Digital Durham – THRIVE Online

Welcome to Digital Durham – THRIVE online

Learn about upcoming digital trends for the future, the power of video for social media marketing, managing your online reputation and more.

All sessions will be RECORDED and available to ticket holders after the event. 

AGENDA:

10:15 – 11:15 pm
Session 1 – Digital trends for digital customers

Panel moderated by Darryl Julott of Digital Main Street

As the Managing Lead in charge of leading Digital Main Street, Darryl has extensive experience working within Public Private partnerships developing outcome-based programming focused on technology adoption and community building/planning.

Digital Main Street (a program created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas) exists to help promote and create healthier, sustainable and economically thriving main street communities and Business Improvement Areas through supporting main street business growth with the adoption of digital tools and technologies. To date, Darryl has been able to engage over 40,000 small businesses across the country.

Panel Members

Kobi Gulersen – Mastercard

Kobi Gulersen is responsible for developing Mastercard’s enterprise commercial partnerships with merchants and the public sector.

Before this role, Kobi has had multiple roles in marketing & communications at Mastercard including B2B, B2B2C & Product marketing, sponsorships, digital strategy and execution, consumer marketing, media and strategic planning. Kobi also has international experience having worked in São Paulo, Brazil as Director of Digital Marketing, Media (on-line and offline) and CRM for Mastercard Brazil focusing on various initiatives including activation of Mastercard’s sponsorship of the Brazilian National Football Team during a World Cup year.

Over his career, Kobi has developed initiatives in Canada, USA, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Chris Saniga – Facebook

Chris Saniga is the Head of Industry for Facebook and Instagram Canada. His primary focus is in the Financial Services, Telecommunications, Entertainment, and eCommerce verticals where he leads industry teams of digital advisors, that are partnering with Canada’s leading companies to drive business results through the Facebook family of apps and services. Before Facebook, Chris was a Partner at Deloitte focused on technology enabled business transformation. Prior to Deloitte, Chris spent 9 years at SAP where he was a Senior Vice President leading the Consulting practice for Canada. Chris is a McMaster University alumnus, and recently completed a program at Kellogg School of Management focused on AI, Automation, & Analytics.

11:20 – 12:20 pm
Session 2 – It’s getting Reel: The Power of Video for Social Media Marketing and Small Business

What is deal with Instagram Reels? How can video engage an audience? During this one hour presentation we will cover the basic how-to on creating engaging video content on your social media pages. We will also cover examples of small businesses that have leveraged their expertise on social media to create international recognition and how you can use your area of knowledge to help grow your following!

About The Presenter – Jen Pandelidis, JSP Communication & Training

Jen has worked in social media and communications for over 8 years. With experience in not-for-profit and small business, Jen has been able to help several organizations build out social media strategy, increase followers and engagement.

Jen holds an undergraduate degree from Brock University and post-graduate certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College, as well as Masters of Education from Ontario Tech University. Jen has taught courses through Durham College and has held positions at Trent University, Nestle Purina, and the Oshawa Community Museum.

Alongside her passion for social media, Jen is passionate about education and with her own small business JSP Communication & Training, hopes to offer training and social media strategy consultation to small businesses.

12:20 – 1:00 pm
LUNCH BREAK / NETWORKING/BREAK OUT GROUPS

Breakout groups:

1. Digital Transformation & Social Media tools with Orzala Quddasi and Daisy Raudales
2. Cyber Security with Stephanie Herrera and Darnley Greson

1:00 – 2:00 pm
9 Steps to Digital Transformation

No matter the size of your business, a full digital transformation can help you grow your business. It’s a virtual part of any business strategy and should always be top of mind.

Join Sean Stephens, CEO of Treefrog Inc, as he shares with you the secrets to digital transformation.

In this session, you’ll learn what digital transformation is and how it can help amplify your business. Sean will share his expertise on the nine steps to digital transformation and the things you need to make it successful.

About the Presenter – Sean Stephens, Treefrog

Sean launched into the world of the web in 1997 when dot-coms were plentiful, and the rules were changing daily. He immersed himself in the technology of websites and servers, databases, and programming languages.

In 2001, Sean moved into his current role as CEO of Treefrog Inc.

Sean is an active speaker and regularly speaks to groups about various subjects relating to Internet technologies. Drawing on his diverse background, technical knowledge, and creativity, Sean puts practical tips and ideas forward to help people learn how to grow their business.

2:00 – 3:00 pm
Session 4 – From Reviews to Revenue: Managing Online Reputation in 2021

In this session we will dig into how small businesses can manage their online reputations to ultimately make them stand out to customers needing the services they offer.

About the Presenter – Andrew McBurney, Review Robin

Andrew is a co-founder and partner at Review Robin, a software company designed to help businesses get more online reviews and manage their reputation online.

3:00 pm
Giveaway, Wrap up & Next Steps

Can’t make the date? Not to worry, as a registered attendee you will have access to the recorded presentations and slide decks.