Panel Discussion: Demystifying AI

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it’s here, reshaping the way we work, create, and connect in the advertising world. But with innovation comes uncertainty, and our industry is still figuring out how to strike the right balance between the efficiency of automation and the irreplaceable value of human creativity.

That’s where this panel comes in.

We have assembled a dynamic group of voices for a panel discussion focused on demystifying AI and highlighting its positive, practical role in advertising and marketing. Our panelists will share:

• Real-world tools, strategies, and prompts that help marketers and creatives use AI to improve everyday workflows
• Success stories that show how AI can enhance—not replace—the human element
• Smart, nuanced perspectives on the ethical and professional questions AI raises in our field

Attendees can expect an open, honest discussion about the future of our work and walk away with actionable takeaways you can use immediately.

Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panel Discussion 12 – 1 p.m.

Panelists

As Director of Digital Marketing, Katrina Reger is Blue Compass' go-to for all things Google, AI and SEO. Her areas of expertise include AI, SEO, SEM, Google Analytics 4, Google Tag Manager, digital marketing strategies, search algorithm updates and more. If there’s a new digital marketing trend, Katrina is on top of it and ready to break it down for audiences across the world.

Throughout her decade at Blue Compass, she’s flown overseas to train international clients on SEO best practices and has spoken at numerous national events, while also being a regular presenter at our U of Blue and Compass Con digital marketing workshops in Iowa. She maintains inbound marketing certification through HubSpot and is Google Ads certified in her continued efforts to learn and grow as a digital expert and trusted SEO speaker.

Rachel Holmes is a Master’s student in Rhetoric, Composition, & Professional Communication and a graduate research assistant at Iowa State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in Rhetoric and a minor in Technical Communications from Iowa State University. Her interests include technical communication, technical editing, visual communication, and generative AI, specifically AI applications within business communications and workflows. Prior to her graduate studies, she served as an accomplished content professional in the technology space at start-ups and global organizations.

Chris Snider is an associate professor in the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He teaches classes in multimedia and social media, and he is currently teaching Drake's first ever generative AI course. He is also co-founder of the AI education company Innovation Profs, which specializes in generative AI training for businesses and organizations.

Jeroen Corver is the Vice President of Digital Strategy at Townsquare Ignite, the digital advertising arm of Townsquare Media—a leading media, entertainment, and marketing company serving 74 local markets across the United States. Townsquare Ignite delivers performance-driven advertising solutions for local and regional businesses, and our agency partners. Townsquare Media connects audiences through influential local radio, online local content, and digital ad solutions through its own programmatic trading desk.

Jeroen leads Townsquare’s digital advertising initiatives, driving the integration of artificial intelligence into digital advertising strategies for our active clients. With a forward-thinking approach to technology and a deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape, Jeroen is helping shape the future of local advertising through the power of AI.

Moderator

Andy Erickson
Marketing Consultant