If you’re in marketing, brand strategy, or anything adjacent, the Art of Marketing Conference has become one of those events that’s actually worth blocking out your calendar for.

The San Diego Chapter of the American Marketing Association is bringing it back for its fourth year, and this time it’s landing at USD’s Knauss School of Business with a lineup that goes beyond the usual conference speaker circuit.

What Sets This Apart

Most marketing conferences follow a predictable formula – keynote speeches, breakout sessions, networking breaks. The Art of Marketing Conference does some of that, but it also starts the day with an improv session designed specifically for business leaders.

It’s an unexpected way to kick things off, and it works as a warmup for the kind of creative thinking the rest of the day demands.

The afternoon dives into Sports Marketing, which feels particularly relevant given San Diego’s year. Then it wraps with a fireside chat led by Matt Prince, Head of Earned Media and Brand Social at KFC, who’s previously worked with Taco Bell and Disney.

Prince describes the conference as “a place to challenge the way we think about the industry itself,” and based on the program, that’s not just marketing speak. The session is supposed to be candid and free-thinking, covering the decisions and detours that are reshaping marketing and social media.

Four Tracks Worth Your Time

The conference is organized into four tracks, each addressing different aspects of modern marketing. The Storyteller track focuses on authentic brand narratives and emotional engagement.

The Specialist explores strategies for niche audiences and customer experience. The Strategist looks at staying competitive in a fast-changing digital landscape. And The Trend-Setter examines how creativity intersects with emerging tech like AI and Web3.

Between the opening and closing sessions, you’ll hear from people at PlayStation, San Diego FC, Sports San Diego, Compass Real Estate, Q2 Insights, SeaWorld, KPBS, SDG&E, Gaylord Resorts, and others.

It’s a solid cross-section of industries, which means you’re getting perspectives that extend beyond whatever niche you’re currently working in.

The Practical Details

It’s a full-day program followed by a networking reception and happy hour. It’s open to both AMA San Diego members and non-members, so you don’t need to be part of the organization to attend. Tickets are available now through their website.

Nick Hofer, AMA San Diego Board of Directors President and SolarTech Chief Strategy Officer, frames it well: “The Art of Marketing Conference reminds us why marketing is not just a discipline – it’s a dynamic force for change.” That might sound lofty, but the conference seems to back it up with substance rather than just buzzwords.

Why It Matters

San Diego’s marketing and creative community has grown significantly over the past few years, and events like this help keep that momentum going.

Whether you’re early in your career or already leading teams, spending a day around people who are genuinely pushing the industry forward has value that extends beyond whatever notes you take during sessions.

See you there!

Clear your schedule, grab your ticket, and get ready for a full day of insights that might actually change how you think about marketing.

📆 Friday, October 24, 8 AM – 5 PM (Networking reception 5 PM – 7 PM)
📍 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!