Ad Age Marketer's Brief

Casey Lewis, author of youth trends newsletter After School, looks back on the most viral social media trends of 2024 and how they shaped brand marketing

David Placek, the founder of Lexicon Branding and an expert in brand naming, shares his insights on effectively branding AI products. He discusses the tension between short-term gains and long-term brand identity, emphasizing the need for emotional engagement to build credibility. Placek urges marketers to avoid simplistic names, advocating for more descriptive terms that convey product value. He warns against 'AI washing' in marketing claims, highlighting the risks of overused jargon that can dilute brand meaning, reminiscent of the dot-com era.

Aba Blankson, chief marketing and communications officer of the NAACP, discusses the organization's largest advertising effort to date

Steven Tristan Young, CMO of Poshmark and a dynamic leader in the resale market, discusses the booming trend of secondhand shopping fueled by younger generations and the pandemic. He dives into Poshmark's innovative live shopping experiences, enhancing user engagement. Young also addresses the backlash over new seller fees, highlighting the company’s commitment to balancing seller concerns and buyer interests. Plus, he shares insights on holiday initiatives like Secondhand Sunday, promoting sustainable gifting in a thriving marketplace.

Four-year-old brand strives to bridge the communication gap around female-focused health care

TransUnion's Marc Vermut shares how you'll maximize ad spend by speaking to the right people

Tara McRae talks about Puma's recent Olympics push and how the brand collaborates with partners such as Rihanna

Joanne Davis, author of the new book "How to Get Your Agency to Jump Through Brick Walls—Without Paying More," shares lessons learned over 24 years in the agency search consulting business, including how to create effective briefs and what do do in the face of executive turnover. She also gives her take on what the rise of project work means for the business.

Jason Miller, Head of Partnerships for Excel Sports Management, specializes in sports sponsorships. He discusses the rise of uniform patch deals and how they connect brands with fans. He shares insights on the changing landscape of sports marketing, drawing from his journey from radio sales to sports partnerships. Miller highlights the unique partnership of the Philadelphia Phillies, emphasizing community ties and brand alignment. The conversation reveals how creative sponsorships enhance brand perception while navigating traditional aesthetics in MLB.

VP Allyse Slocum explores the power of reviews, trust signals and insights in enhancing business performance