Regional Summits Past Events

Culture & Entertainment Summit

Dec 15 • Hosted by State Farm & Atlanta Hawks • Atlanta

Join State Farm and the Atlanta Hawks for a day of bold conversations at the intersection of brand, creativity, and culture. From sports and entertainment to lifestyle, and multicultural storytelling, this summit spotlights how today’s most forward-thinking marketers are showing up with purpose, authenticity, and impact. Together, we’ll explore the strategies shaping a new era of cultural relevance—spanning co-creation, content, community, and credibility. Expect sharp insights, powerful connections, and a front-row seat to the future of culture and commerce.

Monday, December 15th, 2025

8:00 AM Breakfast and Registration
9:00 AM Opening Remarks

Brandon Gutman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Brand Innovators

Marc Sternberg, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Brand Innovators
9:15 AM The Power of Partnership

Megan Baumann, Head of Integrated Media, State Farm

Tim Whang, VP Activation, Global Partnerships, Atlanta Hawks

Moderated by: Lindsey Spivey, Senior Director, Business Development, The Trade Desk
9:45 AM Fireside Chat

Emmakate Young, Head of Global Partnership Marketing, Delta Air Lines

Moderated by: Lisa Rosenberg, Global President, Consumer Brands, Allison Worldwide
10:15 AM When Collaboration Becomes Culture

Bradley Freedman, Social Media Manager, North American Football, EA Sports

Jarvis George, Digital Creator

Kaylee Sticker, Digital Creator

Chris Thorkilsen, Manager, Entertainment Industry Relations, Atlanta Hawks

Moderated by: Corey Martin, Managing Director, Media + Influence, Allison Worldwide
11:00 AM Networking Break
11:15 AM Inside-Out Branding: Aligning Culture, Communications, and Customer Experience

Keith Hester, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, Chick-fil-A

Janelle Panebianco, VP of External and Integrated Communications, Papa Johns

Kristen Picard, Head of Partnerships and Customer Experience, Honeywell

Moderated by: Rebecca Cardona, Account DIrector, Southeast, Experian
11:45 AM Fireside Chat

Kellie Streat, Advertising & Partnerships Director, UPS

Moderated by: Lisa Mallen, Senior Vice President of Sales, AMC Networks
12:15 PM Lunch
1:15 PM Home Field Advantage: Building Brands and Communities in Atlanta Sports

Narcis Alikhani, SVP Marketing, Atlanta Hawks

Shannon Joyner, VP Marketing, Atlanta Falcons

Michael Ridley, VP, Integrated Marketing + Fan Engagement, Atlanta United

Hannah Spencer, VP of Marketing, Atlanta Dream

Adam Zimmerman, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Content, Atlanta Braves

Moderated by: Jack Randall, EVP Brand Partnerships and Experiential, Vector Media
2:00 PM From Hype to Habit: Sustaining Engagement in a Noisy World

Dan Dipiazzo, CMO, Georgia Aquarium

Jeff Haynes, Commercial Segmentation Strategy, Cox Communications

Cynthia Lee, Sr. Director, Media, Holland America Line & Seabourn

Jesslyn Rollins, CEO, Biolyte

Moderated by: Charlie Kohler, Brand Partnerships Director, Atmosphere TV
2:30 PM Networking Break
2:45 PM Building Partnerships That Make Brands a Part of the Story

Shermika Dunner, Innovation Leader, Brand and Insights, Kimberly-Clark

Brian Mann, Vice President, Advertising Sales, The Walt Disney Company

Rob Rodriguez, Manager, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, State Farm

Casey Terrell, CMO, Blaze Pizza

Moderated by: Chad Marra, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Doing Things
3:30 PM Influence That Lasts: Authenticity, Agility, and Impact in Creator Marketing

Carson Mason, Manager of Advertising Copy & Content, Papa Johns

Moderated by: Taylor Nisi, Client Partner, Advertiser Solutions, Snap
4:00 PM Panel

Jon Birdsong, CEO, SoDo Atlanta

Brian McGowan, President, Centennial Yards Company

Moderated by: Jon Adler, Vice President of Revenue, Strategy & Operations, Atlanta Hawks
4:30 PM Keynote

Andrew Saltzman, President, Business Enterprise & Chief Commercial Officer, Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena
4:40 PM Fireside Chat

Andrew Saltzman, President, Business Enterprise & Chief Commercial Officer, Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena

Moderated by: Chad Hametz, Senior Director, Kargo