Dynamic Duo: Content Giants Unite for Live Q&A

If you’ve attended Content Marketing World in the past, you know the level of energy and fun that Andrew Davis brings to the stage (if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat!).

 

This year, he’s teaming up with fellow CMI Hero award winner and fan favorite Ann Handley, chief content officer at MarketingProfs, for a Live Town Hall Experience. For the first time on stage together, they’ll be answering your most curious questions, secret problems, and content challenges during this interactive keynote on Wednesday, September 27 at 9:30 am.

 

Watch Andrew’s video above for a preview – and get ready for an unforgettable experience packed with insights, inspiration, and laughter from these two content OGs.

 

Then catch more of Andrew in his Artificial Influence session at 11:20 am on Wednesday, where he’ll guide us on how to safely leverage AI without destroying our carefully crafted relationships

 

 

Ready to take the capital city by storm with Andrew and thousands of other content marketers? Sign up for Content Marketing World today.

 

Update Your SEO Strategy for the AI Era With These 23 Expert Tips

Quick. Pull up your SEO strategy.

 

Does it read any differently today than before AI made its big push into digital content?

 

Should it?

 

We asked the practitioners and experts presenting this September at Content Marketing World. Their collective answer: Yes, it should be written for 2023 and beyond. But they vary on what to update in your SEO strategy in the AI world.

 

Follow their advice and streamline your SEO strategy.

 

Favorite Attractions According to Our Speakers at CMWorld

If you are visiting Washington, D.C. for the first time, or you haven’t been in a while, we’ve got plenty of great tips for things to do on our Hotel & Travel page.

 

But why stop there? We also reached out to our local-area speakers and team members for their personal recommendations on how to make the most of your time in the capital city like a true local.

 

For a bit of serenity…

Andrew Hanelly (Chief Creative Officer, Revmade) recommends:

 

The Sculpture Garden

 

 

One of my favorite not-so-hidden gems in DC has to be the sculpture garden. You can wander around and see world-class art – some of it inspires awe and some of it makes you feel like you’re Alice in Wonderland. But all of it is worth checking out. If the weather is nice, it’s one of the best places in the city to take a break and take it all in. Part art gallery, part nature preserve it’s really a special and unexpected place to find tranquility, serenity and of course, sculptures!

 

Andrew’s session at CMWorld will be Behind-the-Scenes with The Well: How Content Marketing World’s 2x Best Strategy winner is integrating AI, leveraging TikTok and driving revenue.

 

For some great eats…

Karen Hopper (Senior Director, Performance Marketing, Bully Pulpit Interactive) recommends:

 

The Dabney for a fancy dinner

 

Tucked into an alley near the convention center, the Dabney is one of DC’s best restaurants and has been the proud winner of a Michelin star for the past few years. They’re known for mid-Atlantic cuisine and feature local produce and seafood whenever possible. Beware – they book quickly and the only option for the dining room is the prix fixe menu, but the best kept secret is that the bar area is first-come, first-serve and you can select from their menu a la carte. The house-made bread and butter is a must! 

 

A Baked Joint  for a coffee, breakfast, and mid-afternoon pick-me-up

 

Located a few blocks east of the Convention Center, A Baked Joint is the second location of one of DC’s storied bakeries, Baked and Wired (the OG is located in Georgetown). Unlike the original, which is known for massive and delicious cupcakes, A Baked Joint is known for their pastries and extensive breakfast/lunch menu, especially their biscuits, cookies, and daily rotating specials. Get the biscuit sammie (if it isn’t yet sold out!) and an espresso based drink, or peruse their pastry case for a sweet afternoon treat. They feature local sustainable coffee companies, and even roast some of their own beans in-house. I used to live next door to this place and… let’s just say they took a lot of my money

 

Busboys and Poets  for a local institution

 

Events | Busboys and Poets

 

If you’re dining with picky eaters, vegetarians, vegans, gluten free, dairy free, or really anyone else, you can find something delicious at Busboys & Poets – and their menu is clearly labeled! This restaurant group (now with several locations around the DMV) is committed to doing social good and lifting up marginalized voices through their series of events. They also have a small bookstore in each of their locations! Conveniently, there’s one located near the convention center. 

 

Bonus! If you want to take in some powerful music and see Karen on a bigger stage with 100 of her closest friends, she’ll be performing with the Choral Arts Society and the National Symphony Orchestra at the renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Details and tickets are here – https://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2023-2024/noseda-rachmaninoff/.

 

Karen’s session at CMWorld will be How to Use Testing to Create a Constant Competitive Advantage.

 

For a stroll

Ahava Leibtag (Aha Media Group) recommends:

 

The Exorcist Steps

 

 

If you aren’t afraid of horror movies, you’ve probably seen The Exorcist. There’s a famous scene filmed on a staircase in Georgetown you might like to visit. And while we all know the monuments in D.C. are stunning, they are especially gorgeous at night. September evenings in D.C. are a lovely time for an evening stroll!

 

Ahava always brings fun, pop culture references to CMWorld. This year, she’ll be sharing some tips from Rihanna in her session Shine Bright Like a Diamond: 7.5 Content Marketing Lessons from Rihanna.

 

Stephanie Stahl (CMI’s general manager) recommends:

 

The Tidal Basin

 

 

I love to walk the 2-mile loop around the Tidal Basin with its beautiful trees and views of iconic memorials and monuments, including the Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

 

For work and networking…

Morgan Norris (Trew Marketing) recommends:

 

La Colombe

 

Besides offering a comfortable spot to sit and work, I recommend that everyone try the Black and Tan Oat Milk Draft Latte!

 

Tatte

 

A perfect location for grabbing a cup of coffee, enjoying a delightful lunch, or even having an early dinner! Tatte provides reliable Wi-Fi and welcomes guests to sit for as long as they need. 

 

MLK Library

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Wikipedia

 

A spacious and recently renovated library! There’s plenty of quiet nooks where you can comfortably work. In addition to its peaceful environment, the library also offers coffee and snacks at Marianne’s on the first floor.

 

Morgan’s session at CMWorld will be a Manufacturing Masterclass: 5 Steps to Becoming a Leading Technical Brand.

 

For cultural exploration and learning…

Amie Cangelosi (CMI’s marketing director) loves that all 21 museums of the Smithsonian are free to attend! She recommends:

 

National Museum of American History

 

The colorful entrance to the exhibition Entertainment Nation. Objects like the Ruby Slippers can be seen on display in the foreground.

 

This is my favorite museum in D.C. My first stop is always the FOOD: Transforming the American Table exhibit for a look at Julia Child’s kitchen. Explore the new Entertainment Nation area for a look at Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Star Wars’ C-3PO and R2-D2, and Prince’s guitar. And don’t leave without a walk through the Star Spangled Banner exhibit – it gives me chills every time!

 

National Archives Museum

 

With the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights all on display, visiting this museum is like taking a walk through history. Plus, as a sports fan, it’s on my list this fall to see their temporary exhibit, All American: The Power of Sports.

 

Planet Word

 

A must-attend for those with a passion for language and communication (read: all CMWorld attendees)! Experience the museum’s interactive exhibits and activities, from copywriting to karaoke, and be inspired by the power, fun, and beauty of words.

 

Whether you’re enjoying a Michelin-level meal at The Dabney, exploring the spooky Exorcist Steps, or learning all about the history of language at Planet Word, we can’t wait for you to enjoy all that DC has to offer during this year’s CMWorld!

 

The Future of Email Marketing: Insights From 23 Content Marketing Experts

Are the days of email as a successful marketing channel waning?

 

The statistics argue no: About two-thirds of content marketers told CMI they use email newsletters or other email to distribute their content in 2023. About the same number said the same for 2022.

 

But 2023 kicked off with dramatic comments from a CEO who claimed he’s turned to social media to reach Gen Z (and even millennial) employees who don’t read email.

 

If CEOs can’t reach their employees by email (admittedly, that’s a big if), what hope do marketers have to reach an audience that doesn’t have the incentive of a paycheck on the line?

 

We asked the content and marketing leaders, practitioners, and experts speaking at Content Marketing World this September whether 2024 will be the year email falls from its status as the channel marketers just can’t quit and what (if anything) would take its place.

 

Here’s what they had to say.

 

You Didn’t Hear It From Us…

This fall, join the community of marketers from around the world at Content Marketing World to learn about the latest content innovations, spark new inspiration, and celebrate forward momentum for our craft!

 

But hey, don’t just take our word for it. Take a peek at why past attendees say Content Marketing World is the can’t-miss event of the year.

 

 

Outstanding Education

 

 

 

“After attending CMWorld, I felt like I had earned a master’s degree in content marketing!”

– Connie Mulqueen, Content Strategist

 

“I’ve never experienced a conference that taught me so much so efficiently.”

– Devin Gardner, Marketing Manager, Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers

 

“It’s such a high quality of different talks, different topics.”

– Amy Woods, Founder, Content 10x

 

“Quite frankly, I don’t think I’d be in this space if I hadn’t attended the conference a couple of years ago, so I really recommend it to anyone that’s trying to learn this space and learn from the best.”

– David Raine, Editorial Content and Strategy Lead, Walmart.ca

 

 

 

Family and Community 

 

 

 

“I met so many people that I would now call a friend. These are definitely my people.”

– Sarah Block, Content Strategist & Writer

 

“At this point, I really don’t go to other conferences because there’s so much value in Content Marketing World with the content, plus there’s the Content Marketing World family.”

– Ruth Carter, Lawyer, Author, Speaker, Carter Law Firm

 

“The brainpower in these rooms. The community, the trust, the love. Like sincere, long-term lifetime friendships start here.”

– Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder & CMO, Orbit Media

 

“The community is truly that, a very supportive, accepting, and enthusiastic group of people who are rooting for each other’s success.”

– Jeneanne Ballos, Chief Operating Officer, Digital River Media

 

 

 

Innovation and Impact

 

 

 

“Going to CMWorld is like taking a peek behind the curtain to see what the most innovative marketers are doing next.”

– Paul Hobday, Content Marketing Manager, Lulu Press

 

“CMWorld sets the bar year in and year out as THE event for marketers to attend to stay up to date with best practices.”

– Bernie Borges, VP Global Content Marketing, iQor

 

“Every year, I come home with new ideas and validation. Even after more than a decade in the industry!”

– Mariah Obiedzinski, AVP, Content Marketing, Stamats

 

“I think if you’re struggling to find a new solution, like a technological solution to a problem or even a process, the people that have those answers are probably sitting next to you or standing on stage.”

– Andrea Fryrear, CEO and Co-Founder, AgileSherpas

 

“Some of these people, they’re like icons to me, I’ve been following them for a long time and it’s like going to a concert of Bon Jovi. They’re right here in the room!

– Shane Shaps, President & Founder, 520 East Brands

 

 

 

A Global Network

 

 

 

“People are so generous with sharing what they’ve learned and what they know and what they’ve tried and what’s worked and what hasn’t.

– Monica Norton, Head of Content Marketing (B2B and B2C), Yelp

 

“I actually met some people from Germany, so you can see what content looks like internationally.”

– Asia Johnson, Content Marketing Specialist, Express Employment International

 

“Everyone is excited to be here, to learn, to connect with others.”

– Boma Cheetham-West, founder and strategist, BomaCurates LLC

 

“There’s somebody that I met who is not even remotely from the same industry and found it as helpful as I did.”

– Lakshmi Vijayan, Communications Strategy Specialist, St. Jude Children’s Hospital

 

 

 

Empowerment

 

 

 

 

You start to feel that spark again, of like, ‘Hey, so nice to meet you, what do you do? What do we do? How do you handle this? How do I handle that?’ That has just been missing.

– Bridget Esposito, VP, Creative Director, Prudential Financial

 

“I’m taking pictures of slides, sending it to a couple leaders on my team. Every now and then I get brave enough to send something to my boss and be like ‘See, You See’.”

– Eric Gray, Founder, Maverick Content Studio

 

“CMWorld has become my annual reset, where I can get re-energized about my work.”

– Carmen Hill, Principal Content Strategist & Writer, Chill Content

 

 

 

So seriously…

 

“If you’re a content marketer in 2023 and you don’t have Content Marketing World on your list, you need to put it on your list immediately. It’s the go-to, must-go-to conference.

– Pamela Muldoon, Director of Content Strategy, Avalara

 

What are you waiting for? Register now.

 

23+ Content Marketing Skills You Need for Today and the Next Five Years

Five years ago, would knowing ChatGPT or other generative AI tools have been on your content marketer’s things-to-know list?

 

Probably not.

 

A year ago, CMI asked content marketers which skills they’d like to develop and sharpen as part of the 2023 Content Marketing Career and Salary Outlook. AI wasn’t even on the radar.

 

We asked this year’s Content Marketing World presenters which skills will help content marketers meet the challenges we all face today – and the unexpected developments of the next several years.

 

AI takes center stage in the advice from the experts who offered their advice. But the full range of answers includes unique takes, unexpected advice, and helpful reminders about content marketing skills to carry you today and through 2028.

 

Read what they had to say.