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Around The Campfire:
How Community Relations Fuels Success
What happens when you stop treating “community relations” like a checkbox—and start using it as your secret weapon? Join Shannon for a spirited session on how building real relationships with Memphis’s cultural champions can spark fires that warm hearts and light up balance sheets. Campfire Collective’s Founder and Head Trailblazer will share how she turned “community” from a buzzword into the backbone of success—plus practical takeaways you can put to work no matter your role or level.

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Winning Together:
How Agencies Can Align with Internal Marketing Teams
This session will explore the dynamics between agencies and internal marketing teams, focusing on building stronger, more collaborative relationships. Attendees will gain practical insights into common challenges, unspoken expectations, and proven strategies for fostering successful partnerships.

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Confessions of a Civic Storyteller: What Writing Everything from Personal Ads to Mayoral Addresses Taught Me About Voice, Vulnerability, and the Power of Getting It Right
Penelope Huston’s path to City Hall didn’t start in politics – it started with writing ads about love. Her background in journalism, marketing, brand partnerships, and economic development has shaped a career rooted in understanding what truly moves people – to buy, to show up, to give, and to believe. Now, as Chief Communications Officer for the City of Memphis, she brings that experience to a broader mission: helping more people feel seen, heard, and connected to the city we love.

Marketing & Strategy Keynote

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Behind the Brands:
MTV to Memphis
David French takes us "Behind the Brands." With a career leading some of the world’s most iconic brands like MTV and America's national parks, David will share the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped these cultural powerhouses. Through captivating stories, data-driven insights, and industry trends, David will offer a fresh perspective on what it takes to build and evolve iconic brands. He’ll also explore how these lessons apply to Memphis, sharing key brand and marketing insights into the city’s growth, opportunities, and path to greatness.

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1:10 - 1:40p

Shannon McCready

Sr. Design Manager | Adobe

Design Your Career

Creative careers are rarely linear. Like any bold design, your career is shaped by exploration, intention, and the courage to evolve. It's important to reflect on what drives you, recognize what holds you back, and chart a path that’s uniquely yours. Whether you're early in your journey or navigating a transition, you'll walk away inspired to shape a career that aligns with your values, strengths, and goals.

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1:45 - 2:15p

James (IMAKEMADBEATS) Dukes

Producer, Founder & CEO | UNAPOLOGETIC

Your Industry is Waiting on You to be You

What if the key to your success was simply being yourself—fully and unapologetically? In this talk, IMAKEMADBEATS breaks down how radical self-awareness and authenticity have been his greatest assets. From building a community of fearless creatives to feeding his family through his true identity, he’ll share how being the same person in every room has unlocked doors across industries. This isn’t about branding—it’s about being. Expect truth, reflection, and a powerful case for why the real you is the most valuable thing you’ve got.

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Break | 2:15 - 2:25p

2:25 - 2:55p

Dan Price + Chris Porter

Principals | Baby Grand

Karaoke Lounges & Golf Cart Rides

Find out what karaoke lounges and golf cart rides have in common as Dan & Chris run down the origins and progress of Baby Grand’s small business grant program— Baby Grants. Launched in 2024, the program offers $1,500 in grant funding and a full brand design package to Memphis entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business they’re passionate about.

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3:00 - 4:00p

Amanda Dent

Creative Director, Archer | Volunteer, WYXR

Keynote Presentation

Key Notes: Finding a Groove for Memphis Music

Depending on who you ask, Memphis is the most renowned or underrated music city in the world. Or both. This Memphis transplant shares her experience helping to brand, promote and market Memphis music nonprofits that support the city’s most precious commodity. The operative word is “helping.” She discusses how it takes a village and how that village of Memphis is fully capable and at the ready to do great work and shine a light on this city’s exceptional music community.