Converge Connect Create
Building Brands At The Speed Of Culture
May 1-2, 2019 // New York City
You are cordially invited to be our guest at Converge: Connect: Create. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the inspiring sessions we have planned for you. We’re adding new things all the time, so check back for updates and don’t forget to RSVP today.
Wednesday, May 1
When: Noon-4:30 p.m.
Where: 3 Columbus Circle for kickoff, various connected adventure locations throughout NYC, happy hour at The Park (118 10th Ave, New York, NY)
We’ll kick off by dividing into discovery teams to visit some of New York City's most inventive and forward-thinking organizations and retailers. Some of the sessions available are listed below. As we get closer to the conference, you’ll be asked to select your adventure.
World’s go-to idea brand
Host: Mike Lundgren, Managing Director, Innovation Strategy
Visit the TED offices for a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most powerful idea brand. Learn about the unique ways organizations partner with TED to leverage their expertise through learning, events, and digital amplification. You'll also hear from TED's Business Curator about the most inspiring ideas from this year's conference.
World’s go-to idea brand
Host: Mike Lundgren, Managing Director, Innovation Strategy
Visit the TED offices for a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most powerful idea brand. Learn about the unique ways organizations partner with TED to leverage their expertise through learning, events, and digital amplification. You'll also hear from TED's Business Curator about the most inspiring ideas from this year's conference.
Hero’s (Insta) Journey
Host: Amy Worley, Chief Connections Officer
Take a guided tour of Facebook’s and Instagram’s “Insta-worthy” NYC offices. At the end the tour, you will be treated to a master class in influencer marketing. Your “instructor” will be an accomplished Instagram influencer and your “curriculum" will be an informed how-to for creating an audience for your brand.
Hero’s (Insta) Journey
Host: Amy Worley, Chief Connections Officer
Take a guided tour of Facebook’s and Instagram’s “Insta-worthy” NYC offices. At the end the tour, you will be treated to a masterclass in influencer marketing. Your “instructor” will be an accomplished Instagram influencer and your “curriculum" will be an informed how-to for creating an audience for your brand.
Hidden Doors to the Hottest DTC, The Latest in Retail
Host: Jon Bird, Chief Retail & Commerce Officer
If you’re looking for the very latest in retail, New York City is the place to be. You’ll start this tour in the Flatiron District at CAMP — a toy store concept launched not by a brand or a retailer, but by the CMO of digital media company BuzzFeed. This is like no other kids store in the world — Milk Bar offers S’mores Sundaes out front, and the fun really starts behind the hidden door in the back. After CAMP, you’ll travel to NoHo and the new home of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, SHOWFIELDS. It’s what the founder calls “the most interesting store in the world” — four floors of online brands trying out offline retail.
Hidden Doors to the Hottest DTC, The Latest in Retail
Host: Jon Bird, Chief Retail & Commerce Officer
If you’re looking for the very latest in retail, New York City is the place to be. You’ll start this tour in the Flatiron District at CAMP — a toy store concept launched not by a brand or a retailer, but by the CMO of digital media company BuzzFeed. This is like no other kids store in the world — Milk Bar offers S’mores Sundaes out front, and the fun really starts behind the hidden door in the back. After CAMP, you’ll travel to NoHo and the new home of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, SHOWFIELDS. It’s what the founder calls “the most interesting store in the world” — four floors of online brands trying out offline retail.
Technology Meets Experience
Host: Michael Stich, Chief Business Officer
Adobe and Microsoft team up in a pragmatic exploration of experience design, and the technology that makes it all possible. We will convene at Microsoft’s Times Square Briefing Center for a future-forward afternoon featuring the tools and technologies moving business into the connected era. The session is designed for techies and non-techies alike.
Technology Meets Experience
Host: Michael Stich, Chief Business Officer
Adobe and Microsoft team up in a pragmatic exploration of experience design, and the technology that makes it all possible. We will convene at Microsoft’s Times Square Briefing Caner for a future-forward afternoon featuring the tools and technologies moving business into the connected era. The session is designed for techies and non-techies alike.
Coffee to Cocktails, New York City’s Newest Flagships
Host: Charlie Wade, Director, Commerce
The Meatpacking District is home to some of the planet’s biggest, best and brightest flagship retail destinations. You’ll start out exploring Starbucks Reserve Roastery with a VIP tour and tasting experience. This is only the fourth Roastery in the world — a Willy Wonka's factory for coffee. It is a wonderland of small-batch roasts, large-scale roasting kettles and even a hidden "rainforest." You’ll finish at Restoration Hardware — a massive glittering new gallery that spans over six floors. And what better way to top it all off than with a New York City cocktail in the RH rooftop restaurant?
Coffee to Cocktails, New York City’s Newest Flagships
Host: Charlie Wade, Director, Commerce
The Meatpacking District is home to some of the planet’s biggest, best and brightest flagship retail destinations. You’ll start out exploring Starbucks Reserve Roastery with a VIP tour and tasting experience. This is only the fourth Roastery in the world — a Willy Wonka's factory for coffee. It is a wonderland of small-batch roasts, large-scale roasting kettles and even a hidden "rainforest." You’ll finish at Restoration Hardware — a massive glittering new gallery that spans over six floors. And what better way to top it all off than with a New York City cocktail in the RH rooftop restaurant?
Please note: You’ll be asked to rank your preferred adventure via email at a later date.
Thursday, May 2
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception
Where: 3 Columbus Circle
Day two will feature a consideration of today’s most compelling marketing developments and trends — brought to life through a series of presentations, panel discussions and performances.
You’ll hear from influential thought leaders. Confirmed speakers include:
Flipping the Script: The Rise of Shape-Shifting Experience Platforms
Ben Kaufman / Chief Marketing Officer, Buzzfeed
Jon Bird / VMLY&R Global Chief Retail Officer
Katie Hunt / Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Showfields, Began her career as the third employee at Warby Parker
The Path to Cultural Relevance: From Where’s the Beef to We Beefin
Carl Loredo / Vice President, Brand and Advertising, The Wendy’s Company
Authentically Female Forward
Debbi Vandeven / VMLY&R Global Chief Creative Officer
Regina Hopper / President and CEO of the Miss America Organization, Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy, GRIDSMART
Creating Connected Brands
Jon Cook / Global CEO of VMLY&R
Data-inspired Brand Building
Mayur Gupta / CMO of Freshly and former VP of growth and marketing at Spotify
CX Transformation Journeys: Where Vision and Hype Meet Reality
Andrew Hogan / Senior Analyst, Forrester
Jeff Geheb / Chief Experience Officer of VMLY&R
Michael Stich / Chief Business Officer of VMLY&R
The Architecture for Real Growth
Beth Ann Kaminkow / Global CEO of Geometry
Amy Winger / Chief Strategy Officer of VMLY&R
Staying Creative in Good Times and Bad
Austin Kleon / The New York Times best-selling author of Steal Like an Artist and Keep Going
The Future of Connected Health
Daniel Kraft, MD Faculty Chair for Medicine, Singularity University - Founder and Chair, Exponential Medicine
Unlocking Cultural Relevance
Shantell Martin / Artist, trendsetter and cultural facilitator
Hotel Blocks
We have reserved hotel blocks at the following locations near our office at 3 Columbus Circle.
Please note: Mention VMLY&R when making your reservation.
