Powered by Perspective
Industry Standard is a creative summit forged in Memphis. AAF Memphis has assembled a powerhouse lineup of local experts—craftsmen of marketing and design—ready to share the tools, techniques, and insights that set them apart in a competitive market.
Powered by perspective, this one-day event is calibrated to unite the community and inspire innovation. Join us on the production floor on June 13 to redefine the Industry Standard.
Unite the
Community
Learn from
Shared Ideas
Redefine the
Standard
Schedule
Friday | June 13 2025
Morning Buzz | 8:00a - 9:00a in The Lobby
8:00 - 9:00a
Morning Buzz
• Registration desk opens
• Coffee and bagels provided
• Expo Hall Open
Marketing & Strategy | 9:00a - 12:00p in The Zone
Welcome | 9:00 - 9:10a
9:10 - 9:40a
Shannon Briggs
Founder & Head Trailblazer | Campfire Collective
Around The Campfire:
How Community Relations Fuels Success
What happens when you stop treating “community relations” like a checkbox—and start using it as your secret weapon? Join Shannon for a spirited session on how building real relationships with Memphis’s cultural champions can spark fires that warm hearts and light up balance sheets. Campfire Collective’s Founder and Head Trailblazer will share how she turned “community” from a buzzword into the backbone of success—plus practical takeaways you can put to work no matter your role or level.
9:45 - 10:15a
Milton Howery III
VP Marketing, Communications & Events | Downtown Memphis Commission
Winning Together:
How Agencies Can Align with Internal Marketing Teams
This session will explore the dynamics between agencies and internal marketing teams, focusing on building stronger, more collaborative relationships. Attendees will gain practical insights into common challenges, unspoken expectations, and proven strategies for fostering successful partnerships.
Break | 10:15 - 10:25a
10:25 - 10:55a
Penelope Huston
Chief Communications Officer
City of Memphis
Confessions of a Civic Storyteller: What Writing Everything from Personal Ads to Mayoral Addresses Taught Me About Voice, Vulnerability, and the Power of Getting It Right
Penelope Huston’s path to City Hall didn’t start in politics – it started with writing ads about love. Her background in journalism, marketing, brand partnerships, and economic development has shaped a career rooted in understanding what truly moves people – to buy, to show up, to give, and to believe. Now, as Chief Communications Officer for the City of Memphis, she brings that experience to a broader mission: helping more people feel seen, heard, and connected to the city we love.
11:00a - 12:00p
David French
CMO | Memphis Brand
Keynote Marketing & Strategy Presentation
Behind the Brands:
MTV to Memphis
David French takes us "Behind the Brands." With a career leading some of the world’s most iconic brands like MTV and America's national parks, David will share the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped these cultural powerhouses. Through captivating stories, data-driven insights, and industry trends, David will offer a fresh perspective on what it takes to build and evolve iconic brands. He’ll also explore how these lessons apply to Memphis, sharing key brand and marketing insights into the city’s growth, opportunities, and path to greatness.
Lunch (Provided) | 12:00 - 1:00p in The Lobby
Creative | 1:00 - 4:00p in The Zone
1:10 - 1:40p
Shannon McCready
Design Lead | Adobe
Design Your Career
Creative careers are rarely linear. Like any bold design, your career is shaped by exploration, intention, and the courage to evolve. It's important to reflect on what drives you, recognize what holds you back, and chart a path that’s uniquely yours. Whether you're early in your journey or navigating a transition, you'll walk away inspired to shape a career that aligns with your values, strengths, and goals.
1:45 - 2:15p
James (IMAKEMADBEATS) Dukes
Producer, Founder & CEO | UNAPOLOGETIC
Your Industry is Waiting on You to be You
What if the key to your success was simply being yourself—fully and unapologetically? In this talk, IMAKEMADBEATS breaks down how radical self-awareness and authenticity have been his greatest assets. From building a community of fearless creatives to feeding his family through his true identity, he’ll share how being the same person in every room has unlocked doors across industries. This isn’t about branding—it’s about being. Expect truth, reflection, and a powerful case for why the real you is the most valuable thing you’ve got.
Break | 2:15 - 2:25p
2:25 - 2:55p
Dan Price + Chris Porter
Principals | Baby Grand
Karaoke Lounges & Golf Cart Rides
Find out what karaoke lounges and golf cart rides have in common as Dan & Chris run down the origins and progress of Baby Grand’s small business grant program— Baby Grants. Launched in 2024, the program offers $1,500 in grant funding and a full brand design package to Memphis entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business they’re passionate about.
3:00 - 4:00p
Amanda Dent
Creative Director, Archer | Volunteer, WYXR
Keynote Presentation
Key Notes: Finding a Groove for Memphis Music
Depending on who you ask, Memphis is the most renowned or underrated music city in the world. Or both. This Memphis transplant shares her experience helping to brand, promote and market Memphis music nonprofits that support the city’s most precious commodity. The operative word is “helping.” She discusses how it takes a village and how that village of Memphis is fully capable and at the ready to do great work and shine a light on this city’s exceptional music community.
Happy Hour | 4:00 - 6:00p in The Lobby
4:00 - 6:00p
Closing Happy Hour
• Networking and mingling with speakers
• Complimentary wine, beer, and sodas
• Light snacks provided
• Expo Hall Open
Punch In:
Your Ticket to Industry Standard
Your ticket is your all-access pass to a full shift of insight, innovation, and networking. Gain entry to all morning and afternoon speaker sessions, fuel up with complimentary coffee and snacks, enjoy a provided lunch, and clock out in style with a ticket to happy hour—where connections are made and ideas ignite.
AAF Member Ticket
$120
Non-AAF Member Ticket
$140
Student Ticket
$80
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join us in laying the foundation for Industry Standard— Memphis’ premiere creative summit. As a sponsor, you’ll put your brand at the heart of the creative assembly line—gaining high-visibility placement, exclusive networking access, and direct engagement with industry professionals.
GET ON THE PRODUCTION LINE
From presenting partners to supporting sponsors, every contribution fuels the machine that keeps our creative industry running.
READY TO GET TO WORK?
Contact us AAFMemphis@gmail.com to learn more.