Start your day with a Morning Wellness Session focused on Rucking—a low-impact exercise inspired by military training that involves walking with a rucksack (aka weighted backpack). Join Jason McCarthy, Co-founder of GORUCK, as he leads a rucking session on the walking trail around the resort. Perfect for all fitness levels, this session will help you build strength and resilience while enjoying the great outdoors. Please meet at the Athletic Club onsite at The Arizona Grand. 

A look at what's ahead. 

In today's fast-paced digital world, traditional advertising is no longer enough to capture and retain consumer attention. Brands are increasingly turning to entertainment strategies to create deeper connections and foster loyalty. We will delve into the transformative power of storytelling and entertainment in brand marketing, sharing insights on how brands can actually become powerful entertainment franchises.

Rethink everything you think you know about TV spots. Need to tell a brand story? There’s a social for that. Want to display heart-stopping creativity? There’s a social for that. Promote a CTA? There’s a social for that. But let’s be honest: the industry still thinks of social as a small piece of the pie. We’ll get real on what’s real in social, the underpriced opportunities, and where marketers need to be putting their dollars now—and why.

Customers today expect more value for their money along with an exceptional experience, putting pressure on marketing budget decisions and having CMOs ask “How do I deliver maximum impact for my brand and my business?” Brands today need to reimagine their growth strategies and balance personalization with authentic consumer connections. Tune in to explore how marketers can enhance existing programs while developing new ways to engage with stakeholders to rewrite strategies that build a foundation for growth in the years to come.  

Two years after the launch of ChatGPT, investors keep pouring billions of dollars. Yet, a recent study shows that the term AI is turning off customers. But unlike NFTs and metaverses, AI is likely to stay.

In this debate-style discussion between Rei Inamoto, founding partner of I&CO, a creative marketing and innovation firm with offices in NY, Tokyo, and Singapore, and David Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Squarespace, will on purpose take contrarian views to discuss why and how we should “AI or not AI.”

Moderated by the Chief Experience Officer of ADWEEK Jenny Rooney, Rei and David will argue for and against AI. But here’s the catch: they won’t know which side they need to take until Jenny says so.

Join this exciting session to hear two of the most influential creative minds in the game today debate on the hottest topic.

Marketing is one of the most crucial aspects of a business, but that’s not always visible to or appreciated by CEOs. Hear this C-suite pairing discuss how they communicate, how they challenge each other, and ultimately how they collaborate to drive short- and long-term results for Nespresso.
 

Whether your brand is aiming to invest on rising Gen Alpha, betting on the tried-and-true influence of Millennials and Gen Z, or growing buying power of Boomers, it’s important to understand and know how to tap into the values, trends and tendencies of these consumers. This chat brings together a group of brand and industry leaders to explore how generational differences define brand strategy to best engage and relate to the intended audience.

Join former GE CMO and current Said Differently CEO Linda Boff as she shares her unique transition from the brand to the agency side. Boff will candidly discuss the loves and challenges she faced with agencies as a CMO, highlighting what’s broken in the industry through real-world examples and case studies. Gain insights into the complexities of both worlds from one of the industry's most respected leaders.

With cookies going away, the best type of data for marketers is first-party data. But harnessing it is tough. In this session, you’ll learn how to optimize your loyalty program to get the best customer insights, and how to use those insights to power your advertising and make it scale across online channels.

Join Alison Hiatt, Chief Marketing Officer of Vera Bradley, as she provides insights and learnings from the iconic brand’s remarkable 360-transformation. Alison has spearheaded Project Restoration, a comprehensive initiative focused on revitalizing and repositioning Vera Bradley for sustained, long-term success. Staying true to the brand’s core value proposition of delivering thoughtfully designed solutions for women that allows them to showcase their personal style, learn how the brand is continuing to resonate with new generations of fans by re-thinking their branding and marketing strategies to in-store experiences, digital channels, product materials, designs and more.

In today’s fast-paced market, a brand's ability to adapt and transform is crucial for long-term success. Join brand marketing leaders as they share the process of revitalizing a brand's identity, ensuring it resonates with modern consumers.

Take a break and enjoy some food!

The music business is always evolving. The perception of artist/brand partnerships has shifted from selling out to being en vogue. Some of the most successful stories in music over the past decade have been Beats by Dre and Rihanna and Fenty. Now, we see the artist landscape changing once again, as artists are creating their brands and owning them outright.  The future will feature more artists owning their IP, owning their masters, and owning brands. It’s no longer about endorsements; it's about deeper ownership and using music’s reach to launch a brand.  

In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, where consumers demand authenticity and innovation, how can brands strike the right chord with their audience? Join us for an electrifying masterclass as music industry leaders and artists delve into the art and science of integrating musical talent into brand strategies.

AI could be the first technology revolution that better serves incumbents and established players than it does the startups looking to disrupt them. But the AI advantage is not limited to tech’s Big Five who dominate its growth. Join Proto’s Saneel Radia for a look at how marketers at the world’s largest companies have unique influence over how AI is used for the good of people, not just profits.
 

Exploring the connection between craft and connection, this session will delve into how marketers strategically select partnerships with brands, platforms, creators and tech partners to produce memorable and impactful experiences that elevate and transform consumer experiences. We'll discuss the decision-making process behind these collaborations and how they drive innovation with outstanding results.

Featuring LinkedIn influencer Ross Pomerantz (@Corporate.Bro), Brendan Gahan, Founder of Creator Authority (the first LinkedIn influencer marketing agency), and Jasmine Enberg of eMarketer. This game show-inspired panel will see our expert panelists react to brands on LinkedIn and provide influencer strategies, insights, and actionable creative solutions in real time.

Kraft Heinz's Todd Kaplan digs into how legendary brands – and their CMOs – chart progression forward, leaning on brand truths and borrowing from nostalgia

More details to be announced!

Thank you for joining us! 

Actively Black is revolutionizing sportswear with their standout designs for Team Nigeria’s 2024 Olympic uniforms. This session will delve into the creative process, the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation, and the impact of these uniforms on both athletes and the broader sports community. Join us to explore how Actively Black is setting new standards in sports, fashion, and redefining the intersection of identity and performance.

Discover how Megan Graham, founder of RIES is pioneering circular design to create a conscious brand that scales and explore innovative approaches to making beauty and travel accessible for all. Learn practical strategies to align your brand with eco-friendly practices and inclusive experiences that resonate with today’s discerning consumers.

Join us for part two of our Music Masterclass series as we explore deal structures that align brand and talent for long-term success, discover the unique value of music artists, and learn how brands can leverage tech innovations in music to broaden their reach.

Step into the world of 818 Tequila, founded by Kendall Jenner, and Sprinter Vodka Soda, founded by Kylie Jenner, to discover how both approach Food & Beverage marketing as more than just selling a product, but creating a lifestyle brand that resonates with Millennials and Gen Z (21+). Hear from Kathleen Braine, Chief Marketing Officer of Calabasas Beverage Group (818 Tequila and Sprinter Vodka Soda), as she shares how visual identity and social media are woven into each brand’s DNA to drive cultural relevance and foster authentic connections. She’ll share the strategic approach that created an online and offline community around 818 Tequila -- blending aesthetics, storytelling, and digital engagement.

Join us for a networking happy hour with all of the brands who participated in Day 2 of Breakthrough Brands!

ADWEEK’s Future FWRD initiative transcends traditional notions of inclusivity in marketing and advertising. It goes beyond mere representation in brand campaigns, emphasizing a deliberate commitment to inclusion. This initiative begins with company leaders who empower future marketers to genuinely connect with diverse communities in the real world.

Join us for a RNB Happy Hour with Charles Beloved Kuykendoll to celebrate the future of marketing alongside Paige Shari, with music by DJ MICK!

We'll provide short transportation to Rustler's Rooste, set high atop the foothills of South Mountain for an evening under the stars filled with insanely good margaritas, fantastic food grilled on open flame and live music. 
 

*Transportation will pick up/drop off in front of the conference center (across from the Canyon Ballroom) 

Not ready to end the party? Join us for more good times at Vista Lounge.

Kick off your day with Stevie Finedor, Lead Talent Development and Founding Trainer of Barry's Scottsdale for a HIIT workout that will leave you energized and ready for Day 3 of Brandweek!

Refuel your workout with SoulFull Bowls by Paige Shari. 

A look at what's ahead. 

How celebrities, veterinarians, and business leaders came together through their shared love of dogs.

From viewability to attention to click-based attribution - none of these truly capture what matters most in connecting with a consumer. So how does a consumer view your brand or product relative to your competitors, and what truly contributes to their purchase decision?

This session will dive into the metrics and dynamics that determine where your brand sits in consumers’ minds and how real time insights can help shape messaging to score big results. Learn what strategies you can implement to transform brand evaluation and enhance your market positioning.

In this panel, a diverse group of experts will present intersectional and interdisciplinary perspectives on what different pockets of the LGBTQ+ community want and need from brands right now, from representation and equity to action and true allyship. The result will be a broad and nuanced spectrum of takeaways for marketers.

In the landscape of marketing and advertising, the synergy between agencies and brands plays a pivotal role in creating impactful campaigns and driving business success. In an unique and engaging twist, two leading agencies and their brand partners will join us for a "dating game" style session and conversation. This interactive format will provide a firsthand look at how these partnerships are formed, nurtured, and sustained.

AI is reshaping the entertainment and social media landscape, but what does this mean for creators and brands? This panel will examine the rise of prank shows and YouTube and other socials as media platforms, explore how AI can optimize digital content for engagement, and discuss how this convergence of Silicon Valley and Hollywood will affect brands. Join us to see an exclusive sneak peek of our groundbreaking new prank show, Punk You, premiering on YouTube on September 25th.

Susanne Pollatschek, Head of Partnership Strategy of the International Olympic Committee will discuss the changing landscape of traditional sports sponsorships and the appetite for more meaningful collaboration between sports entities, brands and athletes - to drive real impact. She will reveal the importance of purpose at the heart of these evolving partnerships and at every stage of the International Olympic Committee’s marketing strategy. In particular, she will discuss the art of aligning on commercial and purpose goals while also bringing unique brand perspectives and values to the table. Susanne will shed light on the activation of several partner initiatives with leading brands in the Paris Olympic Village with clear results, as well as on how the IOC continues to work with brands to drive impact outside of Games-time. 

In 2020, Jeremy S. Thompson was the social media director for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Now, four years later he operates as an advisor to brands, helping them prepare for the inevitability of their business getting pulled into the political conversation. In this exclusive presentation at Brandweek, Jeremy will unpack findings from Edelman’s 2024 Trust Barometer Special Report on Brands & Politics, outlining a new mindset and modus operandi for marketing leaders.

Authenticity – it’s a buzzword for a reason. In an age where social media dominates and consumers are increasingly savvy, getting authenticity right in influencer partnerships has never been more critical. This session will explore how top brands are collaborating with influencers who genuinely resonate with their target audiences, elevating the partnership beyond mere promotion into meaningful engagement and ensuring your campaigns are both impactful and trustworthy.

The PGA TOUR is known for its commitment to innovation in professional sports and high-quality fan experiences. The TOUR's VP Product Development, Eric Hanson, will discuss the holistic ecosystem of award-winning digital platforms that the TOUR has launched, including new experiences for mobile, web, and most recently for Apple’s Vision Pro platform. He will provide a walkthrough of their latest experience, and then engage in an intimate Q&A designed for brand leaders and marketers.

Teams comprised of people with diverse skills, perspectives and experiences can power the best outcomes for your brand and business. But it’s not always easy finding these people. Learn how to identify who you need and the new talent pipelines to tap into.

In a crowded wellness market, how do you stand out? Lo Bosworth, founder of Love Wellness, takes you behind the scenes of building a successful brand rooted in authenticity. Discover how she used personal storytelling to connect with her audience and shaped the go-to-market strategy for Love Wellness, a brand that redefines women’s wellness.

Take a break and enjoy some food!

Join us for an exclusive session with the incomparable Teyonah Parris, where beauty meets brilliance. As a powerhouse actress, producer, and now beauty entrepreneur, Teyonah is redefining what it means to be a multihyphenate creative. Discover the inspiration behind blūm, her revolutionary new haircare line that celebrates the beauty and power of natural hair. Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation that goes beyond the surface—into the heart of what drives her creativity and passion. 

After a years-long marketing hiatus, Chili's was ripe for a comeback. The brand's sleeping giant was immense consumer love just waiting to be harvested. Chili's set in motion a bold, ambitious and unignorable strategy to reignite its base and ensure top of mind awareness across demos. In this session, Chili's and its creative partner Mischief unpack the playbook which has been the fuel behind cultural moments like the smash hit reunion of Boyz II Men for "Baby Back Ribs” and "Chili's Wedding Catering" (from idea to execution in just three days).

Join MJ Day, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and Hillary Drezner, Chief Marketing Officer, and Kate Upton as they take you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic brands in media. This session will explore the evolution of SI Swimsuit from its roots as a celebrated annual edition to a platform that champions diversity, body positivity, and cultural change. MJ and Hillary will share insights into their creative process, the challenges and triumphs of staying relevant in a shifting media landscape, and their vision for the future of SI Swim. Expect candid conversations about leadership, innovation, and the power of representation in the fashion and media industries.

The last ten years has seen extraordinary advances in advertising effectiveness. But unlike past decades there is a distinct sense that most of the revolutionary thinking and application in marketing is now happening outside of the United States. But is that true? Using data from Effie, Mark Ritson explains what the main advances are and examines whether American marketers really are "behind" their international colleagues on the key developments in advertising effectiveness. Can you afford to miss this session?
 

Maintaining brand safety has become a critical concern for marketers and advertisers. This session will address the unique challenges brands face in ensuring their messaging and placement align with content consistent with their positioning and values.

Success doesn’t come from choosing between being a dreamer or a pragmatist—it comes from mastering both. Join industry leaders Lynzie Riebling and Shavone Charles for a dynamic fireside chat on how blending creativity with data, for a ‘whole-brained’ approach to everything they do, has fueled success for the brands they work with. They’ll share case studies and personal anecdotes that highlight the power of balancing design and analytics to inspire and influence at the highest levels. In a world focused on specialization, Lynzie and Shavone will challenge you to embrace both sides of the brain—creativity for the pragmatic and data for the creative—to elevate your brand and career.

In a world where the boundaries of innovation are constantly being redefined, marketers understand that limits only exist until the next idea big idea is discovered. Hear industry leaders as they explore the emerging trends, technology and creative tools that challenge conventional brand strategy, and gain insight into the limitless potential of human ingenuity and application. Whether you're a disruptor or a dreamer, this session will inspire you to break the mold and realize that the only limit is the one you set yourself.

Get ready to vibe with the one and only multihyphenate superstar Keke Palmer! Join us for a lively conversation as Keke tells us about her brand-new book, her must-watch film & TV moments, her digital network KeyTV and all of her other incredible projects. From fierce characters to fearless writing, she's paving her own way and reinventing the business of entertainment all while serving up inspiration, laughter, and a whole lot of realness. Come ready to be entertained, enlightened, and completely charmed by Keke's unstoppable energy and storytelling magic.

Thank you for joining us! 

Nomads Swimwear isn’t just about luxury—it’s a catalyst for cultural change, fairness, and diversity. Join Taylor Long to explore how embracing diverse perspectives sparks innovation, strengthens brand loyalty, and creates a more equitable marketplace. Taylor will share Nomads Swimwear’s journey, including their dedication to size inclusivity, equity, and impactful cross-collaborations. Discover how to champion inclusivity and boost your brand’s success in today’s vibrant business landscape.

From experimenting with candle-making in her kitchen to building a rapidly growing candle business in over 3500 doors, hear from Julie Maskulka, founder of Anecdote Candles, as she shares how she uncovers unique customer insights to grow the brand and to create new market opportunities. 

Dive into the transformative journey of Blue Bottle Coffee as they revolutionized their brand by introducing the NOLA Collection. This session will uncover the strategies that allowed Blue Bottle to reshape a category, creating a thriving sub-brand and scaling it into a multi-million dollar platform. Participants will also enjoy a special tasting of the NOLA Collection during the session, providing a firsthand experience of the flavors that played a pivotal role in this success story. Whether you're looking to innovate within your brand or create new growth opportunities, this session offers invaluable insights and a unique tasting experience.

Join us for a red-carpet gala dinner on night 3 of Brandweek as we celebrate and hear from ADWEEK’s 2024 Brand Genius honorees.

ADWEEK’s Brand Genius award recognizes 10 of the most dynamic and innovative brand thinkers working today. In a business environment as competitive as it is unpredictable, brands succeed only with the guidance of true achievers who are brave enough to take chances, willing to break with convention and able to read opportunities in the market. Our Brand Geniuses hail from a range of key roles—a founder or chief executive, a marketer or an agency creative. They’ve also been public figures who’ve transformed their social equity into viable business enterprises. Whatever their titles, they’ve all demonstrated ingenuity, foresight and real results: a significant, quantifiable impact on the bottom line or in the consumer culture overall.

Plus, what's an awards gala without an after-party? Join us to keep the celebration going during the Brand Genius After Party, featuring special musical guest(s).

Directly following the gala join us for the after party! Wear your best Desert Disco ensembles and dance the night away

Join John Peel as he hosts a bodyweight high-intensity interval training workout, utilizing a mat and bodyweight movements. Designed to provide an effective workout this session will focus on Total Body: Upper Body, and Lower Body. This one will be using your body weight for resistance and your grit and toughness to make it to the end!

A look at what's ahead. 

Join Martin Nance, Chief Marketing Officer of the Minnesota Vikings as he explore the enduring power of an athlete's mindset. As a former Pittsburgh Steeler and Super Bowl XLIII champion, Martin will discuss how the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that led him to success in professional football continue to drive his achievements today. Learn how to apply the mentality of a champion to overcome challenges, sustain peak performance, and excel in both your professional and personal life.
 

There’s no denying that music is an integral part of sports marketing. In fact, it permeates every aspect of sports from athlete training to hype songs and anthems pumping up fan frenzied stadiums. While there is math and science that prove music can drive athletes to perform better and music drives fan engagement at games, to date there has been no universal formula for brands that proves music drives ad performance, builds brands, drives audience engagement, and sells products. Songtradr and Zambezi delve into the strategies behind compelling sports campaigns that found success with music at their core. Emerging data can confirm what fans have long suspected – music is the key to scoring big.

Immersive 3D technology is opening up new potential for brands to step up creativity and interactivity with fans. Earlier this year, the PGA TOUR embraced Apple’s VisionOS platform to help golf enthusiasts go from watching tournaments on TV to being transported into the middle of the action, where they’re able to more closely follow their favorite players. How did they do it? Learn how in this session led by Eric Hanson, Vice President Product Development at the PGA TOUR, and Work & Co Design Partner Derek Fridman. Get inspired and derive tangible takeaways about harnessing the cutting-edge spatial computing capabilities of Apple's visionOS.

Discover how the synergy between wellbeing and travel can transform work culture and elevate performance in this insightful session with TJ Abrams, Vice President of Global Wellbeing Business at Hyatt. As the boundaries between personal wellness and professional success blur, organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of travel as a catalyst for employee wellbeing. TJ Abrams will share strategies and real-world examples of how integrating travel experiences into corporate culture can not only enhance individual wellbeing but also drive team performance, foster innovation, and strengthen company loyalty. Join us to explore actionable insights that can help your organization thrive in today’s evolving work landscape.

More details to be announced! 

Join these visionary leaders as they explore how they're redefining the future of sports and brand-building. This conversation will dive into the powerful intersections of consumer engagement, brand leadership, and the evolving roles of sports teams and global brands—fueled by a commitment to inclusion, innovation, and cultural relevance.

Thank you for joining us! 

As our impactful week comes to a close, we'll send you off to the Phoenix airport with a hearty lunch. Until next year Brandweekers!