Speakers.
Buffy Davey
Buffy Davey is a marketing strategy consultant who specializes in helping "little guys" clarify their message and market like the pros. She works with small teams and nonprofits, helping them transform marketing from an "off the side of someone's desk" job into a grounded and effective part of their overall strategy.
With over fifteen years of experience spanning retail, agency, and nonprofit sectors, Buffy focuses on teaching practical marketing skills that stick. She believes in the beauty of brevity, the power of sticky notes, and that every organization—no matter the size—deserves to connect with people who love what they do.
When she's not helping clients unleash their inner marketer, you can find Buffy making music, sipping a cider, or (on the best days) both.
About Topic
Social Media for Nonprofits: How to Build Engagement Without Burning Out
Creating content that connects—even when you're stretched thin
Nonprofits don't just need social media to work—they need it to work overtime. You're trying to build community, demonstrate impact, drum up new members and donors, all with a skeleton crew juggling a dozen other responsibilities. Meanwhile, the "post three times a day" advice from marketing gurus was written for brands with full-time social media teams, not organizations where the ED is also managing the Instagram account between board meetings.
In this session, we'll explore why most nonprofit social media falls flat and what to do instead. You'll discover the secrets of being a good guest at the social media party, understand why the algorithm rewards audience-centred content (and how to create it) and learn practical strategies for choosing platforms, getting your team involved, and building sustainable social media habits that don't take over your life.
Matthew Cutler
Matthew Cutler was appointed President and CEO of United Way Winnipeg in August 2025, bringing with him both a lifetime of grassroots community involvement and more than two decades of executive leadership in the public sector including roles at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, in Manitoba's Public Service, and with the Toronto Public Service.
Having worked for and volunteered with many United Way agencies, he understands firsthand the vital role these organizations play in people’s lives and in building strong, caring neighborhoods. His graduate training in organizations and leadership theory, combined with his experience leading large teams and stewarding complex organizations, enables him to align strategy and vision with community needs.
At United Way Winnipeg, Matthew supports thousands of volunteers and more than 80 staff who work together to strengthen our city’s social safety net. His leadership is marked by heart, strategy, and integrity—anchored in a belief that lasting social change is achieved through inclusive collaboration, strong relationships, and a deep respect for community.
About Topic
The Ritual of Belonging: How Story and Identity Shapes Marketing in 2026
In an era defined by noise, uncertainty and constant change, it isn't enough to capture attention: marketing must advance a sense of belonging. This requires tapping into the sociology and psychology behind modern communications: how ritual, identity, and storytelling shape connection, trust, and action. Drawing on insights from his career and the research and theory that has guided him, Matthew will reflect on the tools and approaches that help move beyond transactional engagement to foster authentic, durable relationships.
We’ll look at the role of ritual in anchoring meaning, the power of identity in shaping participation, and the importance of story in turning audiences into communities. In 2026 and beyond, these human-centered practices will define how organizations earn credibility, sustain engagement, and invite people into shared purpose.
This session will leave attendees reflecting on how they can design communication that not only informs—but transforms.
Nicole Harris
Nicole Harris is President & CEO of Solv Communications, a strategic communications and reputation management firm. A seasoned professional speaker and executive trainer with more than 25 years of experience, Nicole has worked with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, and global leaders to help them navigate high-stakes communication, crisis situations, and reputation-building efforts.
Her experience includes delivering media training and crisis communication planning for organizations such as the City of Winnipeg, Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and industry associations. Known for her practical, story-driven approach, Nicole equips audiences with actionable tools to communicate confidently, protect reputation, and lead with impact.
About Topic
Reputation Is the New ROI: Building Trust and Visibility in a Digital World
In today’s digital landscape, reputation, trust, and visibility directly influence business success. This session explores how organizations and leaders can intentionally build and protect their reputation online, use media visibility and thought leadership to strengthen credibility, and manage perception during times of challenge or crisis. Grounded in real-world case studies, attendees will walk away with practical strategies for communicating with clarity, consistency, and authenticity in a fast-moving digital environment.
David Hawthorne
David Hawthorne is a marketing and communications executive with a track record of building high-performing teams, driving growth, and leading organizations through change. He is known for combining strategic clarity, candid leadership, and a strong understanding of the digital marketing landscape to help teams move forward with purpose.
Throughout his career, David has led with a belief that great marketing is never just about tools or tactics. It is about people, how we think, what we value, and how well we understand the audiences we serve. As technology and AI continue to reshape the field, he brings a clear point of view: the future belongs to organizations that pair innovation with human insight.
David speaks about leadership, marketing, and change with honesty, energy, and a practical perspective shaped by real-world experience.
About Topic
The Long Game: Attribution, Brand, and What Really Drives Growth
As digital platforms become easier to execute, AI takes on more operational work, and measurement tools grow more sophisticated, the question of what actually drives growth is shifting. This session explores the evolving relationship between attribution, brand, and creativity—and the tension between short-term, highly “accountable” metrics and long-term value creation.
Drawing on experience across nonprofit and digital marketing environments, the presentation examines how organizations can balance efficiency and effectiveness, rethink attribution models, and make smarter investments in brand and creative work.
Attendees will explore why creativity and brand strength are re-emerging as key differentiators, how different channels contribute to growth over time, and how to build marketing programs that look beyond immediate conversion to support sustainable impact.
Steven Maxted
Steven Maxted is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of EH Marketing Company, a fractional marketing agency based in Winnipeg, MB, as well as Type Eh, a Canadian lifestyle brand. With years of experience in content production, social strategy, and podcast management, Steven brings a hands-on approach to marketing — combining creative storytelling with performance-driven execution. He is also the host of the EH Podcast, which serves as both a platform for community voices and a networking tool for clients and collaborators. Steven’s marketing expertise has supported businesses across industries — from agriculture to real estate to e-commerce.
About Topic
Session Write-Up (Topic: Podcasting & Podcast Strategy)
Podcasting has become one of the most effective tools for storytelling, brand building, and connecting with an audience. In this session, we’ll break down the fundamentals of launching and maintaining a successful podcast — whether it’s personal or business-focused. From choosing your tech stack to managing workflows and building a content machine that fuels your marketing efforts, this discussion will walk through practical, real-world insights from someone who has helped launch dozens of shows — including our own, the EH Podcast.
Expect actionable strategies for distribution, brand growth, and using podcasting as a networking and business development tool.
Mitch Joel
Mitch Joel lives at the intersection of technology, business transformation and consumer culture. He is the Co-Founder of ThinkersOne, a platform that enables companies to bring personalized thought leadership from world-class experts into meetings, events and off-sites in focused 15-minute bursts. Mitch is also a globally recognized speaker, advisor, author and long-form interviewer whose work helps leaders navigate disruption, understand emerging technologies and rethink how organizations create value.
Before ThinkersOne, Mitch spent nearly three decades in technology and media. He founded and built a digital marketing agency that worked with some of the world’s largest brands and was later acquired by WPP, where he served as President of a firm operating in 25 countries with almost 3,000 employees. Strategy Magazine has called him “one of North America’s leading visionaries.”
Mitch is the bestselling author of Six Pixels of Separation and CTRL ALT Delete, and the host of Thinking With Mitch Joel, one of the longest-running business podcasts in the world. His writing and commentary appear in outlets including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company and Inc. Magazine.
He has delivered thousands of keynotes across both B2B and B2C industries and is a member of Dr. Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches and the Thinkers50 Radar. Mitch also hosts Groove – The No Treble Podcast, documenting the oral history of electric bass players.
About Topic
Marketing Forward: How the next era of marketing moves beyond attention… into intimacy, intelligence, and impact
Marketing is undergoing its most profound shift since digital began. Move from the Attention Economy to the Intimacy Economy, explore AI-powered one-to-X communication, and discover how to build intelligent, deeply human marketing systems that create compounding value instead of disappearing content.
Panels.
Natalie Bell (Moderator)
Natalie Bell is a dynamic speaker, experienced event host, and community builder based in Winnipeg. With a natural ability to engage audiences, Natalie brings energy, professionalism, and authenticity to every event she emcees. Known for her captivating presence and seamless transitions, she has hosted and moderated numerous panels, conferences, and community events. Beyond the stage, Natalie is a passionate advocate for connection and empowerment, consistently inspiring those around her.
About Topic
The Influencer Playbook: Navigating Today's Creator Economy
What does a successful influencer partnership actually look like — beyond follower counts, vanity metrics, and one-off sponsored posts?
In this panel conversation, you'll hear from creators building real communities across different platforms and content styles. From family lifestyle to Gen Z-driven TikTok to niche content, these speakers represent the diversity of today's creator landscape — and they're here to share what actually works when brands and creators collaborate.
This session brings together honest perspectives on how the creator economy has evolved, what makes partnerships feel authentic, and how to identify the right creator for your campaign goals. Panelists will share what they look for in brand collaborations, the red flags that make them walk away, and the small shifts in approach that lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Whether you're building your first influencer strategy, managing campaigns for clients, or looking for practical ways to make your partnerships more effective, this session will meet you where you are. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate creators, structure offers that work, and measure what actually matters — plus insight into when influencer marketing makes sense for your brand (and when it doesn't).
Moderated by Natalie Bell — 13-year content creator and community connector who's watched the industry evolve from the early blogging days to today's multi-platform creator economy.
Panel participants:
@discoverelle (Family/Lifestyle)
@peaceoge (Gen Z/TikTok)
@hungryinwpg (Niche)
Vivian - @hungryinwpg
Vivian is a food and travel creator who highlights culture through cuisine, with a focus on ethnic foods and authentic experiences.
As a faceless creator, her content lets the food and experience speak for itself first.
Lyndsay - @discoverelle
I’m Lyndsay, I’m a mom of three and the person behind Discoverelle on Instagram and Tiktok, where I share daily moments from family life, travel, and real life through Instagram and blog posts. With eight years of working experience, I bring a unique perspective on showing everyday life authentically while creating content that connects with real people.
Lily & Josh - @wpgeats
WpgEats was born out of a love for food, but today we work on all kinds of content from travel and lifestyle collaborations with brands like Destination Vancouver and Mark’s, to working with some of the most recognizable
food brands in the world like McDonald’s and Little Caesar’s. We love to create a variety of content. From Instagram Reels and TikToks to YouTube vlogs, we're always finding new ways to create and share experiences that speak to our audience.
Peace - @peaceoge
Hi, I'm Peace Ogebule, a lifestyle content creator who focuses on authenticity, storytelling, and community-building. I share real experiences around personal growth, like navigating university life and transitioning into post-grad life, wellness, beauty, and trying new things. My main goal is to offer a perspective rooted in a genuine audience connection and long-term, values-aligned brand partnerships.
Kelly Thibodeau
Kelly is a consultant, trainer and speaker who’s been making online marketing make sense for organizations, nonprofits and industry groups for over 25 years. She’s the Founder and President of Squarely Accessible.
Kelly’s lived experience as the daughter of a disabled mom is the driving force behind her passion for accessible marketing and communications. She's on a mission to humanize accessibility and bust through the myth that it's boring, technical and complicated. She’s combined her background in user-centred design with her expertise in digital accessibility to launch bespoke courses to over 150 professionals from across Canada and around the world.
She’s a Board member with Level It Up, a nonprofit dedicated to finding meaningful work for people on the autism spectrum and she’s on the National Advisory Committee for Partners for Planning, a nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities and their families to create meaningful lives and secure futures, firmly rooted in community.
Panel participants:
- Ashleigh Lodge
- Robyn Kacperski
- Julie Chapko
About Topic
Changemakers in Accessibility — Why Inclusive Marketing Matters
What does accessibility really look like in the real world — beyond checklists, guidelines, and good intentions?
In this panel conversation, you’ll hear from changemakers who are shaping accessible digital experiences through their lived experience and professional work. From design and development to advocacy inside large organizations, these speakers are helping redefine what inclusive marketing can be — and why it matters to everyone.
Moderated by Kelly Thibodeau, this session brings together diverse perspectives on how accessibility shows up (and sometimes gets missed) in everyday marketing and digital communication. Panelists will share honest stories about what it takes to move accessibility forward, the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and the small changes that can make a big difference.
Whether you’re just starting your career, running an agency, or looking for practical ways to make your work more inclusive, this session will meet you where you are. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of why accessible marketing matters, how it connects to real people, and what you can start doing — right now — to be part of the change.
Julie Chapko, Accessibility Specialist, Winnipeg Airports Authority
Julie Chapko is an accessibility specialist and culture-change practitioner working at the intersection of operations, communications, and inclusive design. At Winnipeg Airports Authority, she champions accessibility across digital communications, wayfinding, service delivery, and staff training bringing a systems and lived-experience lens as a hard-of-hearing person.
Julie advocates for proactive, community-informed accessibility, helping organizations move from compliance to inclusive design from the start.
Robyn Kacperski, Brand Strategist and Founder, Little Ghost Creative
Robyn Kacperski is a Brand Director, brand accessibility advocate and the founder of Little Ghost Creative, a global virtual branding studio specializing in immersive brands for hospitality and experience-led businesses. Robyn builds inclusive, accessible brands that work for more people, across more touchpoints, with fewer barriers.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Robyn brings this lived experience to every project. Her work blends systems thinking, human-centred research and story-led strategy to help organizations create brands that feel meaningful and measurably more usable.
Ashleigh Lodge, Product Team Lead, Neovation Learning Solutions
Ashleigh is the leader of the Product Team at Neovation in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She manages a team of over 20 developers, UX designers and QA analysts as they create and maintain eLearning products of all kinds. Ashleigh is on the board of Level It Up, an organization that supports autistic job seekers in finding STEAM roles and careers. While always a worthwhile cause, her support for Level It Up has become more personal recently, after being diagnosed with autism and ADHD (AuDHD) herself.
Ashleigh is a vocal advocate for accessibility and inclusive design, working to make digital websites, apps and products more accessible to users of all types and abilities. Her journey into the world of digital accessibility started with a fibromyalgia diagnosis in 2010 and has continued ever since. She has spoken about accessibility to a variety of audiences, including at Prairie Dev Con, Confoo, CreativeMornings Winnipeg, and at TedxWinnipeg 2019, where she brought the idea and foundations of digital accessibility to an audience of nearly 700 Winnipeggers.
Ashleigh has also published articles on digital accessibility in Code Magazine, and an article on including accessibility in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for the Learning Guild.
In her free time, Ashleigh consumes a truly frightening amount of pop culture media, including movies, TV shows, comic books and novels. You can usually find her with Pokémon Go and Pikmin Bloom open on her phone, no matter where she is or what she's (supposed to be) doing.
Emcee.
Marty Fisher, Show and Tell Agency (Event Emcee)
Marty is the founder of Show and Tell, a marketing agency he has grown over 25 years from a one-person startup into a North American powerhouse serving brands across industries, including Fortune 500 companies.
Curious by nature and always focused on what’s next, Marty has spent his career exploring emerging marketing technologies — from building his first client website in 1998 to leading AI adoption strategies today. He’s known for helping businesses identify the right channels, platforms, and tools to drive real results.
With a B.A. in Economics from the University of Guelph, Marty is also an active mentor and investor, supporting the next generation of founders while continuing to push the boundaries of modern marketing.
Digital Marketing Day is now...
Full Conference
(April 8–9)
April 9th Only
(single day)
Two ways to attend. One shared goal: better work, stronger community.
Our Sponsors.
Market Forward is made possible through the support of our sponsors and partners. Their investment helps strengthen learning, connection, and visibility across Manitoba’s marketing and communications community.
Reception Sponsor.
The April 8 networking reception is proudly supported by:
Presentation Sponsor.
Media Sponsors.
Thank you to our media partners for helping share the stories and conversations behind Market Forward.
Headshot Sponsor
Friends of AAW
Become a Sponsor.
Market Forward is AAW’s reimagined 1.5-day marketing conference, designed to offer deeper learning, stronger networking, and expanded visibility for partners.
We are currently accepting sponsors across multiple tiers, including:
Platinum Sponsor (2 available)
Signature Sponsor
Presentation Sponsor
Reception SponsorMedia Sponsors
Headshot Sponsor
Media & Value-in-Kind Partnerships
Friends of AAW
Sponsorship packages include event passes, on-site visibility, brand placement across printed and digital materials, social promotion, and opportunities to engage directly with attendees.
Download Sponsorship & Advertising Package (PDF)
Interested in discussing a custom partnership?
Contact us to explore sponsorship options.
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Advertising Association of Winnipeg
P.O. Box 2728, Stn. Main., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4B3