Regional Summits Past Events

Marketing Innovation Summit

Nov 18 • Hosted by Suntory Global Spirits • Chicago

The Marketing Innovation Summit will bring together today’s leading marketers to explore the ideas and innovations shaping the future of brand engagement. This year’s conversations will dive into the power of partnership and collaboration, the art of breaking through in an oversaturated market, and how predictive marketing is helping brands stay one step ahead of consumer needs and how memory-making marketing continues to build emotional connections that stand the test of time.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

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

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

Marc Sternberg, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Brand Innovators

Emcee: Ekow Mensah, Senior Director of Small Batch Brands, Suntory Global Spirits
9:15 AM Signal Over Noise: Finding Clarity in the Chaos of Modern Marketing

Ashley Brantman, SVP Head of Growth US, Co-Head Jack 39, Jack Morton

Matthew Escalante, VP Brach and Seasonal, Ferrara

Alex Schultz, Sr. Director, Makers Mark, Suntory Global Spirits

Moderated by: Cari Matykiewicz, VP, Client Partnerships, GSTV
9:45 AM The Right Message, Right Moment, Right Customer

Andy Rubin, Vice President, Agency and Client Partnerships, AMC Networks

Dustin Kuk, SVP, Strategic Verticals, InMarket

Moderated by: Daniela Pittiglio, Omni-Channel Marketing Manager, McDonalds
10:30 AM Marketing in Advance: Staying One Step Ahead of the Consumer

Meredith Diehn, Vice President of Marketing, Goodwipes

Tom Trenta, Head of Foresights, Wells Enterprises

Moderated by: Allie Gibson, Director, Brand Partnerships, Atmosphere TV
11:00 AM Moments That Matter: Creating Campaigns People Never Forget

Ariti Bhansali, Executive Vice President, Starcom

Brittney Duncan, Senior Director, Consumer Connections, Suntory Global Spirits

Daniela Pittiglio, Omni-Channel Marketing Manager, McDonalds

Moderated by: Zach Connett, VP, Sales & Brand Partnerships, East, Genius
11:45 AM Networking Break
12:00 PM Keynote - Challenger – Maintaining Your Edge

John Alvarado, US Chief Brand Officer, Suntory Global Spirits
12:15 PM Crafted with Spirit: Building Brands with Purpose and Precision

John Alvarado, US Chief Brand Officer, Suntory Global Spirits

Joy Birchette, Director, Consumer Connections, American Whiskey, Suntory Global Spirits

Nathalie Philips, Sr. Director, Prestige Brands, Suntory Global Spirits

Moderated by: Tammy Evrard, VP Sales & Brand Partnerships, Atmosphere TV
12:45 PM Partnerships with Purpose: Driving Relevance Through Collaboration

Tania Halander, Chief Marketing Officer, Chicago Sky WNBA

Amanda Holtz, Director of Customer Marketing & Loyalty, California Pizza Kitchen

John Walsh, CRO, Farmers Fridge

Derek Russell, Global Partnerships Manager, United Airlines

Moderated by: Mandie Kijinksi,Senior Director Regional Sales- Midwest, Experian
1:15 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Pouring Passion: The Experience Behind the Bottle

Kathleen DiBenedetto: Director of MBC Monogatari Marketing Excellence, Suntory Global Spirits

Amy Probasco: Mixologist, Strategic Accounts & Mart Bar, Suntory Global Spirits

Moderated by: Tristan Besse, Head of Brand Management, Argonaut
2:30 PM Fireside Chat: Creative Courage: Pushing Boundaries Without Losing Focus

Lisa Hicks, Associate Director of Social Media and Influencer Marketing, Whirlpool

Magdalena Pawelec, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Whirlpool

Moderated by: Hannah Wisdom, Talent Partnerships, RhythmInfluence
3:00 PM How Brands Create Moments People Never Forget

Rachna Patel, Vice President of Marketing, Hometown Food Company

Moderated by: Brian Bell, GM, North America, LoopMe
3:30 PM Relevance in Real Time: How Smart Brands Stay Top of Mind

Sarah Coury, Brand Director, On the Rocks, Suntory Global Spirits

Rico Farmer, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Zillow

Moderated by: Daniel Omastiak, Senior Account Executive, Vevo
4:15 PM Clicks to Connection: Making Digital Engagement Meaningful

Rob Austin-Williams, Head of Marketing, Enova

Meghan Kohen, Director of Brand Communications, Feastables

Jaime Oesch, Sr Director of Digital Consumer Experience, Kellanova

Moderated by: Jeff Hilder, Senior Client Partner, Quantcast
4:45 PM Fueling Brand Health: Breaking through the Noise

Julia Reardon, Vice President of Marketing, Culligan

Moderated by: Andrew Miller, Chief Growth Officer, BeenThereDoneThat (BTDT)
5:15 PM Wrap & Happy Hour