Annual Marketing Forward Conference

Mark Your Calendar!

Tuesday, April 27, 2027 is our next conference!

More Details are coming soon

In an industry defined by constant evolution, marketers need fresh ideas, actionable insights, and meaningful connections to stay ahead. Join the Southwest Michigan American Marketing Association on Tuesday, April 27, 2027 in Kalamazoo for our premier annual conference, an exclusive gathering designed to elevate your thinking and strengthen your strategy.

This year’s event will bring together marketing leaders, innovators, and local professionals for a day of learning, inspiration, and collaboration. Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, you’ll explore the trends and tools shaping the future of marketing.

Whether you’re focused on brand growth, digital strategy, analytics, creative storytelling, or emerging technologies, you’ll leave equipped with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

Don’t miss Southwest Michigan’s must-attend marketing event of 2027, where ideas spark, connections grow, and the next era of marketing comes into focus.

Refunds are available within seven days of purchase. Approved refunds will be issued minus any Eventbrite or payment processing fees incurred at the time of registration

Conference Details

WHERE

Fetzer Center

Western Michigan University

2251 Business Ct

Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200

WHEN

Tuesday, April 27, 2027

12 PM – 5:00 PM

2026 National Presenters

Adam J. Wilson

Averages Are Killing Brand Differentiation

Marketing today feels more complicated than ever. With more screens, more data, new technology and constant competition for attention, many marketers feel overwhelmed. In a marketing landscape defined by more data, more channels and more competition for attention, it has never been harder to stand out. In this thought-provoking session, Adam challenges the industry’s reliance on averages and surface-level data, revealing how it can limit creativity and dilute brand impact. Attendees will gain practical strategies to move beyond “data rich but insight poor” thinking, uncover deeper audience understanding and build more distinctive, memorable brands that truly connect.

Adam brings a unique blend of creativity, technology and strategy shaped by work with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. From his early days at J. Walter Thompson and BBDO to leading integrated campaigns for Disney, Bud Light and Kraft, his career has been defined by innovation — including pioneering projects like Jeep’s collaboration with Marvel and launching the iconic Weinermobile on Twitter. His perspective challenges conventional thinking and will leave marketers inspired to rethink how they approach differentiation.

Leslie Youngblood

From Chaos to Clarity: Building a 90-Day Marketing Strategy That Actually Gets Done

If your marketing feels scattered or stuck, this hands-on workshop will help you reset and refocus. In this fast-paced, interactive session, Leslie Youngblood shares a practical framework to simplify your content, align your efforts with business goals and build a 90-day marketing plan you can actually execute. Attendees will walk away with real-world examples, immediate clarity and a plug-and-play workbook designed to turn ideas into action.

Leslie Youngblood is a growth-focused marketing leader, brand strategist and tech founder with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations transform fragmented marketing into scalable, results-driven systems. As founder of Youngblood MMC and co-founder of TableTag, she brings deep expertise across hospitality, B2B and SaaS, along with firsthand experience leading brand and marketing strategy for multi-location businesses and national organizations. Her practical, no-nonsense approach empowers teams to stop spinning their wheels and start building momentum.

Tinashe Chaponda

Keynote Speaker

Hypercharge Your Local Influencer Marketing + Paid Media Strategy

Influencer marketing is no longer reserved for global brands — it is one of the most effective ways for local and regional businesses to build trust, reach new audiences and drive real results. In this session, Tinashe Chaponda breaks down how influencer and NIL marketing works at the local level, from smart budget allocation to measurable impact. Through real-world case studies, attendees will learn how to partner with local creators and student-athletes, build content that resonates and move beyond simply boosting posts to strategically amplifying campaigns that convert.

Tinashe Chaponda is the CEO and founder of Sosani Studios, an influencer marketing agency at the forefront of creator strategy, culture and NIL partnerships. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, he has led campaigns for global brands including Amazon, P&G and Warner Bros., working with top creators like Khaby Lame and Dwayne Johnson. Originally from Kalamazoo and a Western Michigan University graduate, Tinashe brings a unique perspective that bridges global expertise with local application, helping brands of all sizes activate influencer strategies that feel authentic, relevant and results-driven.