Amplifying Human Voices in AI-Driven Market Research
2024-10-30 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Detroit) | Workshop Digital, 3308 West Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, United States
Event Description

Join our next DigitalRVA meetup featuring Ashley E. Sherry, PhD and Jacob Tucker of EmpathixAI for a deep dive into AI-powered market research strategies for digital marketers. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market research while keeping human beings at the center of the process.

With their unique blend of expertise in social sciences, AI development, and software engineering, they’re at the forefront of redefining human-centered research for the digital age.

Ashley and Jacob will cover:

How AI can provide insights and increase efficiency in your research process

The potential biases and ethical considerations for using AI in market research

Real-world examples of successful (and not-so-successful) implementations and the lessons learned, and

Practical, low-cost ways to experiment with AI in your own market research efforts

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to leverage existing AI tools for more meaningful, representative research projects.

Whether you’re just starting to explore AI’s potential for market research or have dabbled in implementation, this meetup will equip you with valuable insights to elevate your market research game – just in time for 2025 planning!

Event Agenda

5:00 – Networking and mingling5:30 – Presentation and FAQ6:30 – Wrap up

Parking Info

There is plenty of street parking around our office in Scott’s Addition. Please do not park in the parking lot, there is limited space and we share this lot with our neighbors.

Register Now

Complete the form below to register for the event. You will receive an email confirmation and notices of future DigitalRVA events.

This event has passed.

About Ashley E. Sherry, PhD

Ashley E. Sherry is the CEO of EmpathixAI and a scientific and public sector leader with 17+ years of experience in applied behavioral science, including at the intersection of AI, leading teams, and building high-budget scientific programs from the ground up. She is a PhD anthropologist and has been recognized by the American Anthropological Association for groundbreaking social theory and interview methods.

About Jacob Tucker

Jacob Tucker is the CTO of EmpathixAI and holds deep technical expertise in AI, web development, statistics, and data analytics applied across academia and government. He similarly holds expertise in survey and ethnographic research. He co-founded the Russia Watcher survey program after raising over $500K in grant funding and is finishing his PhD at Princeton University.

Ashley E.Sherry, PhDCEO & Co-FounderEmpathixAI

Jacob TuckerCTO & Co-FounderEmpathixAI

Digital Marketing Red Flags: How to Spot & Fix Them
2024-11-20 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Detroit) | Workshop Digital, 3308 West Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, United States
Event Description

Join DigitalRVA this November for an insider’s look at how we spot and solve the most common (and costly) mistakes in SEO and Paid Media campaigns. Workshop Digital team members Reilly Phelps, SEO Manager, and Erica Wirth, Senior Paid Media Analyst, will pull back the curtain on proven optimization strategies you can implement right away.

Reilly and Erica will cover:

SEO and Paid Media mistakes that could be impacting your results

A peek at our audit checklist (what we use with our clients!)

Optimization tips that will deliver measurable results

Practical solutions you can implement tomorrow

The event will end with a panel-style Q&A session, where Reilly and Erica will share their expertise and answer your SEO and Paid Media campaign-related questions.

This hands-on session brings us back to the heart of our DigitalRVA community: sharing real-world expertise in a practical, actionable way.

Event Agenda

5:00 – Networking and mingling5:30 – Presentation and FAQ6:30 – Wrap up

Parking Info

There is plenty of street parking around our office in Scott’s Addition. Please do not park in the parking lot, there is limited space and we share this lot with our neighbors.

Register Now

Complete the form below to register for the event. You will receive an email confirmation and notices of future DigitalRVA events.

This event has been canceled.

About Reilly Phelps

Reilly is an SEO Manager specializing in data visualization and on-page optimization. With experience spanning small businesses to enterprise clients across financial services, homebuilding, and healthcare, she brings a versatile perspective to digital marketing. Reilly holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from JMU and multiple technical certifications including GA4, Hotjar, and Adobe Visual Design.

About Erica Wirth

As Senior Paid Media Analyst, Erica has experience managing over $125,000 in monthly ad budgets across diverse industries for across multiple channels, including Google Search, Google Display, Meta, and LinkedIn. She brings diverse industry experience from healthcare to IT services, backed by both agency and in-house marketing expertise. A magna cum laude graduate from JMU’s Marketing program, Erica holds current certifications from Google Ads, Microsoft, and HubSpot.

Reilly PhelpsSeo ManagerWorkshop Digital

Erica WirthSenior Paid Media AnalystWorkshop Digital

Jed Dutton, TemperPack
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Jed Dutton

Jed DuttonTemperPack

New Date: February 13, 20255:30 – 7:30 p.m.

3308 W Clay StreetRichmond, VA 23230

This Event Has Passed!

Event Details

How to Build a Winning Brand in B2B B2B marketing has been called a Sea of Sadness. But brands in this space present a rich opportunity for marketers to invigorate audiences and have a huge impact. Winning B2B brands gets the big things right. In this session, we’ll discuss three big things for success and growth:

U Talkin’ B2B 2 Me? – recognizing what makes B2B unique, plus a few guiding principles

Big M Marketing – understanding the fundamentals that determine whether you can grow and make money

The People’s Marketing – winning the hearts and minds of your audience

The event will end with a Q&A session, where Jed will share their expertise and answer your marketing related questions.

Event Agenda

5:15 – Doors Open5:30 – Grab a drink and find a seat5:40 – Introductions5:45 – Presentation/panel6:00 – Q&A Session6:15 – Meet the Speaker and Networking

Venue Details

Parking Info

There is plenty of street parking around our office in Scott’s Addition. Please do not park in the parking lot, there is limited space and we share this lot with our neighbors.

Registration

This Event Has Passed

This event is sponsored by:

An innovative digital marketing agency, leveraging a data-driven approach to drive SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics marketing strategies.

Learn More

Dustin Artz & Justin Bajan, Familiar Creatures
2025-03-27 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Workshop Digital, 3308 West Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, United States
Dustin Artz & Justin Bajan

Dustin Artz & Justin BajanFamiliar Creatures

March 27, 20255:30 – 7:30 p.m.

3308 W Clay StreetRichmond, VA 23230

How Challenger Brands Can Outsmart Market Leaders: A Playbook

Chances are, the brand you work on isn’t the market leader. It’s a challenger brand—the kind with less money and resources than its larger competitors. You can mimic the marketing efforts of the Goliaths in your industry, or you can zag with strategy and creative to outsmart them.Join Dustin Artz and Justin Bajan, co-founders of Familiar Creatures, as they pull back the curtain on the playbook they use to help challenger brands punch above their weight. They’ve worked with some amazing brands, including Duke’s Mayonnaise, Crunch Fitness, Bubba Burger, and Kernel Season’s, to name a few.Maybe you’ve seen the Duke’s Mayo Bowl Mayonnaise Bath, where a winning coach got doused in mayo while Flavor Flav hyped it up on the sidelines. Or maybe you’ve caught Crunch Fitness’ “Feel Good. Not Bad.” campaign that helped Crunch jump from #7 to #2 in awareness behind category leader Planet Fitness.This is your chance to hear how they do it. From bold creative moves to strategic marketing plays, they’ll break down the unconventional approaches that help challenger brands stand out—and win.Expect real-world case studies, behind-the-scenes insights, and actionable strategies you can use to turn your brand’s challenger status into a competitive advantage.Who should attend?Marketers, brand strategists, creative teams, and business owners who want to push past the obvious and craft marketing that actually makes an impact.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from two industry pros who’ve made a career out of helping brands zag when everyone else zigs.

Registration

This Event Has Passed!

Event Agenda

5:25 – Doors Open5:30 – Grab a drink and find a seat5:40 – Introductions5:45 – Presentation6:00 – Q&A Session6:15 – Meet the Speaker and Networking

Venue Details

This event is sponsored by:

An innovative digital marketing agency, leveraging a data-driven approach to drive SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics marketing strategies.

Learn More

AI Panel
2025-05-22 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)
Beyond the Prompt: Real Talk on Marketing’s AI Future

A Panel on What’s Working, What’s Changing, and What’s Next

Beyond the Prompt:Real Talk on Marketing’s AI Future

May 22, 20255:30 – 7:00 p.m.

3308 W Clay StreetRichmond, VA 23230

Beyond the Prompt: Real Talk on Marketing’s AI Future

AI is no longer just a trend; it’s reshaping how marketers work, think, and create. From content generation to campaign planning, what once felt experimental is now part of the daily workflow. But with so many tools, headlines, and hot takes flying around, it’s hard to know what’s actually working, and what’s just noise.

Join us for a candid conversation with local marketers who are using AI every day across strategy, content, and analytics.

This isn’t your typical intro to AI. We’re going beyond surface-level prompts to dig into the real work of using AI in marketing: what it looks like behind the scenes, where it fits (and doesn’t), and how it’s shaping the way we build, create, and collaborate.

Whether you’re experimenting with tool options or building AI into your workflows, this panel will give you unfiltered insights and practical takeaways from marketers like you.

Expect a no-fluff discussion on:

Real-world applications of AI in marketing workflows

How AI is shifting creative processes (for better or worse)

Lessons learned—whether successful or a flop

The evolving role of marketers

Who should attend?Marketers, content creators, strategists, and digital professionals who want to better understand how AI is actually being used today, and where it’s headed next.

Registration

This event has passed.

The Panelists

Liz B. BakerNimbology, AI Ready RVA

Anthony BurketCorpay

Morgan JarvisWorkshop Digital

Matt MinorDirectus

Event Agenda

5:25 – Doors Open, grab a drink and find a seat5:40 – Introductions5:45 – Moderated Panel Discussion6:25 – Q&A Session6:40 – Meet the Panelists and Networking

Venue Details

This event is sponsored by:

An innovative digital marketing agency, leveraging a data-driven approach to drive SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics marketing strategies.

Learn More

Summer Break! A Social Hour
2025-07-24 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Ardent Craft Ales, 3200 W Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, United States
Summer Break!

A Social Hour

Summer Break!A Social Hour

July 24, 20255:30 – 7:00 p.m.

3200 W Leigh StreetRichmond, VA 23230

Summer Break! A Social Hour

DigitalRVA is hitting pause on the presentations and diving into what makes this community great: real conversations with smart, creative people who get it.

One of the best parts of every DigitalRVA event? The conversations that happen before and after the presentation. This time, we’re skipping the slides and carving out space for those moments to take center stage—with no interruptions, no agenda, and no rush to wrap it up.

Join us for our Summer Break Social Hour—a laid-back happy hour built around connection.

No speakers, no pressure. Just a chance to catch up, share ideas, and talk shop with your fellow marketers, strategists, and digital pros over a cold drink. Whether you’re deep in campaign mode, testing new tools, or just need a breather, this is your chance to unwind, recharge, and talk shop with your people.

What to Expect:

Your first drink is on us (while supplies last!)

A $50 gift card raffle to a favorite local restaurant

(must be present to enter and win!)

A casual, friendly atmosphere with no pressure to pitch or perform

Who Should Attend?

Marketers, creatives, analysts, content pros, and digital folks of all kinds. If you’ve ever left a DigitalRVA meetup feeling energized by the people you met—this one’s for you.

Registration

This event has passed.

This Happy Hour Event was made possible by our generous sponsor:

Event Agenda

5:30 – Meet Up at Ardent6:30 – Raffle Drawing

Venue Details

DigitalRVA is brought to you by:

An innovative digital marketing agency, leveraging a data-driven approach to drive SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics marketing strategies.

Learn More

Thank You to Our Event Sponsor:

Jon Newman, The Hodges Partnership
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)
Evolving Public Relations in a Digital World: The Earned, Owned, Paid Approach

Where PR & Marketing Collide

Evolving Public Relations in a Digital World: The Earned, Owned, Paid Approach

September 25, 20255:30 – 7:00 p.m.

3308 W Clay StreetRichmond, VA 23230

Evolving Public Relations in a Digital World: The Earned, Owned, Paid Approach

Once, PR meant media hits in the morning paper or a segment on the evening news. Today, the digital landscape has reshaped how brands earn attention, tell their story, and build trust. The most effective communicators don’t rely on one channel, they combine earned, owned, and paid media into an integrated strategy that delivers real impact.

Join us this September as Jon Newman, Co-Founder of The Hodges Partnership, shares lessons from nearly four decades in communications. From his days as an award-winning TV and radio reporter to leading media relations at The Martin Agency, and now growing one of the country’s top-ranked PR firms, Jon has been a leader in navigating the massive shifts in how audiences consume information.

Join us for a practical look at where PR and marketing collide, led by one of RVA’s most experienced communications leaders.

He’ll explore the strategies that help brands thrive in today’s environment, including:

How earned, owned, and paid media work together to amplify brand impact

The new realities of digital storytelling and reputation management

Practical strategies marketers and communicators can use today to reach their audiences more effectively

Who Should Attend?Marketers, communicators, PR professionals, and digital specialists who want to better connect the dots between storytelling, strategy, and measurable outcomes.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of Richmond’s most respected communications leaders and connect with peers who are shaping the future of marketing and communications in RVA.

Registration

This event has passed.

This event was made possible by our generous sponsor:

The Speaker

Jon NewmanThe Hodges Partnership

Event Agenda

5:25 – Doors Open5:30 – Grab a drink and find a seat5:40 – Introductions5:45 – Presentation6:00 – Q&A Session6:15 – Meet the Speaker and Networking

Venue Details

This event is sponsored by:

An innovative digital marketing agency, leveraging a data-driven approach to drive SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics marketing strategies.

Learn More

Tim Taliaferro, Arrow
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)
Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up

Finding the Right Campaign Approach

Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up:Finding the Right Campaign Approach

CANCELLED

3308 W Clay StreetRichmond, VA 23230

Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up: Finding The Right Campaign Approach

When launching a campaign, should you start with deep research and a fully formed brand strategy—or move fast with rapid testing and iteration?

In this session, Tim Taliaferro, VP of Strategy at Arrow, will explore both approaches and how they show up in real campaigns. A top-down strategy emphasizes research, audience personas, and planning before launch. A bottom-up approach relies on rapid iteration, ongoing testing, and learning as you go. Both can drive results—but the real power comes when they inform and strengthen each other.

With experience leading brand, content, and media strategies for organizations ranging from global nonprofits to digital-first startups, Tim brings a practical perspective on how marketers can balance strategy and speed to achieve stronger outcomes.

Join us for a practical look at how strategy and iteration fuel each other—and why the strongest campaigns are grounded in both data and brand.

He’ll explore the strategies that help brands thrive in today’s environment, including:

How top-down and bottom-up strategies differ—and where each excels

Why brand research strengthens performance, and why performance data sharpens brand positioning

Practical ways to apply both approaches to improve your own campaigns

Who Should Attend?Growth marketers, brand strategists, and performance-focused professionals who want to connect the dots between research, rapid testing, and measurable outcomes.

Don’t miss this chance to gain insights from a seasoned strategist with decades of experience across publishing, non-profits, and consumer brands—and connect with peers who are driving the future of marketing in RVA.

Registration

This event has been cancelled.

This event was made possible by our generous sponsor:

The Speaker

Tim TaliaferroArrow

Event Agenda

5:25 – Doors Open5:30 – Grab a drink and find a seat5:40 – Introductions5:45 – Presentation6:00 – Q&A Session6:15 – Meet the Speaker and Networking

Venue Details

DigitalRVA is brought to you by:

An innovative digital marketing agency, leveraging a data-driven approach to drive SEO, Paid Media, and Analytics marketing strategies.

Learn More

Thank You to Our Event Sponsor:
