Last Friday, our marketing team rolled deep into the AAF Memphis Industry Standard Creative Summit—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the moment I walked in, I knew the day was going to be a vibe. AAF (aka the American Advertising Federation) brought together some of the most brilliant minds in Memphis marketing, and I felt proud to be in the room repping Choose901.
A few moments I’m still sitting with:
- Shannon Briggs – Founder of Campfire Collective, reminded us that real community relations means building trust—between the media and the people. Her start at Huey’s and intentional storytelling show how long-term relationships can shift narratives.
- Penelope Huston – Chief of Communications for the City of Memphis, broke the art of storytelling all the way: Be real. Be vulnerable. Let folks see your heart because that’s when change starts. Her work with Mayor Young continues to shape how we speak to and about Memphis.
- James Dukes aka IMAKEMADBEATS – Founder of UNAPOLOGETIC, one of the city’s dopest creative spaces and labels. He hit us with this: How you do anything is how you do everything. Self-awareness is the real flex. If you know who you are, you’re already ahead. That energy? It shook me.
- Shannon McCready – Sr. Design Manager at Adobe, spoke on navigating creative careers and protecting your peace, setting boundaries and standing on business for yourself. Whew, I think everyone in the room related to that segment.
We also got to hear from David French, President and CMO at Memphis Brand, Milton Howery, VP of Marketing, Communications, and Events at Downtown Memphis Commission, and the Baby Grand crew—all dropping gems, all showing up with passion for Memphis. Over lunch, I got to catch up with the communications team from the National Civil Rights Museum and connect with dope local artists like Mia Saine.
I walked away grateful. Grateful for my team. Grateful to do this work. And grateful to be a part of a community that wants to tell Memphis’s story with truth and pride. I’ve got some new strategies in my back pocket and even more love for the city that raised me. Let’s keep it going.
