From Functional to Fabulous: Marketing Everyday Products
2025-02-04 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, 53703, United States
AMA Madison’s Bright Beginnings Series presents…
“From Functional to Fabulous: Marketing Everyday Products” is your backstage pass to the magic of Madison’s top marketers with a panel that will include Lindsey Ojeda, Jessica Wagner, and more! These local pros have turned everything from sheet metal to energy efficiency into objects of obsession. Join us to find out how they sprinkle their marketing fairy dust on the mundane and the marvelously specific—and walk away with tips that’ll make your next campaign anything but basic.

Attendee takeaways:

How to uncover the secret sauce for making everything from food chemicals to healthcare machines irresistibly cool
Learn how to find your audience—even when your product is so niche it practically needs its own subreddit
Steal genius-level ideas from successful campaigns that took products from “meh” to “must-have”

Event Details
Schedule:

8:00 am – Doors Open
8:30 am – Program Begins

Location: MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703
Cost:

$10 for AMA Members
$25 for non-members
$5 for Students

Sponsored by Spoken Frame Media
AMA Members: Check your emails for your member code. If you have any questions, please contact madison@amamadison.org.

Bonus: Includes continental breakfast, coffee and juice
Conveniently located at the E Washington at S Ingersoll stop on the A/B line. Plan your route at Madison Metro Transit.
See our cancellation policy for details.

Having trouble viewing the ticket module, register here.

About our Speakers

Lindsay Ojeda
Lindsay Ojeda is a dynamic marketing and business development professional with a proven track record of identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that drive revenue growth through innovative strategies and data-driven decisions. Currently serving as Director of Marketing and New Business Leads at Maysteel, Lindsay excels in aligning marketing efforts with overarching business objectives and a customer-centric approach to deliver measurable results.
With a strong background in lead generation, new business development, sales enablement, branding, and relationship management, Lindsay is dedicated to helping organizations thrive in competitive markets. Her expertise spans key areas such as B2B marketing, digital transformation, sales enablement strategy, and market positioning, making her a trusted advisor and thought leader.

Jessica Wagner, MBA, PCM
Jessica Wagner is the Associate Director of Marketing at Michaels Energy, where she leads the development and execution of strategic marketing and communications programs that advance the organization’s mission of a clean energy future. With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in designing, optimizing, and measuring multichannel campaigns that engage diverse audiences nationwide. A certified marketing professional, Jessica excels in marketing communications, events, social networking, and digital analytics. She has a proven track record of building business partnerships, streamlining processes, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency. A natural leader, Jessica is skilled at building high-performing teams and aligning stakeholders to achieve complex business goals through impactful marketing initiatives.

Mike Schuster, FiddleSmart Marketing
Mike Schuster is a marketing strategist with over 30 years of experience helping businesses uncover patterns that lead to success. He developed his strategy-first, customer-focused, data-driven approach while working in niche markets. And spent much of his career creating and selling products, plus leading turnaround strategies, for family-owned businesses like The Franklin Mint and Nancy’s Notions. Mike is known for simplifying complex ideas. And bringing clarity to the chaos. Today, he works primarily with entrepreneurs —especially those who left corporate jobs. Helps them take the guesswork out of how to market their business. And build a tailored marketing program and system that drives lasting success.

Sponsored By

Managing From the Middle: A Marketing Manager’s Guide to Success
2025-03-04 15:00 - 17:00 | MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, 53703, United States
As a marketing manager, you’re caught between executive demands and team realities – it’s like being the filling in a particularly challenging sandwich. Drawing from the new AMA skills research, this interactive session provides practical frameworks and real-world strategies for effectively managing both up and down.
You’ll walk away with actionable templates for communicating with leadership, tools for developing your team, and techniques for maintaining your effectiveness (and sanity) in the middle. Come ready to participate, share experiences, and build your marketing management toolbox.
What You’ll Learn:

Master the “Executive Elevator Pitch Framework” to transform tactical updates into strategic insights that resonate with leadership
Get hands-on practice with the “Growth Conversation Framework” for navigating difficult development discussions with your team
Leave with ready-to-use templates for weekly communication cadence, team skills assessment, and action planning that you can implement immediately

Schedule:

3:00 pm – Doors Open
3:15 pm – Program Begins
4:15 pm – Networking

Conveniently located at the E Washington at S Ingersoll stop on the A/B line. Plan your route at Madison Metro Transit.

Ticket
Register now below or sign up directly on TixTree.

About the Speaker

Edessa Polzin, PCM®️
Director of Strategic Partnership, American Marketing Association
With nearly a decade of sales and marketing experience, Edessa specializes in B2B client acquisition and developing sustainable growth strategies. A Professional Certified Marketer® in Marketing Management, Edessa champions partner-led growth to help organizations future-proof their competitive advantage.
As the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the American Marketing Association, Edessa leads the development and delivery of impactful professional development content through strategic collaborations. By cultivating relationships with thought leaders, industry experts, and technology innovators, she ensures AMA’s audience gains access to practical learning experiences that fuel professional growth.
Passionate about fostering meaningful connections, Edessa is dedicated to empowering marketing practitioners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Thanks to our sponsor

Madison B2B Lead-Generation Workshop
2025-03-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI, 53562, United States
More leads. Better leads. A strategy that works.
B2B marketers are measured by results—usually the leads they generate. If you’re ready to increase lead volume and quality in 2025, the Madison B2B Lead-Generation Workshop is your opportunity to build a bulletproof strategy in just four hours.
Hosted by Brilliant Metrics, this hands-on workshop will walk you through a proven framework for developing a results-driven lead-generation plan. You’ll leave with a clear, customized strategy to generate more leads and revenue while optimizing for long-term success.
Why Attend?

Learn from Steve Robinson, Founder & CEO of Brilliant Metrics and marketing instructor at UW-Milwaukee
Define your ideal audience, content strategy, and conversion path
Gain practical insights on sales and marketing alignment
Identify the highest-impact channels to reach your best leads
Track and optimize results with clear measurement tactics
Connect with fellow marketers at a post-workshop happy hour at Capital Brewery

Exclusive Discount for AMA Madison Members
AMA Madison members get 50% off—pay just $74.50 instead of $149 with code AMAMAD at checkout.
Workshop Agenda

Lead-Generation vs. Demand-Generation – Choosing the right approach
Defining Goals – Setting objectives that drive real results
Market Segmentation – Targeting the right audience for maximum ROI
Persona Development – Aligning content and messaging with decision-makers
The Buyer’s Journey – Delivering the right message at the right time
Content Strategy – Identifying and filling content gaps
Channel Selection – Reaching leads efficiently and effectively
Sales & Marketing Alignment – Creating a seamless workflow
Measurement & Metrics – Tracking performance and optimizing for success

Event Details
Date: March 12, 2025Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Workshop) | Happy Hour & Networking to followLocation: Capital Brewery, Madison, WI
Register Now
Space is limited. Secure your spot today and take your lead-generation strategy to the next level.

About Your Presenter

Steve Robinson is the Founder and CEO of Brilliant Metrics. In addition to leading the team at Brilliant Metrics, he is an instructor on various aspects of digital marketing with the UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education.

The Power of Difference: Creating Inclusive Marketing
2025-04-01 08:00 - 10:00 | MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, 53703, United States
Inclusive marketing goes beyond imagery. It’s about building equitable, resonant campaigns that reflect real people, in their voices.
Join a dynamic panel featuring Lorissa Banuelos, Aria Childers, Ryan Haack, and Bianca Martin as they dive into actionable strategies for meaningful inclusion in marketing and team-building.
What You’ll Learn:

Going beyond visuals – Integrate diverse voices in messaging and strategy.
Building inclusive teams = Authentic marketing – Representation starts behind the scenes.
How to challenge bias – Audit campaigns for stereotypes and exclusionary language.
Learning to prioritize accessibility – Design for all abilities with captions, alt text & more.
Engaging authentically – Build trust with diverse communities.
Measuring impact – Track inclusivity with real data, not just good intentions.

Start your morning with bold ideas and fresh coffee at AMA Madison’s Bright Beginnings. Register today!

Schedule:

8:00 am – Doors Open & Networking
8:30 am – Program Begins
9:30 am – Conclusion and Continued Networking

Conveniently located at the E Washington at S Ingersoll stop on the A/B line. Plan your route at Madison Metro Transit.

About the Speakers

Lorissa Banuelos
Community Engagement Specialist, City of Madison’s Common Council
Lorissa R. Bañuelos is the Community Engagement Strategist for the City of Madison’s Common Council, where she drives communication and engagement efforts with an equity-focused approach. With a background in marketing, diversity, and economic development, she has held leadership roles at Urban Triage, Employment Resource Group Inc., and New North, Inc. Bañuelos is deeply involved in community leadership, serving on several advisory boards, including the UW-Green Bay Alumni Advisory Board and WWBIC. A proud Madison native and UW-Green Bay graduate, she brings passion, strategy, and a touch of wit to her work. When she’s not fostering civic engagement, you’ll find her walking her dogs, discovering new restaurants, or making questionable financial decisions at Costco.

Aria Childers
Assistant Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, American Marketing Association
Aria Childers is the Assistant Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) at the American Marketing Association, where she helps build bridges and empower the next generation of business leaders. Passionate about creating inclusive spaces, she works with incredible teams—both inside and outside the AMA—to celebrate members and amplify the diverse voices within the marketing community. With a keen eye for equity and a talent for collaboration, she ensures everyone feels invited to bring their full, authentic selves to the table. Aria thrives in the grey areas, where meaningful conversations spark real change. When she’s not championing DEIA efforts, you might find her pondering life’s nuances—or simply appreciating a well-crafted marketing campaign.

Ryan Haack
President and Founder, LivingOneHanded.com & Author, “Different is Awesome”
Ryan Haack is a speaker, author, and advocate dedicated to helping people embrace their uniqueness and recognize their inherent value. Born without his left forearm, he launched Living One-Handed to share his experiences and connect with others in the limb-different community. His children’s book, Different Is Awesome!, encourages kids and adults alike to celebrate differences. A dynamic storyteller, Ryan uses humor and authenticity to inspire audiences of all backgrounds. When he’s not speaking or writing, he works as a Medicaid Program Specialist at Dean Health Plan, continuing his mission of supporting and uplifting others.

Bianca Martin
Host, City Cast Madison
Bianca is the host of the local, award-winning weekday podcast “City Cast Madison”, which connects Madisonians to their city and each other. She’s also a long time radio and podcast producer, having full-time produced at a number of NPR and public radio programs including “Our Body Politic”, “1A”, WBEZ’s “Reset”, plus, National Geographic’s nonfiction narrative podcast “Into The Depths”. She fancies soul food, singing, creative expression, and grappling with society’s woes and delights.

Thanks to our sponsor Spoken Frame Media.

Marketing Insights from UW Carbone Cancer Center
2025-05-06 16:00 - 18:00 | MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, 53703, United States
Marketing a cause is just as strategic as marketing a product—except now, you’re selling impact, emotion, and sometimes, hope itself. How do you craft messaging that moves people to action, navigate sensitive topics with care, and adapt to shifting political and funding landscapes?
Join Craig Robida, External Relations Manager for the UW Carbone Cancer Center, as he breaks down the nuances of nonprofit and cause-driven marketing. Expect real-world insights, candid stories, and practical tips you can use to make your next campaign a powerhouse of purpose.
What You’ll Learn:

Audience-Driven Messaging – How to tailor your messaging for different stakeholders and define what success looks like.
Sales Strategies for Nonprofits – Translating traditional sales tactics into engagement-boosting fundraising strategies.
Navigating Sensitive Topics – Three essential strategies for handling tough conversations with authenticity and credibility.
Adapting to the Political Climate – How changes in leadership impact nonprofit communications, diversity messaging, and funding.
Best Practices for Cause & Fundraising Campaigns – A high-impact guide to crafting compelling appeals and building long-term donor relationships.

Enhance your marketing expertise as the workday winds down with AMA Madison After Hours! Register today!
Schedule:

4:00 pm – Doors Open & Networking
4:30 pm – Program Begins
5:30 pm – Conclusion and Continued Networking

Register:
Register below or register directly on TixTree!

Conveniently located at the E Washington at S Ingersoll stop on the A/B line. Plan your route at Madison Metro Transit.

About Our Speaker

Craig Robida
External Relations Manager, UW Carbone Cancer Center
Craig Robida has served as External Relations Manager for the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center for 25 years. He works closely with a marketing team to align branding, development and organizational needs. Much of his position is focused on marketing toward fundraising, educational and reputational awareness. Each professional day is different, and he wouldn’t have it any other way! Previously, he was the Marketing Director for the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Public Relations Director for Agrace HospiceCare Inc. He resides in Madison with his wife, Teri, a book editor for American Girl, and their daughter, Celia. When not working, Craig enjoys live performances of any kind, reading a good psychological thriller, and adventures with the ladies in his life.

Thanks to our sponsor Spoken Frame Media.

Branding in the Age of AI: Balancing Innovation with Identity
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
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.

Hello Summer: Schmooze & Social
2025-06-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI, 53562, United States
Sun’s out, marketers out!
Join AMA Madison for an easygoing evening of fresh air, cold drinks, and warmer connections at our Hello Summer: Schmooze & Social. We’re heading to Capital Brewery’s Bier Garten to kick off the summer season the Madison way—low pressure, good vibes, and surrounded by your favorite people.
Come hang with fellow marketers, meet your 2025–26 AMA Madison Board of Directors, and toast to a summer of possibilities. Whether you’re a long-time member or just AMA-curious, you’re welcome here!

Beverages available for purchase
Good convos and new connections? On the house
Cost to attend? Free!

RSVP so we know to expect you. Grab your shades and we’ll see you there!

Sip & Shine Summer Social
2025-08-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Quivey’s Grove, 6261 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg, WI, 53719, United States
As summer winds down, we’re hosting a relaxed outdoor gathering to celebrate the community we’ve built together.
Sip & Shine Summer Social
🗓️ Tuesday, August 26
⏰ 5–7 pm
📍 Quivey’s Grove
Come as you are—no speeches, no stress. Just a chance to unwind, share ideas, and connect with your local AMA Madison chapter.
It’s free to attend, just let us know you’re coming!

The 5 Things Brands Get Wrong on Their Website
2025-09-19 07:30 - 09:00 | MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, 53703, United States
Your website might be quietly sabotaging your brand without you realizing it.
Join John Huston (Creative Director, Huston Design) and Steve Mintz (Business Development & Marketing, Huston Design) as they uncover the five biggest mistakes brands make online. From typography disasters and self-centered storytelling to mismatched imagery and weak calls to action, they’ll show how small slip-ups can cost you conversions, credibility, and customers.
Event Details

Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 7:30AM-9AM
Place: MYArts, Room 1D

You’ll leave with practical steps to transform your website from digital deadweight into a brand-building powerhouse. Coffee is on us, insights are on them!
REGISTER TODAY→

Pricing

Member: $10 + tax
Non-Member: $20 + tax (save $5 before September 7th!)
Student: FREE (for active students; register with your student email)

REGISTER TODAY→

About our Speakers

John Huston
Creative Director, Huston Design
In more than 20 years leading Huston Design, John has never grown tired of the amazing range of challenges that come across his desk and serving up creative solutions. Some are design challenges. Others are just good old problem solving, like how to make a library of thumbnails for more than 600 pieces of art efficiently (P.S. It took 4 minutes.) John’s known for being “disarmingly chill”, applying design thinking and a cool head to even the toughest task. He’s come a long way since his teenage days in Spencer, Iowa, slinging newspapers and Happy Joe’s Pizza, and building Formula 1 crash barriers one college summer while home from Iowa State University. This year, in addition to designing logos, websites and annual reports, John’s looking forward to cooking, woodworking and biking in the Colorado Mountains.

Steve Mintz
Business Development | Marketing | Writer
Steve is a marketing nerd driven to help brands get the most out of their marketing investment. He is a strong believer that marketing strategy should be tied to business goals. Steve is also a marketing Rosetta Stone, able to translate and communicate seamlessly between designers, developers, database administrators, executives and sales and marketing leaders. While he has done just about everything there is to do in marketing, website and graphic design is not his thing, which is why he works with the great team at Huston Design. When he’s not thinking about marketing, Steve loves cooking, curling (the sport, not his hair), soccer, traveling, the Wisconsin Badgers, and the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Thank you to our sponsor(s)

From Insights to Impact: How Research Fuels Stories That Build Brands
2025-10-07 16:00 - 17:30 | Goodman Community Center – Iron Works, 149 Waubesa Street, Madison, WI, 53704
Great brands start with insight—and come alive through story.

Join Jeff McCarthy (CMO of the Year, Bank Five Nine), Kelli Betsinger (Decision Point), and Dave & Michael Neelsen (StoryFirst Media Group) as they show how research fuels storytelling to drive strategy, inspire action, and build lasting connections.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Place: Goodman Community Center; Evjue Room, Ironworks Building; 149 Waubesa St. Madison, Wisconsin 53704
The most powerful stories start with insight—and the proof is in practice. Together, Jeff, Kelli, Dave, and Michael will show how research and storytelling combine to transform strategy into stories, and stories into action.
>> REGISTER TODAY!
See our cancellation policy for details.

About our Speakers

Jeff McCarthy
Senior VP & Marketing Director, Bank Five Nine
Jeff McCarthy, 2023 Milwaukee Business Journal CMO of the Year and 2021 BizTimes Milwaukee Notable Marketing Executive, brings the client perspective on turning research into action. As a brand builder and connection maker, Jeff leads an award-winning marketing team at Bank Five Nine, managing everything from strategic planning and advertising to PR, social media, charitable giving, and events. With extensive experience in financial services, healthcare, and other B2B and consumer categories, Jeff demonstrates how insights translate into strategies that build strong brands and lasting customer connections.
Kelli Betsinger
Research & Branding Consultant, Decision Point
Kelli Betsinger, Research & Branding Consultant at Decision Point, helps organizations uncover growth and fuel business opportunities by putting research first. With experience spanning Fortune 500 CPGs (primarily food and durable goods), Banking and Fintech, Healthcare, Higher Education, and B2B organizations—and leadership of medical research projects for UCSF, Johns Hopkins, and the Naval Health Research Center—Kelli blends data and creativity to help brands innovate, solve challenges, and turn insights into impact.
Dave Neelsen and Michael Neelsen
Co-founders , StoryFirst Media Group
Dave and Michael Neelsen, co-founders of StoryFirst Media Group, transform those insights into stories that resonate. They’ve partnered with organizations including Robert W. Baird, UW Health, University of Chicago, Nordic Global Health, the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, and Jeff’s team at Bank Five Nine—showing how the art and science of storytelling can drive brand action. Their storytelling expertise extends to acclaimed documentaries like Last Day at Lambeau, String Theory: The Richard Davis Method, and Beyond Human Nature, with new feature projects currently in development.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
Strategic Partner

2025 Snowflake Soiree
2025-12-03 17:00 - 19:30 | Sylvee, 25 South Livingston Street, Madison, 53703, United States
❄️ Join Us for the 2nd Annual Snowflake Soirée: A Holiday Collaboration Event! ❄️

Tis the season to mingle and jingle! The Snowflake Soirée is back—and it’s your chance to make merry with Madison’s marketing and communication pros. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, spark a collaboration or just have fun, this festive evening is the perfect way to wrap up the year. Cash bar available for beverages.
Event Details:
● Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
● Time: 5-7:30 PM
● Location: The Sylvee, 2nd Floor, 25 S Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703
● Cost: $15 + Eventbrite Fee (includes event entry, light appetizers, and a raffle ticket)
Holiday Spirit: Bring a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest, and we’ll throw in extra raffle tickets.
Evening Schedule:
● 5:00 PM – Doors Open
● 5–6:00 PM – Light Appetizers & Mingling, Games
● 6:00 PM – Raffle Drawing

REGISTER TODAY >>

Hosted by Madison’s Marketing Masterminds:
● American Marketing Association – Madison
● LinkedIn Local Madison
● Madison Media Professionals
● Madison Area Business Consultants
● Public Relations Society of America
● Social Media Breakfast

Thank you to our sponsors:
pc/nametag
Suttle Straus
The Mouse House
Life Echo Media
Little Big Promotions

The New Playbook for Sports Partnerships
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join Patrick Campion, EVP and Partner at Fame Sport, for a session that breaks down what next-level sports partnerships really look like.
Logos in stadiums are not a strategy. They are wallpaper. And fans stopped noticing wallpaper a long time ago.
If you want to understand what real sports engagement looks like, you need to hear from someone who has actually done it at scale.
That someone is Patrick Campion, EVP and Partner at Fame Sport, and one of the sharpest minds in the industry when it comes to turning sports partnerships into something fans actually care about.
Patrick has built meaningful brand moments across REI, Caribou Coffee, SuperValu, Sleep Number, and NFL partnerships that did more than generate impressions. They generated impact. His work goes far beyond visibility and focuses on creating experiences that connect with fans in authentic, memorable ways.
On January 29, Patrick will break down the difference between being visible and being valuable in the sports world.
If your current partnership strategy could be summarized as logo placement plus a prayer, this session is for you. And if you want to do more with sports marketing but are not sure how to get there, this session will help you rethink what is possible.
This virtual session is presented jointly by the AMA Milwaukee, AMA Madison, and AMA Northeast Wisconsin chapters.
PricingAMA members attend free.Non-members: $10.
REGISTER TODAY

Madison B2B Marketing Breakfast
2026-02-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Barriques – Fitchburg, 5957 McKee Rd, Fitchburg, WI, 53719
Where Madisonian B2B Marketers Gather & Grow
The Madison B2B Marketing Breakfast is all about connecting local marketers and creating a space where we can truly learn from one another. We meet the first Wednesday of the month at Barrique’s in Fitchburg, just a few minutes off the beltline.
The vibe is low-key and simple:

9:00 AM: Come on by! Grab a coffee or order some breakfast, then head to the corner where we’ll have some tables reserved.
The Chat: We’ll do quick intros and open the floor to topics you want to discuss.
The Backup Plan: We have a deck of conversation starters on the table just in case things get quiet (though that rarely happens with this group!).
10:00 AM: We wrap up the official conversation so you can get on with your day, but feel free to stick around to co-work or chat longer.

That’s it! We have an awesome group of people joining us, and we’d love to see you there.
Register today at https://b2bmb.org/city/madison/

Madison B2B Marketing Breakfast
2026-03-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-04-01 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-05-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Northstreet, 557 North St, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
Where Madisonian B2B Marketers Gather & Grow
The Madison B2B Marketing Breakfast is all about connecting local marketers and creating a space where we can truly learn from one another. We meet the first Wednesday of the month.
The vibe is low-key and simple:

9:00 AM: Come on by! Grab a coffee or order some breakfast, then head to the corner where we’ll have some tables reserved.
The Chat: We’ll do quick intros and open the floor to topics you want to discuss.
The Backup Plan: We have a deck of conversation starters on the table just in case things get quiet (though that rarely happens with this group!).
10:00 AM: We wrap up the official conversation so you can get on with your day, but feel free to stick around to co-work or chat longer.

That’s it! We have an awesome group of people joining us, and we’d love to see you there.
Register today at https://b2bmb.org/city/madison/

Navigating the Psychology of Marketing
2026-03-06 07:30 - 09:00 | MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, 53703, United States
Is your marketing influencing thoughtfully or creating unintended pressure? Learn how 5 core principles shape real-world tactics.
Understanding where influence ends and ethical risk begins
Marketing runs on psychology. Social proof. Scarcity. Reciprocity. Authority. Loss aversion. You’re already using them (yes, you).
The tricky part is knowing how you’re using them.
In this session, Mike Schuster of FiddleSmart Marketing will break down five core psychological principles and look at real marketing tactics across a clear spectrum, from helpful influence to increased pressure and ethical risk.
Get clarity in the gray zones where most marketing lives.
You’ll leave with a better understanding of how these principles work, four questions to ask yourself before deploying a tactic, and more confidence in holding your line when goals and timelines start shouting.
Thoughtful, practical, and breakfast-hour friendly.
Register today!

Event Details

Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 7:30AM-9AM
Place: MYArts, Room 1D

You’ll leave with practical steps to transform your website from digital deadweight into a brand-building powerhouse. Coffee is on us, insights are on them!
REGISTER TODAY→

Pricing

Member: $10 + tax
Non-Member: $20 + tax (save $5 before February 22nd!)
Student: FREE (for active students; register with your student email)

About our Speaker

Mike Schuster
Founder & Chief Strategist, FiddleSmart Marketing
Mike Schuster is a marketing strategist with over 30 years of experience helping businesses uncover patterns that lead to success. He developed his strategy-first, customer-focused, data-driven approach while working in niche markets. And spent much of his career creating and selling products, plus leading turnaround strategies, for family-owned businesses like The Franklin Mint and Nancy’s Notions. Mike is known for simplifying complex ideas. And bringing clarity to the chaos. Today, he works primarily with entrepreneurs —especially those who left corporate jobs. Helps them take the guesswork out of how to market their business. And build a tailored marketing program and system that drives lasting success.
Thank you to our sponsor(s)
illumin (Strategic Parnter)
Spoken Frame Media
Huston Design

65th Anniversary Celebration
2026-04-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Olbrich, 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
Save the date for AMA Madison’s 65th Anniversary Celebration!
More details to come!
