Marketing Special Interest Groups (SIG 2.0)

SIGs are only open to active AMA Chicago members. That’s right, these peer-to-peer communities are yet another benefit of membership.

If you are not an active member, join or renew now for $149. You’ll gain free access to SIGs and every monthly event from AMA Chicago ($300+ value), plus professional tools and templates, and many other perks.

There are 850+ marketers in AMA Chicago, and every one of us could have vastly different job descriptions and responsibilities. SIGs are the place where you find your peers – the people who share your passions, challenges and interests.

SIGs are your chance to network with your marketing peers – without ever having to find a parking spot. Through monthly virtual meetings and Slack, you’ll get help from and give help to people in your subset of marketing as often as you’d like.

Schedule: Third Thursday of the month, 12-12:45 p.m. CT.

We come having read an agreed-upon book, then discuss learnings. We’ve had featured guests and even authors join the conversation. This SIG is particularly beneficial for people who came to marketing in a roundabout way and need to get fundamentals and strategy all at once! 

Leader: Kevin Davis and Beverly Moore

Schedule: First Thursdays of the month at noon

The heart and soul of every company, product, and service is its brand, but building a brand that connects with the right consumer is a marketer’s biggest challenge. This group will discuss the many facets of a brand such as brand strategy, brand development, memorable brand activations, the ROI of investing in a brand, humanizing your brand and trends in branding. Be ready to expand your mindset around brand and network with other Chicago area brand geek marketers!

Leaders: Jim Heininger and Ashley Roda

Related blogs: Winning the Name Game: How to Pick the Best Name for Your Brand | Our Jewish Synagogue is a Brand and Why You Should Care

Schedule: Fourth Thursdays of the month at noon

Welcome to the world of Direct Response Marketing! This SIG focuses on marketing or advertising efforts designed to generate a trackable and measurable response. Topics will include:

• Direct mail and related engagement technologies
• Omni-channel integration strategies, including email, call center, and direct digital
• CRM and Data Management incorporating data segmentation, attribution modeling, and loyalty programs
• Creative development, copy, and graphic design with response generation focus

Whether you are new to direct response marketing or a seasoned veteran, we welcome all who are willing to share and to learn something new!

Leaders: Blair Migonis and Greg Ward

Schedule: Second Monday of the month at noon

Building a marketing department from the ground-up is no easy task, particularly if you’re doing it alone. Join us to hear how other like-minded (and understaffed, and under-budgeted) marketers are prioritizing their work, optimizing their time, and building successful programs.

At our first meeting, we’ll talk about the top marketing tools that increase our effectiveness as marketers and help us save time – and money. We’re looking forward to hearing from you about your favorite software, apps and tools!

Leaders: Lidia Varesco Racoma, Miriam Carey, Elfrida Gabriel