The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business’ Marketing and Sales Innovation Conference and Awards Luncheon returns to Knoxville April 9-10 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Downtown.
Conference Features
Hosted by Haslam’s Department of Marketing, the spring conference will feature dynamic daily keynote speakers, along with breakout sessions and workshops focused on innovations and connections within industry and academia. Day one will conclude with Networking Night at the Emporium Center, where conference attendees and marketing students can connect and engage in meaningful conversations around the future of marketing and sales. The second day will begin with breakfast and breakout sessions and will conclude with an intimate fireside chat and meet and greet with that day’s keynote speaker. The conference will close with an awards luncheon.
Rena Ishak, marketing’s special events and experiences manager, explained that the conference facilitates kinship between those interested in sales and marketing.
“Students, faculty and staff will enjoy multiple opportunities to forge new connections and meaningful engagement with industry pioneers, who are envisioning and shaping a bold, new future for marketing and sales,” Ishak said. “The conference is open to all, and registration is now available. We are especially excited about the inspiration and fresh perspectives our keynote speakers will bring to the conference.”
Keynote Speakers
Day one’s keynote speaker will be Jeff Sundheim, an AI business strategist with Google. With 16 years of experience at Google, Sundheim will provide valuable insights on how AI can empower marketers to tackle complex challenges through a tailored approach that specifically addresses their organization’s unique needs.
Day two will open with a keynote from Jamael Hester, vice president and GM of the Coca-Cola Company energy beverage category. In this role, Hester has the responsibility for The Coca-Cola Company’s worldwide Monster Energy portfolio, spanning across 160+ countries delivering $7.5 Billion in net sales in 2024.
Day two will close with a keynote from Jason Tartick, the CEO of Rewired Talent Management and host of “Trading Secrets,” a popular podcast. This spring, Tartick will release his highly anticipated second book, “Talk Money to Me: The 8 Essential Financial Questions to Discuss with Your Partner.”
Awards Luncheon
The conference will conclude with the Marketing and Sales Innovation Awards Luncheon, where judges will recognize winners in five categories that reflect UT’s Volunteer values, as well as the mission of the conference. According to Christine White, assistant professor of practice and marketing’s director of partnerships and growth initiatives, any company or organization can self-nominate or nominate others for consideration in five categories: Brand Journey Award, Sales Achievement Award, Digital Marketing Innovation Award, Better Marketing for a Better World Award, and the Industry and Academia Collaboration Award.
“Haslam’s Department of Marketing looks forward with excitement to hosting this awards luncheon, which recognizes exceptional accomplishments in these rapidly changing fields,” White said.
Registration for the Marketing and Sales Innovation Conference and Awards Luncheon is open now. To nominate an organization or company for one of the event’s five awards, use this form. The nomination deadline is March 21.
Visit the event webpage to learn more about the conference,. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Rena Ishak.
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CONTACT:
Scott McNutt, business writer/publicist, rmcnutt4@utk.edu
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