Six members of the Mills team had the opportunity to share their expertise at three conferences in September, engaging with a variety of audiences in the community banking realm, including emerging leaders, marketers, CEOs, and directors.
We asked each speaker to share one key takeaway or observation from their respective conference. Here’s what they had to say.
Maggie Dennis (Senior Account Manager) and Derek Baker (EVP, Growth and Innovation) were first up, presenting to a group of emerging community bank leaders (non-marketers) at the ICBA LEAD FWD Summit. They led two sessions: A small group discussion weighing the pros and cons of digital advertising – and an interactive trivia contest with questions centered on user experience, data and analytics, and performance marketing.
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“It was great to go back and forth to address concerns and uncover myths about digital advertising with a group of non-marketers. It is always eye-opening to learn about things outside of your day job.” Derek Baker
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Brooke Lange (Assistant Art Director), Margaret Diggins (Graphic Designer), Devin Kono (Senior Account Manager), Derek Baker (EVP, Growth and Innovation), and Crystal Steinbach (Digital Marketing Director) shared their knowledge with bank marketers at the ICBA Community Bank Marketing Seminar.
Brooke, Margaret and Derek took a deep dive into brand management, emphasizing the importance of a strong brand and how it can help banks distinguish themselves from competitors in their presentation: “Don’t Hate. Differentiate!”
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“The audiences at in-person conferences are so engaged these days. They are showing up with a purpose and taking the time to learn. They come up and introduce themselves after sessions and make connections with their peer groups. If you are going to take the time to attend conferences, be sure to maximize the opportunities. There are so many talented and knowledgeable people out there to help you grow personally and professionally.”
Derek Baker |
In Devin’s presentation – “Marketing and Promotion Planning” – he laid out the foundations of a quality marketing campaign strategy, which included identifying your audience(s), determining messaging and content, identifying marketing tactics, folding in campaign components, and setting goals and measurements.
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Devin Kono |
Also in Minneapolis, Crystal enlightened audience members with her presentation:
“Treat Your Website Like a Branch … Because It Is!” (If this topic intrigues you, be sure to read the full article in this issue.)
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“I recognize and appreciate how multi-talented bank marketers are. They’re tasked with managing branch marketing materials, making website updates, and utilizing multiple platforms and tools for marketing communications, all while maintaining intricate knowledge of their bank’s products and services. That’s why continual learning is so necessary to keep up with the quickly evolving technologies and tactics.” |
Crystal wrapped up our September tour in Roanoke, West Virginia, sharing a version of
“Treat Your Website Like a Branch … Because It Is!” tailored to her audience of community bank CEOs and directors.
Want to see the Mills team at an upcoming event? See where we’ll be next!
Would you like Mills to present at your institution?