Join Wisconsin’s marketing community for a unique collaborative event hosted by all three of the state’s AMA chapters—Madison, Milwaukee, and Northeast Wisconsin.

AI is transforming marketing by streamlining processes, analyzing data at scale, and personalizing customer experiences. While these advancements offer significant advantages, they also raise an important question: Is branding being sidelined in favor of short-term performance marketing?

According to Nielsen’s 2024 Annual Marketing Report, there is a growing disconnect between marketing tactics and KPIs. The report highlights that while long-term brand equity and full-funnel ROI are critical for sustainable growth, 70 percent of marketers still plan to prioritize performance marketing over brand-building initiatives. This shift risks undervaluing the role of brand identity in consumer trust, loyalty, and differentiation—elements that AI alone cannot manufacture.

This session will explore:

• How AI is reshaping branding and marketing strategies, for better or worse
• The risks of over-prioritizing performance marketing at the expense of long-term brand value
• Why brand consistency, trust, and authenticity are even more critical in an AI-driven world
• Practical strategies to align marketing tactics with KPIs that support both short-term success and long-term brand equity

Marketing leaders, business strategists, and brand builders will gain insights into how to leverage AI without losing the human creativity, storytelling, and emotional resonance that define strong brands.

Reserve your seat and join the conversation on how to balance AI’s efficiencies with branding that lasts.
Register below or sign up directly on TixTree.

About AMA Wisconsin Chapters

Wisconsin’s AMA chapters are united in supporting marketing professionals statewide with resources, connections, and opportunities to grow at every stage of their careers.

• AMA Milwaukee supports marketing professionals across the Milwaukee area by offering educational programs, networking events, and career development to help members grow and thrive in their field.
• AMA Northeast Wisconsin connects marketers in the region through valuable learning experiences, peer collaboration, and resources designed to advance members’ careers and skillsets.
• AMA Madison delivers engaging programming, professional insights, and a welcoming community that empowers members at every stage of their marketing journey.

About Our Speakers

Emilie DiFranco
VP Marketing, Marketri
Emilie DiFranco is an accomplished marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, automotive, travel, and commercial real estate. As Vice President of Marketing at Marketri, she specializes in brand strategy and digital advertising, helping businesses define marketing’s role within their operations and drive measurable success. Emilie’s background spans both agency and client sides, giving her a comprehensive view of marketing challenges and solutions. A graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a degree in Advertising Management, she brings a unique ability to bridge data-driven insights and creative strategies, reflecting her passion for the intersection of art and science in marketing.

Alex Martinez
CEO of MartiniWorks & Founder of MetaMartini
Alex Martinez, better known as AlexMartini, is a leading entrepreneur, content creator, and storyteller in the automotive world, with a global audience of over 1.3 million followers. As the founder of MartiniWorks, he has redefined the aftermarket automotive shopping experience with a focus on transparency, Midwest hospitality, and personalized service—driving an impressive 600% year-over-year sales growth. Through his popular YouTube series like “20 Minutes of Useless Car Information” and “Cars Explained,” Alex combines humor, expertise, and cultural insight to make car culture accessible and engaging. He also leads MetaMartini, a collaborative agency connecting major brands such as Continental Tire, Mazda Motorsports, and Michelin with the automotive community through authentic content and partnerships. Committed to authenticity and quality, Alex continues to shape the future of car culture while fostering a trusted and vibrant community.

Chad Dern
VP Marketing, Steinhafels
Chad Dern is Vice President of Marketing at Steinhafels, where he leads a 15-person team overseeing marketing and brand strategy for Steinhafels Furniture, a top 50 U.S. furniture and mattress retailer with 16 locations and over $200 million in revenue. With more than 20 years of experience, Chad’s expertise spans retail promotions, digital media, SEO, data analytics, media planning, and in-house creative leadership. Prior to Steinhafels, he served as Director of Brand and Advertising at Northwestern Mutual, managing national advertising campaigns, media strategy, sponsorships, and brand health initiatives. He also held brand management roles at Miller Brewing Company, guiding strategy for Miller Lite and the economy brand portfolio, and began his career at Leo Burnett in Chicago working on iconic brands like Kellogg’s, Nintendo, and Oldsmobile. Chad holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.