It’s an honor to welcome you to our first District event of the year - AAF D10 Summit “Trending Tides” – an exhilarating gathering of the brightest minds in advertising, marketing, and creative industries, set against the beautiful tropical backdrop of South Padre Island, Texas!
I’m thrilled to have you join us for what promises to be an inspiring and dynamic event Over the next few days, you’ll have the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with industry leaders, innovators, and fellow professionals from over eighteen AAF Chapter Clubs who are pushing the boundaries of creativity and strategy.
The AAF D10 Summit is all about fostering a spirit of innovation and growth From in-depth workshops and panel discussions to keynote presentations from top experts in our field, you’ll gain insights into the latest trends, emerging technologies, and best practices that are reshaping the advertising and marketing landscape. Whether you ’ re here to learn, network, or ignite new ideas, I know you’ll find this summit both valuable and energizing.
Beyond the sessions, I hope you take time to enjoy the beauty and charm of South Padre Island. It’s a perfect setting to unwind, reflect, and sip a few adult libations. Whether you ' re walking along the beach or catching an amazing South Texas sunset, the island provides the perfect balance of relaxation and recharging as we dive into the future of our industry.
Thank you for being part of this year ’ s summit. Your passion, creativity, and dedication to AAF and our field are what make District 10 so special. I look forward to an unforgettable experience together and an opportunity to engage, embrace, and elevate District 10.
AAF Rio Grande Valley Board of Directors and AAF D10 Summit Committee
Sally Fraustro Guerra
Kimberly Selber
Maria Alvarez
Lucy garcia
Flower Guerrero
Steve Jennings
Pollux Castor Creative Team
A. B. Barrera
Karla Castillo-Hurtado R.C. Cepeda
Jacqueline Folacci
AAF District 10 Club Map
ARKANSAS
AAF N.E. Arkansas
LOUISIANA
AAF Shreveport/Bossier
OKLAHOMA
AAF Oklahoma City
AD2 Oklahoma City
TEXAS
AAF Amarillo
AAF Austin
AAF Coastal Bend
AAF Dallas
AAF East Texas
AAF Fort Worth
AAF Houston
AAF Lubbock
AAF Rio Grande Valley
AAF San Antonio
AD2 Amarillo
AD2 Austin
AD2 Dallas
AD2 Houston
CHEERS
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26TH 7-9 PM
Welcome Reception
South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Aligator Sanctuary
Sponsored by Richmond & Garcia
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27TH 6-9 PM
Beach Bash
Bar Louie Beach Bar at the Marriott
Sponsored by SOCIALIFE
SATURDAY
SEPT. 28TH 6-9 PM
So Long Bayside
Longboard Bar and Grill
*Shuttle leaves at 6 PM from the Marriott; Returns at 9 PM
Sponsored by AAF District 10 & District Governor, A. B. Barrera
8:30-9:30
9:30 AM Keynote: Wendy Knight Keynote: Aldo Quevedo
10:30-11:15
MORNING
Sponsored by
Wendy KnightCEO Sea Turtle, Inc.
From “Sea” Grass Roots to International Stage
Nothing tests your skills like a once-ina-hundred-year weather phenomenon, coupled with a power outage of statewide proportion, a fuel shortage, and more than 5,300 cold stun sea turtles during an international pandemic. With the world watching, Wendy and her team brought the South Padre Island non-profit Sea Turtle, Inc., and their mission into the spotlight.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Sponsored by
Travelers, Dreamers & Want-to-get-awayers
Discover how to create meaningful tourism campaigns that authentically highlight cultural richness, champion sustainability, and embrace cutting-edge technology. Our panelists will share their insights on balancing aspirational travel with responsible messaging and delivering immersive, personalized experiences that resonate with today’s travelers. Learn what’s shaping the future of tourism marketing.
Unleashing the Omnicultural Superpower: The Key to Inclusive Advertising
We'll explore how brands can tap into the power of an Omnicultural mindset to connect with today’s diverse and interconnected audiences. Embracing cultural fluidity and moving beyond traditional demographic categories can drive more authentic and inclusive marketing strategies.
Ben James Chief Innovation Officer GALE
Sponsored by
Francisco Cárdenas Principal of Digital Strategy & Integration LERMA/
Algorithms, personalization, and the rise of subscription-based, ad-free platforms are transforming the way brands engage with consumers. This chat will challenge marketers and agencies into this shift, and reflect on delivering value in a world where consumers control the narrative and curate their own brand journeys.
What do we do with all this talk of a creative revolution?
The revolution is that creativity does not belong to one department and it is not entirely about crafting assets. Creativity is an approach.
BREAKOUT SCHEDULE
Osprey Room
Friday saturday
10:30 AM SMALL BUDGET, BIG RESULTS NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
Sabrina Walker-Hernandez CEO, Supporting World Hope
11:30 AM We Trust You
Jimmy Asa Director of Advertising Review
Better Business Bureau
2:00 PM Digital Marketing: What Questions Should You Be Asking?
Katelynn Martin Senior Account Executive MiQ Digital
Scott Robbins Sales Director MiQ Digital
3:00 PM
ASK THE EXPERTS IN MAIN BALLROOM
SECOND MORNING KEYNOTE IN MAIN BALLROOM
PRECISIONS PIXELS: MASTERING THE ART OF DIGITAL TARGETING
Ray Cantu
Digital Sales Manager
Nexstar Digital
BRIDGING CULTURES
Pollux Castor
Dr. Lynda Laurin, CEO
Adan Garcia, Dir. of Brand Strategy AV Garcia, Creative Director
CONSUMER CULTURE
BJ Gerjes, CEO Creative Consumer Research
4:00 PM
S
U M M I T Trending Tides
Sandpiper Room
27 28 Friday saturday
10:30 AM DOES AI HAVE A PLACE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Alex Garrido
Dir. of Digital Mktg & Analytics
UT Rio Grande Valley
11:30 AM augmented Reality for Advertisers
Nate Essin Founder & Author N Squared Newsletter
2:00 PM THE AGONY AND ECSTASY OF AI IN CREATIVE PRODUCTION
Wilson Lemieux
CD/Executive Producer Lemieux Company
Alex Garrido
Dir. of Digital Mktg & Analytics
UT Rio Grande Valley
Nate Essin
Founder & Author N Squared Newsletter
3:00 PM
ASK THE EXPERTS IN MAIN BALLROOM
4:00 PM
SECOND MORNING KEYNOTE IN MAIN BALLROOM
BALANCE BEFORE BURNOUT: BUILDING A LIFE YOU LOVE
Dr. Barbara Bagerly-Hinojosa CEO, Leadership Empowerment Group
GOVERNMENT UPDATE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Jonathan Hunt
SEO Principal, PMG Vice President, AAF Austin
PREPARING YOUR CLUB BOOK
Stephanie Price Chair, AAF Council of Governors
Be Ready When Luck Hits: A Panel For Students
Breakout Speakers
MC - Brian Hale CBS 4 Chief meteorologist
MC - Daniella Banda
NBC 23 Lifestyle Reporter
Jimmy Asa Dir. of Advertising Review, BBB
Dr Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa CEO, Leadership Empowerment Grp.
Ray Cantu Digital Sales Mgr, Nexstar Media
Nate Essin
Founder N Squared Newsletter
Adan Garcia Dir. Brand Strategy, Pollux Castor
AV Garcia Creative Director, Pollux Castor
Breakout Speakers
Alex Garrido Dir. Digital Mktg, UTRGV
Jonathan Hunt SEO Principal, PMG
BJ Gerjes CEO, Creative Consumer Research
Dr Lynda Laurin CEO, Pollux Castor Creative
Wilson Lemieux CD/Exec Producer, Lemieux Co.
Katelynn Martin Sr. Account Exec., MiQ Digital
Scott Robbins Sales Dir., MiQ Digital
Sabrina Walker-Hernandez Pres/CEO, Supporting World Hope
