of knowledge in leveraging content technologies to fuel digital transformation and reinvigorate content management processes.

Deepak Madhavan: Director of Enterprise Architecture Mattel

Sal Hakimi

Co-Founder Tenovos

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

12:20pm
- 12:55pm

HOW GENERATIVE AI HELPED TRANSFORM GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOLS' CONTENT STRATEGY

Why This Session Will Be Valuable:

* Real-World Case Study – Goldfish had an abundance of content but lacked clarity on what was working and why. We’ll share how a hybrid human/AI solution provided a scalable, effective answer to their challenge.

* CMO Perspective – Shana will offer firsthand insights into the strategic hurdles of scaling a business and why they saw content optimization as key to building brand awareness and driving consideration.

* Actionable Takeaways (the how!) – Attendees will gain practical, hands-on lessons on using AI to solve content bottlenecks and enhance business performance.

Robin Riddle: Chief Strategy Officer DDM Content Solutions, part of Dotdash Meredith

Shana Krisan, CFE

Chief Marketing Officer Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC

Waterloo Salons 1-3 (HYBRID)

Conference Agenda