Culture has a profound influence on commerce. How we buy, why we buy and where we buy is driven by how we live and the cultural moments that shape our communities. This is a foundational theme for this year’s Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce our keynote speaker: Dr. Marcus Collins!
He began his career in music and tech, working on initiatives for Apple’s iTunes + Nike partnership, and even running digital strategy for the one and only QUEEN B (yes, the Beyoncé). Since then, he has become a culture scholar, author and general thought leader on all things brand and marketing strategy.
With our theme this year of “The Evolved Customer Journey – Where Content, Community and Commerce Converge,” Dr. Marcus Collins could not be a better person to headline the #RICE24 agenda. His deep understanding of consumer behaviors and how they should shape the way brands show up in the world has helped him bridge the academic-practitioner gap for blue-chip brands and startups alike. His strategies and creative contributions have led to the launch and success of Google’s “Real Tone” technology, the “Made In America” music festival, the Brooklyn Nets, and State Farm’s “Cliff Paul” campaign – among others.
Read on to learn a little bit more about our incredible keynote speaker..
Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator with one foot in the world of practice — formerly serving as the Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, New York — and one foot in the world of academia — as a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. He is a recipient of Advertising Age’s 40 Under 40 award and Crain’s Business’ 40 Under 40 award, and an inductee into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement. Most recently, he was recognized by Thinkers50 with the Radar Distinguished Achievement Award for the idea most likely to shape the future of business management. He has also served as a juror for the Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity.
Wait, there’s more…
Before joining Wieden+Kennedy, he served as the Chief Consumer Connections Officer at Doner Advertising and led Social Engagement at Steve Stoute’s advertising agency, Translation. Over the course of his career, Marcus has developed a practice for creating culturally contagious ideas that inspire people to take action.
Marcus’ work centers squarely on the impact of culture and the power that comes from having great cultural proximity. His best-selling book, For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be, examines the influence of culture on consumption and unpacks how everyone from marketers to activists can leverage culture to get people to act. Throughout the book, he relies on literature, case studies, his work with brands, and academic data to illustrate the “whys” and the “hows” so that readers will be empowered to successfully apply these learnings in their own pursuits. And YES, he will be doing a meet and greet book signing for attendees to get a signed copy of his book – but note: it is first come-first served!
During his keynote on Wednesday, June 5, he will reveal the mechanisms of culture to help retail and brand leaders understand its sway and harness its power to drive behavioral adoption. Register now to secure your seat for his can’t-miss keynote session!
