Strategic leader vs. people pleaser. Fractional CMO Shanee Ben-Zur breaks down the defining tension at the top of marketing, and she’s not sugarcoating it.
This clip from our CMO panel is giving us things to think about. 🤔
Creativity, AI, and connections, all in one evening! ✨
We’re excited to partner with NextNW for Creativity in an AI World on May 21 (3-5 PM). After their event wraps up, keep the conversations going at our AMA Puget Sound May Market Mixer, happening right after.
We’d love to see you attend both — come for the fresh ideas, then stay to mix, connect, and meet fellow marketing and creative professionals.
Plus, NextNW event attendees can enjoy FREE admission to our mixer as a special discount after registration.
Secure your spot (link in bio)
NextNW Spotlight!
Seattle-based creative agency Milli is doing what few brands manage to pull off, making legacy feel current without losing its soul. Their “Find Your Rare” campaign for Evergreen @goodwill reimagines the story of a 100-year-old thrift brand, bringing new relevance while staying grounded in its original mission of community impact.
Spanning out-of-home, influencer collaborations, in-store experiences, and narrative strategy, the work is a strong example of what thoughtful, full-spectrum creative looks like today.
A standout from the Pacific Northwest creative community and a reminder of the power of purpose-driven storytelling.
Graphic credit: @milliagency
On June 3, the Cascadia Creative Awards bring together the Great Northwest advertising community to celebrate the work defining our region, with winners recognized across 10 categories and one room full of the industry’s best ideas.
Join us from 5:30–9:30 PM at @castawayportland , where the night moves seamlessly from cocktails to awards to the kind of conversations that shape what comes next.
Tickets are live through the link in our bio.
Join us on May 21 for Creativity in an AI World. A candid, no-BS conversation with creative leaders redefining what great work looks like right now.
May 21 | 3–5 PM
Hosted at @copacinofujikado , Seattle
If you care about the future of ideas, this is your room. A must-attend for the Pacific Northwest creative community, marketing thought leadership, and creative industry events that actually matter.
Tickets are live through link in bio.
Meet Gabriel —
Gabriel Felton has already made a splash since he joined in early 2025—connecting with different people and their work from around the region and planning the NextNW Open. Jumping into new endeavors is familiar territory for him though. From radio to TV to restauranteur-ing to marketing and advertising, Gabriel has enjoyed the many facets of his career.
Right now the foodie-business side of him is prepping for grilling season with an eye on kebab skewers, while his marketing brain is pondering how to be authentic in the age of AI. We’re thrilled Gabriel has added our organization to his juggling act and look forward to collabs ahead!
Turns out, putting a bunch of smart, creative people in a room with good drinks still works. Extremely Happy Happy Hour at Good Bar brought together the Seattle crowd for an evening of easy conversation, new connections, and a reminder that networking doesn’t have to feel like networking.
Thanks to @customer.io for making it happen.
Same energy next time!
Hey Portland! Join us May 14 for Brand Portland: Marketing an Iconic City, a conversation on how storytelling, tourism, media, and civic leadership influence the future of the city.
Featuring:
• Marcus Hibdon
• Shaniqua Henry-Davis
• David Cress
• Ryan Buchanan
Moderated by Kent Lewis, NextNW
Hosted at @thesis.agency
Don't miss this, link in bio!
We’re putting on a happy hour in Bend, OR and you’re invited!
Join the Great Northwest creative community for an evening of connection, conversation, and community building with fellow marketing and media professionals. This is one of those creative networking events where ideas are shared, collaborations start, and the NextNW community comes to life.
In partnership with @BendProductionSociety@CentralOregonFilmOffice@oregonmediaproduction , all working together to support PNW marketing talent and create more space for creative industry events across the region.
See you there.
We’re bringing Extremely Happy Hour to @1338tryon on May 7 for an evening that blends connection with hands-on brand experience. Expect good people, easy conversation, and a few surprises along the way.
As always, shoutout our corporate sponsor, @amazon .
Register via link in bio.
How will AI change brand discovery?
Matt Sutton, SVP at Columbia Sportswear, shared his perspective at our latest CMO panel.
Join us at our next creative industry events and marketing panels and talks with leaders from across the Great Northwest creative community.
🔗 Link in bio to learn more.
Between AI, shifting platforms, and constant pressure to prove results, there is a lot to navigate and even more to question. That is why we are skipping the presentations and opening the floor.
Join us May 5 for a live AMA with Kent Lewis, Danny Decker, and Lauren Ridgley, moderated by Alena Campagna, and get real answers to the challenges you are navigating.
Register via link in bio!
