Networking with Notables

What comes to mind when you think of successful leadership traits? Skill? Strategic thinking? Vision? Decisiveness? Author and teacher Margaret Wheatley said, “In organizations, real power and energy is generated through relationships. The patterns of relationships and the capacities to form them are more important than tasks, functions, roles, and positions.” In modern business, leadership increasingly calls for strong connections, whether they be peer networks, partnerships, or strategic allies. In this panel discussion, rising stars and seasoned executives will share invaluable insights and strategies for cultivating connections, focusing on essential skills, communication styles, and networking approaches that fuel success. The conversation will be followed by an interactive workshop designed to help you conquer networking challenges and create a proactive networking plan. Whether networking comes naturally or feels intimidating, you’ll learn fresh approaches to building a personal brand, connecting with influential leaders, and navigating your career with confidence and authenticity. Leave with practical tools to advance your career, strengthen your leadership abilities, and create lasting, impactful relationships.

Moderator

Ryanne Laredo, SVP, Customer Experience, Nielsen

Panelists

Emily Spaeter, Integrated Brand Manager, Whirlpool Brand 

Kaitlyn Thompson, VP, Brand Strategy, Consumer & Lifestyle, MERGE

Curating Connections Workshop led by Matty May, Vice President, Paramount Adverting

Executive Notables

Aimee Baller, Head of Brand Partnerships, Central & West, Overwolf

Deanna Barnes, Sr. Director, Inclusive Partnerships, DoubleVerify

Christina Bender, Sr. Director of Partnerships, Monks

Megan Birschbach, RVP Sales, Midwest, MiQ

Bridgette Blake, VP Managing Director, Agency Partnerships, TransUnion

Johanna Bauman, Chief Marketing Officer, PubMatic

Elizabeth Campbell, VP, US Marketing, McDonald’s

Lois Castillo, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Basis Technologies

Rachel Conforti, Marketing Executive

Megan Hogan, Sr. Manager, Media & Entertainment Strategy, TransUnion

Ryanne Laredo, SVP, Customer Experience, Nielsen

Randi Leonard, Director, Advanced Advertising Sales, Paramount 

Kristina Lutz, EVP, Marketing, GSTV

Katie McAdams, Chief Marketing Officer, Basis Technologies

Allison McEntee, Founder & CEO, Kenilworth Cookbook Club

Elisabeth Payne, Senior Dales Director, Kargo

Jenny Penich, President of North America, Influencer

Dana Rizzuti, Vice President, Agency Partnerships, NBCUniversal

Andrea Schwenk, Chief Marketing Officer, Egglife Foods

More Panelists & Executive Notables to be announced.

Agenda
5:30PM – Event Registration/Networking

6:00PM – Panel Discussion

6:50PM – Curating Connections Workshop

7:15PM – Networking with Executive Notables

8:00PM – Event Concludes