What to Expect

Engaging keynotes 

Breakout sessions designed to build stronger clubs and stronger leaders

Networking moments with fellow AAFers who get it

Attendees from Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, & 7!

Socials (of course!)

AND...Mouth of the South Show...a few surprises. (This is Atlanta, after all.)

Schedule

We’ve mixed the perfect tracklist of speakers, sessions, and moments to keep your energy high and your leadership sharp. Here’s what’s dropping at AAF Eastern Remix.

*Please note schedule is subject to change*

Thursday

3:00 pm – 6:00 pmEarly Arrivals

If you’re part of the Eastern Region Executive Committee, Board, or a standing committee, we invite you to arrive early for pre-conference planning, networking, and coordination. General attendees are also welcome to arrive Thursday evening to settle in and get ready for the full AAF Eastern Remix experience.

Friday

11:00amRegistration & Check-in Open

Registration will open at 11 am and will remain open until 6:00 pm on Friday.

11:30 am – 12:30 pmLunch Buffet

Our lunch buffet is self-serve and will be open from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. To make the most of your time, we recommend grabbing your plate by noon so you’re ready for the first speaker at 12:30 PM.

12:30 pm – 1:30 pmSpeakers: Lotenna Enwonwu & Sherri Daye Scott

Topic: The Muse Has No Code

The next stage of creative success will come from using AI to push imagination further than ever before, but always powered by human creativity.

BIO:
Lotenna Enwonwu is a partner at BGG Agency, a video-first agency known for transforming brand stories into high-impact content that actually moves people and drives business. With a background that spans UX, brand strategy, and award-winning storytelling, Lotenna has worked across some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Google, Nike, Mailchimp, State Farm, and Microsoft.

Full bio below in Speaker section.

BIO:
Sherri Daye Scott is a storyteller and creative strategist rooted in Southwest Atlanta by way of Myrtle Beach, Madrid, and military bases coast to coast. She most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for WABE, Atlanta’s NPR and PBS station, where she led a full rebrand and helped launch WABE Studios, its original content arm. Sherri's has worked with brands like Accenture, AT&T, Coca-Cola and the National Museum of African American Music.

Full bio below in Speaker section.

1:45 pm – 2:45 pmSpeaker: Doug Boemler Wareing

Topic:
Making Way for More Ideas
Helping Your Brain and Your Business Generate Creative Ideas

BIO:
Doug Boemler Wareing is the Managing Partner of AkinsParker Florida, a creative agency specializing in travel, tourism, and hospitality. They have offices in California, Charleston, Florida, and the Great Lakes. If your customers are guests and your products are experiences, chances are he’s helped tell that story. From executive producing global livestreams to developing branding and recruitment campaigns, Doug has led work for brands like Universal Destinations & Experiences, Travel+Leisure Co., and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. He loves leading his team, thinking aloud with a whiteboard, and never putting two spaces after a period.

Full bio below in Speaker section.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pmSpeaker: Jessica Harvey

Topic:
The Guy Harvey Story: Why Supporting the Ocean Economy is Good for Business


BIO:
Jessica Harvey is the CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation. She was born and raised in the Caribbean. Her love of the wildlife and the outdoors was inspired by her parents and led her into her career as an environmental conservationist. Now as the CEO of the Foundation, Jessica will work with her team to expand the STEAM driven marine educational resources provided by GHF and it’s partners to move our global community towards a greener economy and healthier environment - one country at a time.

In 2017, Jessica started with the Guy Harvey Foundation as the Cayman Project Manager. She and her team provide logistical assistance and educational awareness for the scientific research conducted on pelagic species and southern stingrays in partnership with the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University, Florida.

She has joined and assisted many of Dr. Guy Harvey’s fishing and diving expeditions around the world from as young as 5 years old.

Full bio below in the Speaker section.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pmBreak

Take a moment to recharge, stretch, and connect with fellow attendees. Check your messages or just enjoy a few minutes to yourself before we dive back in.

5:30 pm – 6:30 pmWelcome Happy Hour & Networking

Kick off the conference with a casual happy hour at the hotel bar during Embassy Suites’ complimentary evening reception. Enjoy drinks, connect with fellow attendees, and start the weekend with great conversations and even better company. Afterward, we’ll head out for our evening social with AAF Atlanta!

6:30 PMWalk to Evening Social

It's about a 3-4 minute walk to Burtons Grill.

7:00 pm – 8:30 pmEvening Dinner Social

We’ll be enjoying a buffet-style dinner at Burtons Grill on their beautiful outdoor patio. Your registration includes dinner, and a cash bar will be available for drinks.

Saturday

7:30 am – 8:30 amBreakfast & Registration

Breakfast is included with your hotel stay and can be enjoyed at your leisure. If you weren't able to check in the day before, the desk will be open until Lunch. We kindly ask that you are seated and ready for the day’s programming by 8:30 AM.

8:30 am – 9:30 amWhat Do You Do Now That You’re in Charge?

New to the role? This session is designed to set you up for success. We’ll cover what to expect in your first year as club president, provide an overview of AAF’s structure and history, and walk through Club Achievement and other key resources. Recommended for all first-year presidents or those looking for a refresher.

PRESENTED BY: RASHELL O’NEAL, D3

8:30 am – 9:30 amAA Awards Workshop: Entries & Judges

From call for entries to judging day, this session will guide you through the key steps for running a smooth and successful local American Advertising Awards (AAA) competition. Learn best practices for managing entries, recruiting qualified judges, and ensuring a fair and inspiring experience for all involved. Ideal for anyone involved in planning or supporting your club’s awards season.

PRESENTED BY: AMY RIDDLE, D7 & LINDSAY NEILSON, D2

8:30 am – 9:30 amEffective Plans for Engaging Programming

Looking to boost engagement and raise funds throughout the year? This session covers the fundamentals of planning successful events and developing creative, effective fundraising strategies. Learn how to align your events with your club’s mission, attract sponsors, and maximize impact—whether you're hosting mixers, panels, programs, or community activations.

PRESENTED BY: DAN KIMBROUGH, D2

9:30 am – 9:45 amBreak

Take a moment to recharge, stretch, and connect with fellow attendees. Check your messages or just enjoy a few minutes to yourself before we dive back in.

9:45 am – 10:45 amA Winning Combination for Gala Success

This workshop will walk you through best practices for hosting a successful America Advertising Awards Gala—from logistics and creative themes to budgeting and promotion. You’ll also gain practical tips on using the event as a key fundraising opportunity to support your club year-round.

PRESENTED BY: KATHE FLYNN, D2
Room: Phoenix 1

9:45 am – 10:45 amAdvocacy as a Membership Strategy

Advocacy plays a vital role in protecting and promoting the advertising industry, and it can also be a powerful tool for member engagement. In this session, you’ll learn how advocacy supports the overall health of your membership by engaging individuals at every level, whether or not your club has a formal government relations program. We’ll explore how AAF serves as the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill and how your club can contribute locally. You’ll leave with practical ways to stay informed on legislative issues, activate your members, and strengthen your club through meaningful advocacy efforts.

PRESENTED BY: DAVID JONES, D4 & LEIGH FARRIOR, D7
Room: Phoenix 2

9:45 am – 10:45 amReaching and Recruiting New Members

Looking to grow your club? This session dives into proven strategies for attracting new members and expanding your reach. From refining your value proposition to creative outreach and engagement tactics, you'll leave with actionable ideas to build a thriving, inclusive membership base.

PRESENTED BY: ARTHUR GOODMAN, D4
Room: Phoenix 3

10:45 am – 11:00 amBreak

Take a moment to recharge, stretch, and connect with fellow attendees. Check your messages or just enjoy a few minutes to yourself before we dive back in.

11:00 am – 12:00 pmPresidents Council D4

This session brings together current club presidents from District 4 for a focused discussion on challenges, wins, and opportunities across the region. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate with your fellow leaders as we work toward stronger clubs and a more connected district. Presidents only.

Room: Phoenix 1

11:00 am – 12:00 pmPresidents Council D7

This session brings together current club presidents from District 7 for a focused discussion on challenges, wins, and opportunities across the region. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate with your fellow leaders as we work toward stronger clubs and a more connected district. Presidents only.

Room: Phoenix 2

11:00 am – 12:00 pmThe Future You Build Starts Now

Strong clubs start with strong boards. This session is designed for incoming presidents and board members looking to improve onboarding, clarify roles, and build a pipeline of future leaders. We’ll explore how intentional succession planning, clear expectations, and committed committees create a solid foundation for long-term chapter success.

PRESENTED BY: JAMAL MILNER, D3
Room: Phoenix 3

12:00 pm – 1:30 pmLunch & Keynote Speaker: Steve Pacheco

Enjoy a delicious lunch while hearing from AAF President & CEO, Steve Pacheco. With decades of industry experience and a passion for the future of advertising, Steve will share insights on leadership, innovation, and the power of the AAF network. Get inspired as we gather to learn and lead together.

Room: Chastain Ballroom

1:30 pm – 1:35 pmBreak

Take a moment to recharge, stretch, and connect with fellow attendees. Check your messages or just enjoy a few minutes to yourself before we dive back in.

1:35 pm – 2:50 pmLeadership Activity with David Jones

Get ready to engage, connect, and think differently. In this interactive session led by leadership expert David Jones, you’ll take part in a dynamic activity designed to strengthen collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. A fun and impactful way to level up your leadership skills.

Room: Chastain Ballroom

2:50 pm – 3:00 pmBreak

Take a moment to recharge, stretch, and connect with fellow attendees. Check your messages or just enjoy a few minutes to yourself before we dive back in.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pmSaturday Feature Speaker: Christina Lynch

Money Talks: Financial Oversight for Creative Board Leaders

Description:
Serving on a nonprofit board doesn’t require a finance degree—but it does demand financial fluency. In this interactive workshop, we’ll demystify nonprofit finances so you can lead confidently, even if you’re not the treasurer.

You’ll learn how to read and interpret chapter budgets and financial statements, ask the right questions, and recognize early signs of financial risk or opportunity. We’ll explore how to set realistic budgets, estimate program and event costs, and forecast revenue with limited resources. Leaders will also gain insight into how budgeting decisions reflect organizational priorities and directly impact programming success.

We'll introduce you to the Treasurer’s Toolkit—a set of foundational practices for nonprofit compliance, treasury management, and strategic alignment between mission and money. By the end of the session, you’ll understand how finance supports impact, and how to actively contribute to your board’s financial health—without needing to be a financial expert.

Room: Chastain Ballroom

4:10 pm – 5:10 pmDistrict Board Meetings (Districts 2, 3, 4 & 7)

This time is reserved for individual district board meetings. Each district will break out into its own session to discuss goals, upcoming initiatives, and region-specific updates. Board members, governors, and key leaders—this is your chance to strategize, align, and collaborate with your district.

District 2 - Phoenix 1
District 3 - Peachtree Boardroom
District 4 - Phoenix 2
District 7 - Phoenix 3

7:00 pm – 10:45 pmBuffet Dinner & “Mouth of the South” Show

Wind down the evening with a delicious buffet dinner followed by some unforgettable entertainment! The “Mouth of the South” Show brings high energy, big laughs, and Southern flair to the stage! Don't forget to have your club submit your song choice! More info can be found at: https://www.aafdistrict7.com/events/mouth-of-the-south/

Room: Chastain Ballroom

Sunday

8:00 am - 9:00 amBreakfast & Rollout!

Thank you for coming! Until next time.

Keynote Speaker Line Up

We’re excited to introduce a dynamic lineup of speakers for this year’s Eastern Leadership Conference. Each one brings unique insights and real-world experience across the advertising, marketing, and creative industries. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and energized as they share fresh perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the future of our industry.

Speakers

Lotenna Enwonwu Partner | Executive Creative Director @ BGG Agency

Speaking Friday

BIO:

Lotenna Enwonwu is a partner at BGG Agency, a video-first agency known for transforming brand stories into high-impact content that actually moves people and drives business. With a background that spans UX, brand strategy, and award-winning storytelling, Lotenna has worked across some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Google, Nike, Mailchimp, State Farm, and Microsoft.

What sets him apart isn’t just the portfolio, it’s the perspective. He has led teams on both the agency and in-house sides, built brands from scratch, and turned raw creative talent into decision-making leadership. At BGG, he blends the precision of strategy with the soul of storytelling, helping brands and creative professionals alike rise with clarity and intent.

Beyond client work, Lotenna is passionate about mentorship and creative evolution. A former AAF Vice President and longtime advocate for emerging talent, he has judged student showcases, spoken at conferences, and helped shape the next wave of leaders who don’t just make, but lead.

Sherri Daye Scott Chief Marketing Officer

Speaking Friday

BIO:

Sherri Daye Scott is a storyteller and creative strategist rooted in Southwest Atlanta by way of Myrtle Beach, Madrid, and military bases coast to coast. She most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for WABE, Atlanta’s NPR and PBS station, where she led a full rebrand and helped launch WABE Studios, its original content arm. Sherri's career in media began as an editor at D Magazine and has since spanned brand strategy and content creation for organizations like Accenture, AT&T, Coca-Cola and the National Museum of African American Music. She is also the creator of Big Facts, Small Acts, an award-winning, arts-led public health campaign developed with local artists to help protect Atlanta’s Black and Brown communities during COVID-19.

Doug Boemler Wareing Managing Partner @ AkinsParker

Speaking Friday

BIO:

Doug Boemler Wareing is the Managing Partner of AkinsParker Florida, a creative agency with deep expertise in travel, tourism, and hospitality. If your customers are guests and your products are experiences, there’s a good chance Doug has helped tell that story. His work blends strategy, storytelling, and design to create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.

Doug has spent half his career agency side and half in-house, giving him a broad perspective of creative work. From executive producing live-streamed theme park openings to shaping recruitment and internal culture campaigns, Doug brings a sharp creative eye and an awareness of what makes audiences care. As a speaker, he is passionate about helping teams build workplaces that encourage creativity and helping people be better presenters to live audiences.

But his favorite part of his job is leading a nimble, multi-disciplinary team that loves branding and identity projects, organic video-driven storytelling, and free office lunches. Outside the office, Doug can be found serving at his church, leading a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, reading a book, or weeping about his beloved Miami Dolphins.

Jessica Harvey CEO @ Guy Harvey Foundation

Speaking Friday

BIO:

Jessica Harvey was born and raised in the Caribbean. Her love of the wildlife and the outdoors was inspired by her parents and led her into her career as an environmental conservationist. Now as the CEO of the Foundation, Jessica will work with her team to expand the STEAM driven marine educational resources provided by GHF and it’s partners to move our global community towards a greener economy and healthier environment - one country at a time.

Jessica earned her Bachelors Degree in Zoology at the University of Edinburgh. She then served as a Research Officer in the Terrestrial Resources Unit at the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DoE) for 3.5 years where she assisted with terrestrial wildlife population assessments, invasive species management, guidance notes, educational and legislative initiatives. She served a two year term as a Cabinet appointed member of the National Conservation Council providing terrestrial and marine expertise with a team who’s responsibility is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of Cayman’s natural resources and biological diversity under the National Conservation Act.

In 2017, Jessica started with the Guy Harvey Foundation as the Cayman Project Manager. She and her team provide logistical assistance and educational awareness for the scientific research conducted on pelagic species and southern stingrays in partnership with the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University, Florida. Partnering with local NGOs, Government departments, corporations and private citizens, Jessica and her team plan creative ways to inspire and engage the community and bring awareness to the importance of a balanced and healthy marine ecosystem.

She has joined and assisted many of Dr. Guy Harvey’s fishing and diving expeditions around the world from as young as 5 years old. She currently resides in Florida and equally loves travelling and meeting new people as much as spending time with family and friends at home.

Steve Pacheco President & CEO @ American Advertising Federation

Speaking Saturday during Lunch.

BIO:

Steve Pacheco is the President/CEO of the American Advertising Federation. Pacheco is tasked with designing a future-forward organization consistent with the changes impacting the advertising landscape. His role will span evolution of the AAF’s programs, services and membership; volunteer engagement; and serving as the voice of the advertising industry through advocacy and lobbying on key issues from free commercial speech to the advancement of diversity and inclusion.

Pacheco joins the AAF from Ducks Unlimited, where he was Chief Marketing Officer. He has 30 years of industry experience, more than 20 of which were spent at FedEx as Director of Advertising & Sponsorship Marketing. There, he produced award-winning work, including 12 Super Bowl commercials, FedExCup, NFL and NASCAR ad campaigns. He worked for International Paper as Director of Advertising & Marketing Communications, where he directed their 1996 Summer Olympics sponsorship. He was also a partner in a Memphis-based advertising and design agency, Humphreys Ink.

Pacheco is the first AAF President & CEO to have held leadership roles at every level of the organization, beginning at the collegiate level, President of Memphis Advertising Federation and Chairman of the AAF National Board of Directors in 2011. In 2013, he received the AAF Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal Award and was named The ADVERTISING Club of New York’s “Advertising Person of the Year.

Christina Lynch, EA, MPS, PHR, SHRM-CP CEO @ Trydent Consulting

Workshop Title:

Money Talks: Financial Oversight for Creative Board Leaders

Speaking Saturday.

Description:

Serving on a nonprofit board doesn’t require a finance degree—but it does demand financial fluency. In this interactive workshop, we’ll demystify nonprofit finances so you can lead confidently, even if you’re not the treasurer.

You’ll learn how to read and interpret chapter budgets and financial statements, ask the right questions, and recognize early signs of financial risk or opportunity. We’ll explore how to set realistic budgets, estimate program and event costs, and forecast revenue with limited resources. Leaders will also gain insight into how budgeting decisions reflect organizational priorities and directly impact programming success.

We'll introduce you to the Treasurer’s Toolkit—a set of foundational practices for nonprofit compliance, treasury management, and strategic alignment between mission and money. By the end of the session, you’ll understand how finance supports impact, and how to actively contribute to your board’s financial health—without needing to be a financial expert.

BIO:

Christina Lynch is a nationally recognized business strategist and financial educator with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, creatives, and nonprofit leaders master financial strategy with confidence. As CEO of Trydent Consulting, she has worked with more than 275 businesses and organizations across industries—bridging the gap between mission, money, and management.

Christina specializes in translating complex financial concepts into accessible, actionable guidance for leaders without a finance background. Her expertise spans managerial accounting, organizational development, and program management, and she is known for her clear, people-centered approach to building financial fluency. A sought-after speaker and educator, she has been honored by Florida State University, the Small Business Development Center, and The BOW Collective for her leadership and impact.

In this interactive AAF workshop, Money Talks: Financial Oversight for Creative Board Leaders, Christina brings her signature style—grounded, engaging, and strategic—to empower creatives, media professionals, and agency owners with the tools they need to lead with confidence and clarity in nonprofit financial spaces.

David Jones Founder & CEO of Diversity of Thought, Inc. (D.O.T.I.),

Leading Saturday's Leadership Activity

BIO:

David Jones is the founder and CEO of Diversity of Thought, Inc. (D.O.T.I.), a nationally recognized organization dedicated to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential. With over 25 years of leadership experience, David designs programs that empower people to become the best version of themselves—both personally and professionally.

Under his leadership, D.O.T.I. has earned accolades as Sole Proprietor of the Year and Small Business of the Year, driven by its mission to elevate humanity through business. As a national speaker, David delivers inspiring talks on topics like Discovering Your Company’s Noble Purpose and Building Resilient Mindsets, equipping organizations with tools to thrive in dynamic environments.

David’s professional journey includes leading learning and development efforts at Best Buy, where he achieved notable success in team engagement and education across the Southeastern Region. His commitment to service extends to leadership roles as Vice Chair of the Infrastructure and Oversight Board for Palm Bay, 2024 Chairman of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Government Relations Chair for the American Advertising Federation District 4 Florida/Caribbean.

Above all, David treasures his role as a father to his daughter, Winter Aria, whose love and inspiration fuel his passion for growth and leadership.

Who Should Attend

This event is curated for:

AAF club officers and members across the Eastern Region (both local and district)

Agency professionals, media reps, and brand marketers

Corporate communicators, creative leaders, and future-forward thinkers

Anyone ready to shape what's next in advertising and in our local communities

Register

Early Bird Registration Pricing Ends on August 15th

  • Inlcudes all meals, Mouth of the South, and access to all speakers.

  • Includes Friday Lunch and all Friday speakers

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Book Hotel

I'm ready to book my hotel!

The Cutoff Date for all reservations to be made on the block is September 5, 2025.

Location Information

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead
  • 3285 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30305 US
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Thank You To Our Sponsors For Making The Eastern Remix Conference Possible!

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