Kalamazoo Marketing Exchange
Kalamazoo Marketing Exchange
Kalamazoo Marketing Exchange October 16–17, 2025
Two Days. Expert Speakers. Strategies You Can Use.
KALAMAZOO, MI — Calling all business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs: The Kalamazoo Marketing Exchange is happening this fall, bringing together some of the area’s top marketing minds for two days of actionable education, hands-on insights, and high-value networking.
The event will take place at Advia Credit Union (6400 West Main Street, Kalamazoo) on Thursday, October 16, and Friday, October 17, 2025. The Exchange is designed for marketers at every stage. Day One offers beginner-friendly sessions covering the essentials, while Day Two dives deeper into intermediate and advanced strategies, giving you the chance to level up your marketing skills step by step.
Snag a two-day pass to progress from the basics into advanced tactics, or tailor your experience to your specific goals. And the best part? Every ticket supports the community, proceeds from this event benefit First Day Shoe Fund, providing shoes to kids in need across Kalamazoo County.
Event Highlights
Beginner Track (Oct. 16):
- Video marketing on a DIY Budget
- TikTok for business
- Google Business Profile optimization
- All about hiring a WMU intern
- How AI can make your marketing more efficient without breaking your budget
Advanced Track (Oct. 17):
- Mastering short-form video platforms and best practices
- Dive deeper into advanced SEO
- Website conversion strategies
- How to win with email in the age of AI and privacy
- A candid conversation about when NOT to use AI for marketing
- Utilizing metrics to successfully drive revenue
Ticket Information
Tickets will be available for purchase through Eventbrite. Discounted pricing runs until October 10, 2025. Save big and buy during this time! Capacity is limited for this event. Special pricing for students, nonprofits, and groups is available.
Presenting Partner
Dr. Scott Cowley
Associate Professor of Marketing at WMU
Director of Digital Marketing Program at WMU
2025 Schedule
Thursday, October 16
Day One – Beginner Level
Perfect for new business owners or solo marketers who want to improve their marketing efforts on a budget.
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Check-In & Open Networking
10:30 – 11:15 AM
Shannon jacobs – How to Dive into Video Marketing on a DIY Budget and jumping into short form video creation.
Learn how to create compelling videos using minimal equipment and maximize reach across social platforms.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Kiah McMeekan – Using TikTok for Business
Explore how to create engaging content, grow your audience, and make the most of TikTok’s algorithm.
12:30 – 1:15 PM
Lunch – Round Table Discussions
Each table will feature a dedicated expert and topic. Attendees are encouraged to rotate tables if needed to get the most value from the session.
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Dr. Scott Cowley – All About Hiring a Digital Marketing Intern or Entry-Level Employee
Insights into hiring and training early-career marketing staff, with additional input from Dawn Renshaw.
2:30 – 3:15 PM
Dawn Renshaw – Google Business Profile 101 & Platform Strategy Overview
How to claim, optimize, and maintain your business profile, along with platform-specific guidance for beginners.
3:30 – 4:15 PM
Kasi Barrow – Using AI for Strategy, Communications, and Efficiency
A friendly, entry-level look at how AI can help you save time and work smarter.
4:15 – 4:20 PM
Closing Notes & Open Networking
Friday, October 17
Day Two – Intermediate/Advanced Level
For established business owners and marketers looking to take their digital strategy to the next level.
9:30 – 10:00 AM
Check-In & open networking
10:00 – 10:45 AM
Kim Kopec – Story, Style, and Strategy for Websites That Convert
Includes platform comparisons (WordPress vs. GoDaddy), branding insights, and content tips for higher conversions.
11:00 – 11:45 AM
krystal morris- stop boosting, start managing
Learn how to run stronger, smarter ads in Meta.
12:00 – 12:45 PM
Lunch – Round Table Discussions
Topics and experts vary by table. Switch as needed to maximize learning and connection.
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Matt davis– Why NOT to Use AI for Writing Content Online
Advanced SEO strategy session focused on authenticity, ranking, and content performance.
2:00 – 2:45 PM
Tyler cady- Beyond The Metrics: Marketing That Drives REAL Revenue
Metrics don’t matter if you’re not driving revenue. Learn how to tie the two together to ensure you’re driving the outcomes you truly want.
3:00 – 3:45 PM
Dan Proczko – How to win with email in the age of AI and privacy
What’s old is new! Discover how to win with email and 1st party data in a world now run by AI.
3:45 PM
Cocktail Hour kicks off
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Panel Discussion – Ask the Agency – Cocktail Hour
Panelists: Kasi, Kim, Krystal, Dan P., Dan M., and Dawn
Come with your questions. We’ll also have four discussion topics ready to kick things off!
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Open networking
Networking Opportunities
Round table lunch discussions both days, plus a Friday cocktail hour and panel discussion to close the event.