Connex – November 9, 2022

Stay connected through Connex! The second Wednesday of every other month, this networking event brings together marketers from every industry to network over hot marketing topics in small groups.

We value your opinion. We invite you to stay for a conversation immediately following Connex about how AMA Chicago can better serve you.

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Topic 1: Seeing Your Customers More Clearly

Have you ever wished you could see into the future before you made important decisions regarding your company and its direction? With smart surveys and an engaged community, you can do just that. Whether you hire a market research company or you choose to do it in house, asking a few key questions to the right group of people can give you the information you need to make those big decisions with confidence. In this session, we’ll discuss ways in which we currently engage with our customers, and potential customers, and how we can make those interactions more meaningful.

Speaker: Christine Welcher

Director – Academic & Nonprofit, QuestionPro, Inc

I have developed a wide variety of skills and experiences, academic and non-academic, over the span of my career. Most recently, I worked with beginning farmers, as well as flex-term (self-employed) workers, on ways to improve efficiencies and increase understanding of their financial statements. During my time at UW-Madison, I specialized in policies directed at helping small businesses and the self-employed succeed in today’s markets. My studies included econometrics, risk management, and smart policy design. I look forward to continuing my work with nonprofits and small businesses, as well as educational institutions, in order to help them find cost-effective ways to improve their research and deliver accurate and impactful analysis in order to make future decisions with confidence.

Topic 2: GA4

Does the recent news of Google’s Universal Analytics retiring in 2023 have your head spinning with questions? Have no fear, you’re not the only one. Be Found Online’s Director of SEO & Analytics, Rachel Loutos, is here to help you understand the timeline of UA to GA4, what you need to consider, and what the fundamental differences in the platform will be. As GA4 continues to evolve ahead of UA’s sunset, it’s time to get a head start on the inevitable changes next year.

Speaker: Rachel Loutos

Director of SEO & Analytics, Be Found Online

Rachel comes to BFO with a solid 10+ years in the industry. She’s known for her ‘cool under pressure’ demeanor in working with clients. Her Type-A personality means she is constantly pushing her teams to learn about what’s next and provide the best service possible. Rachel especially loves the fact that BFO is not stodgy in its approach and willing to try new things and experiment. She, and her dog, Damien, fit right into the office atmosphere bringing a ‘chill’ vibe and great humor. When Rachel is not at work, she is desperately trying to find a mountain in the Midwest to hike!

Topic 3: Marketing Team of One

Are you a solo marketer at your organization? Or are you managing marketing single-handedly for your business? As a solo marketer for 20+ years, Lidia Varesco Racoma of Lidia Varesco Design will help you feel less alone. Nov 9, this table will discuss the unique challenges of being a marketing team of one (or very small team) and brainstorm ways to make the most of resources you have. Come prepared to share and discuss your favorite tools and solutions.

Speaker: Lidia Varesco Racoma

Certified Brand Strategist & Marketing Designer, Lidia Varesco Design

Lidia Varesco Racoma of Lidia Varesco Design in Chicago empowers mission-focused organizations to make a change through strategic branding and marketing design. With over two decades of experience, Lidia is known not only for her ability to express a client’s mission but also for her friendly, approachable working style. She is a blogger and speaker and leads branding and creative marketing workshops for nonprofits and small businesses all over the world. Lidia is active in the nonprofit and marketing communities, currently serving on the board of directors for AMA Chicago, as well as on committees for the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits (ACN) and Association Forum.