Stagwell, a challenger network focused on transforming marketing, has announced the acquisition of JetFuel, an experiential marketing agency known for driving brand awareness through immersive experiences, content, and conversations. The acquisition, which will see JetFuel become a subsidiary of Stagwell's integrated experiential agency TEAM, marks another strategic move in the network’s goal to expand its marketing offerings and drive deeper consumer engagement.

JetFuel's Expertise and Growth

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York City, JetFuel has built a reputation as a leading independent agency specializing in live brand experiences, retail and shopper marketing, digital content, and sponsorship activations. Over the years, JetFuel has cultivated a diverse client base, partnering with brands like Walmart, Unilever, Kimberly Clark, and Feastables. The agency blends the innovative spirit of a startup with the solid foundation of traditional agency experience, which has fueled its remarkable growth and success.

Stagwell’s Strategic Move

This acquisition is a key step in Stagwell’s strategy to enhance its experiential marketing capabilities. According to Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, "JetFuel's award-winning experiential capabilities strengthen our commitment to delivering best-in-class experiences for our clients' customers." He added that the acquisition reflects Stagwell’s commitment to maintaining an agile, nimble size that allows the network to produce game-changing work for its clients.

The addition of JetFuel follows Stagwell's earlier acquisitions of Gold Rabbit Sports and ADK GLOBAL in 2024, expanding the network's ability to deliver diverse and impactful marketing solutions. With 11 acquisitions already this year, Stagwell continues to grow its portfolio, building a comprehensive suite of marketing services for its clients.

A New Chapter for JetFuel

Abe Sorcher, CEO of JetFuel, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Joining forces with Stagwell marks the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter for JetFuel. Together, we share a bold ambition to reinvent what live brand experiences can be — pushing boundaries, inspiring deeper connections, and setting new standards for innovation." By integrating JetFuel’s expertise with Stagwell’s high-level data insights and world-class creative resources, the collaboration aims to create transformative and highly effective experiences for brands and their audiences.

Expanding Experiential Marketing Capabilities

Dan Gregory, CEO of TEAM, further emphasized the significance of the acquisition, adding, "We’re excited to bring JetFuel into the network and continue to build out the experiential discipline at Stagwell. As clients continue to recognize the value of authentic live connections in a digital-first world, investing in this key offering and having a diverse roster of agencies who can deliver results-driven campaigns is a game changer."

The integration of JetFuel into Stagwell’s growing roster of agencies is set to revolutionize how brands engage with their customers, reinforcing the network’s commitment to innovation and authentic experiences.

ActiveCampaign, a leader in marketing automation, has named Simon Malkowski as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this pivotal role, Malkowski will spearhead efforts to enhance operational alignment, drive strategy execution, and ensure the company continues its global growth and product innovation.

A Strong Foundation for Growth

ActiveCampaign has been experiencing significant momentum, including its recent acquisition of WhatsApp automation platform Hilos. This acquisition aims to enhance the company’s ability to deliver the most advanced WhatsApp automation solutions to businesses worldwide. Jason VandeBoom, Founder and CEO of ActiveCampaign, praised Malkowski's leadership, noting that his experience in fast-moving environments and his ability to create clarity and momentum across complex organizations will be crucial as the company scales.

"ActiveCampaign has a strong foundation—built on deep customer relationships, a differentiated platform, and a growing global presence," said VandeBoom. "Simon's leadership will help us scale that foundation with greater precision."

Malkowski's Experience and Vision

Malkowski brings a wealth of experience to ActiveCampaign, having previously served as Chief Strategy Officer at Mailchimp. In that role, he was instrumental in designing and executing Mailchimp’s cross-functional growth strategy, leading to the company’s $12 billion acquisition by Intuit, marking the largest bootstrapped tech exit in history. Before his tenure at Mailchimp, Malkowski was a Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he advised Fortune 500 companies on growth acceleration and operational strategy.

In his new role, Malkowski emphasized the importance of alignment in high-growth environments: "In high-growth environments, speed matters—but alignment matters more," he said. "I've spent my career helping organizations turn ambitious strategies into real, measurable impact, and I'm excited to bring that mindset to ActiveCampaign."

Focus on Operational Excellence

Malkowski’s leadership will focus on aligning teams around clear priorities and fostering shared accountability to ensure the company moves swiftly on what matters most. His efforts will be integral to driving continued success and scalability for ActiveCampaign as it expands its platform and serves its growing global customer base.

Simon Malkowski

Malkowski holds a business engineering degree from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, along with a master’s degree in computer science and a PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Malkowski is poised to lead ActiveCampaign’s operations into the next phase of growth.

This appointment follows a series of strategic leadership additions, including C-suite hires in marketing, revenue, and strategy, as ActiveCampaign continues to expand its presence and capabilities in the global market.

In a competitive agency landscape, Epic Blue Marketing is quickly emerging as a powerhouse in digital strategy, public relations, and brand development. Founded in 2019 by Devon Bradley Roof, the agency has grown from a two-person freelance business to a respected partner for small businesses in Southern Michigan. With a commitment to excellence, Epic Blue has become a trusted guide for entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their visibility and impact.

A Foundation Built on Experience and Philosophy

Devon Bradley Roof, an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience across agency, non-profit, and corporate communications, established Epic Blue with a simple but powerful philosophy: excellence is the expectation. This mindset has propelled the agency’s success, setting it apart as a go-to partner for businesses looking to grow.

"What sets us apart isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are," Roof explains. Epic Blue was founded with the unique pairing of deep communication expertise and advanced technical capability, allowing them to offer high-level content strategy and custom website development without outsourcing. This ability to handle multiple facets of the creative process in-house has become a key differentiator for the agency.

A Full-Spectrum Creative Partnership

From its early days, Epic Blue has grown into a diverse team, now including graphic designers, social media managers, and app developers, offering a comprehensive creative partnership for clients. This enables the agency to provide a wide range of services under one roof, simplifying the process for businesses that would otherwise need to rely on different providers for each aspect of their marketing and branding needs.

Roof says, “Most businesses are forced to patch together support from different service providers just to cover the basics. We built Epic Blue to simplify that process, bringing top-tier expertise across multiple disciplines into one trusted team.”

A Consulting Approach That Drives Clarity and Results

What truly sets Epic Blue apart is its consulting approach, which focuses on removing overwhelm and providing clarity and direction for businesses. Whether launching a new initiative or evolving an existing brand, the agency works closely with clients to deliver actionable steps for growth.

"Our clients aren't just accounts—they're partners, and we treat their goals as if they were our own," Roof states. This personalized approach ensures that Epic Blue’s solutions are not only effective but also aligned with each client’s unique needs and values. The agency is committed to building lasting brands through consistency, integrity, and a genuine passion for its clients' success.

A Growing Influence in Michigan’s Creative Economy

As Epic Blue continues to expand its offerings, the agency remains focused on its mission: to help small businesses not just compete, but lead. With a growing reputation for delivering exceptional work, Epic Blue is quickly becoming a business to watch in Michigan's creative economy.

LivePURE, a global leader in health and wellness direct sales, is reshaping the future of network marketing with a bold, customer-centric compensation model. Founded in 2019 by Mr. Dae Geun Jung, the company designed an innovative approach that rewards not only team builders but also those focused on sharing quality products with retail and preferred customers. This groundbreaking strategy emphasizes customer retention while empowering individuals to generate significant income.

Empowering Everyone with the Customer Retention Bonus (CRB)

LivePURE’s Customer Retention Bonus (CRB) was introduced to break down the barriers preventing individuals from earning extra income. The CRB rewards individuals for consistent, customer-focused efforts—allowing everyone, from seasoned professionals to casual users, to earn income by helping others improve their health and well-being.

"Our goal is simple—to help as many people as possible make an extra $1,000 a month by sharing products they love and believe in," said Mr. Dae Geun Jung, the founder and CEO of LivePURE. This program simplifies the earning process and helps people thrive in network marketing without the complexity traditionally associated with the industry.

The Power of the CRB: Real Stories of Success

The CRB’s impact is best exemplified by an inspiring story of an Amish woman from Michigan. Despite having no access to modern technology, she earned over $100,000 in both 2023 and 2024 simply by sharing LivePURE products within her local community. This story underscores the accessibility and inclusiveness of LivePURE’s compensation plan, proving that significant income is achievable for anyone committed to connecting and serving others.

A Thoughtfully Designed Compensation Plan

According to Rick Redford, President of LivePURE, the company’s compensation plan is one of the most thoughtfully designed in the industry. It’s structured to reward the right behaviors, creating a balanced system where both affiliates and influencers can thrive, be recognized, and earn just rewards for their dedication and influence.

"The introduction of our enhanced customer experience combined with the CRB is redefining how to build a sustainable business in network marketing," said Redford. This combination of customer-focused incentives and business-building support creates an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

LivePURE’s Commitment to Integrity and Long-Term Success

Now in its 18th year, LivePURE continues to operate with a debt-free, cash-flow positive, and profitable model, driven by a vision grounded in innovation and integrity. As network marketing and e-commerce continue to evolve, LivePURE proves that putting people first isn’t just a noble goal—it’s the foundation of sustainable success in the modern marketplace.

The Cyphers Agency, a full-service creative marketing firm known for its expertise in strategy and brand development, continues to strengthen its team with the addition of Emily Singh as its new Digital Marketing Coordinator. In this role, Emily will oversee community engagement across social media platforms, manage editorial calendars, and develop original content for clients such as Emerald Financial Partners (EFP), the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), and SNAC International.

Emily Singh’s Role at Cyphers Agency

As Digital Marketing Coordinator, Emily will play a key role in managing and growing the agency's social media presence across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. She will also contribute to the agency's and client’s digital strategies by creating, editing, and publishing blog content, while engaging with online communities to foster deeper connections and brand awareness.

Cyphers Agency's Commitment to Quality Talent

“We are thrilled to have Emily join our team,” said Darren Easton, Vice President of The Cyphers Agency. “When bringing on team members, we look for forward-thinking, professionalism, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and a strong commitment to client care. Emily brings all these qualities, and we’re excited for the impact she’ll have on our clients.”

Emily’s Background and Expertise

A native of Bowie, Maryland, Emily earned dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and media & communications from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). While studying, she gained industry experience as a promotions assistant at iHeartMedia, where she also managed the company’s social media accounts.

"I have always had a passion for the digital space, especially social media," Emily shared. "I am grateful for the opportunity to grow my career while learning from the experienced, accomplished team here at The Cyphers Agency."

Looking Ahead

With Emily’s experience and enthusiasm for social media, The Cyphers Agency is poised to enhance its client engagement strategies and further establish its reputation as a leader in creative marketing. Her addition to the team reinforces the agency’s commitment to providing high-quality digital marketing solutions that drive results.

Parks Associates has revealed the Advisory Board and the key topics for its upcoming eighth annual Future of Video: Business of Streaming conference. The event will be held from November 18-20, 2025 at the Marina del Rey Marriott Hotel in Marina del Rey, California. This conference will bring together industry-leading experts dedicated to shaping the future of digital entertainment and video experiences, providing insights into the latest trends, innovations, and challenges within the streaming video sector.

Advisory Board Members

The 2025 Advisory Board consists of influential executives representing leading companies across media, entertainment, and technology. Their expertise and insights are instrumental in addressing the evolving trends and consumer behaviors influencing video services and distribution. Here are some of the key advisory board members:

• JP Abello, Sr. Director of Product Management, Comcast

• Josh Arensberg, CTO, Media & Entertainment, Verizon

• Carolyn Bisson, Executive Director Research, Warner Bros

• Shane Cannon, President & Founder, Vidgo

• Hollie Choi, President & CEO, OTT.X

• Nick Colsey, Vice President, Sony

• Jill Goldfarb, SVP, Streaming TV, Trusted Media Brands

• Ashane Govind, Manager, Partner Strategy, Peacock TV

• Philippe Guelton, Global President, Canela TV

• Irene Gustaitis, Head of Insights, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios

• Samuel Harowitz, Senior Vice President, Content Acquisitions & Partnerships, Tubi

• Ashley Hovey, Chief Digital Officer, The CW Network

• Mike Levy, SVP, Global Rights Acquisition, FloSports

The board's diverse backgrounds and extensive experience will help guide discussions on the most pressing topics in the future of video.

Topics for the Future of Video 2025

The 2025 Future of Video conference will cover several critical topics shaping the future of streaming and video services, including:

1. Innovations in Content Discovery and Personalization
   Exploring how personalization and AI-driven recommendations are transforming user experiences in content discovery.

2. Monetization Strategies and Ad-supported Streaming Models
   Delving into the latest ad-supported models and revenue strategies in the streaming ecosystem.

3. The Growth of Connected TV Platforms and Digital Ecosystems
   Understanding the rise of Connected TV (CTV) platforms and how digital ecosystems are reshaping viewing habits.

4. Rights Management and Global Content Distribution
   Examining the challenges and solutions related to content rights and global distribution in an increasingly digital world.

5. Next-generation Viewer Engagement and User Experience Design
   Focusing on the next-generation approaches to enhancing viewer engagement and designing seamless, intuitive user experiences.

Findings from Parks Associates Research

Parks Associates’ latest research highlights several trends in the streaming landscape:

• As of Q3 2024, 57% of subscribers across eight leading streaming services, including MAX, Netflix, Disney+, and others, are opting for basic tiers with ads.

• 61% of households that canceled a streaming service in the past 12 months cited price sensitivity, emphasizing the increasing value-driven decisions.

• 57% of users switch services when they can’t find content to watch, while 50% are frustrated by canceled or removed shows.

Looking Ahead

The Future of Video conference will bring together top executives and thought leaders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for the rapidly evolving streaming market. By exploring the changing consumer behaviors and the rise of new business models, the conference will offer a roadmap for stakeholders in the video industry to navigate the future of streaming.

ShopSight, a groundbreaking technology startup, has officially launched its AI-powered platform, designed to revolutionize the way brands connect with consumers. In an era dominated by fleeting trends, ShopSight empowers shoppers to become the true TrendMakers, helping brands stay ahead of the curve by predicting what consumers will want next. Through generative AI, the platform enables brands to directly engage with their audiences, fostering personalization, transparency, and efficiency in today's fast-paced market.

The Vision Behind ShopSight

Founded by Nick Davis, CEO, and a team of experts, ShopSight’s mission is clear: to reshape the future of commerce by bringing brands and consumers together on a single, dynamic platform. By closing the gap between shoppers and brands, ShopSight gives consumers the tools to shape tomorrow’s trends through gamified AI-powered design challenges. This allows shoppers to authentically engage with their favorite brands, earn rewards, and provide direct feedback that helps brands refine their products and predict upcoming trends.

"We're offering consumers a platform to shape the future, while brands get smarter, faster, and more reliable insights," said Nick Davis. "It's a win-win for both parties."

How ShopSight Works

ShopSight is designed to replace outdated market research methods like A/B testing, offering a faster and more efficient way to gather consumer insights. By integrating generative AI into its platform, ShopSight provides a continuous feedback loop for brands, allowing them to make data-driven decisions from ideation to product testing. This process not only helps brands stay ahead of market demands but also ensures that their designs align with customer expectations.

Shoppers participate in design challenges, where their creativity and ideas directly impact future products. This engagement helps brands fine-tune their products in real-time, all while rewarding consumers for their involvement.

Ethical AI for Smarter Decisions

In an age where consumer expectations are at an all-time high, ShopSight ensures that all insights and generated designs are rooted in transparency and ethical AI practices. The platform helps brands design smarter, more sustainable products, reducing waste and optimizing resources based on direct consumer feedback.

"ShopSight's AI technology is truly transformative," said Sarah Sylvester, Advisory Board member and former EVP of Marketing at Victoria's Secret. "It bridges the gap between brands and consumers in a way that's never been done before, creating a space where both parties can grow together."

Impact on the Retail Industry

With ShopSight, brands gain access to real-time consumer insights, enabling them to create products that truly resonate with their target audience. From streamlining the design process to reducing unnecessary product waste, ShopSight provides a comprehensive solution that drives both brand loyalty and sustainability.

"I see huge potential in ShopSight’s ability to reshape the future of retail marketing," said Carlos Pignataro, Advisory Board member and former CTO of Cisco. "This platform not only helps brands but also empowers consumers to have a meaningful impact on product creation."

ShopSight is set to redefine how brands interact with consumers, offering a unique combination of AI innovation, consumer engagement, and sustainable practices. The platform's ability to predict trends, gather actionable insights, and reward shoppers is a game-changer in the world of e-commerce and retail marketing.

A fresh, fearless voice is entering the media landscape. "Her Take", a groundbreaking new podcast, will air every Friday at 11 AM EST from the Valuetainment Studios in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The podcast features a powerhouse team of unapologetic women offering honest and unfiltered discussions on the most pressing stories shaping our world today.

Dynamic Voices Behind "Her Take"

"Her Take" will be led by a rotating group of influential women, including Jillian Michaels, Ana Kasparian, Amy Dangerfield, and Lindy Li. These bold, trailblazing women promise sharp, candid commentary that goes beyond the surface-level headlines. The show stands apart from traditional daytime panels by offering a balanced and contemporary perspective on culture, politics, and media.

In future episodes, high-profile figures such as Sharon Osbourne, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural innovators will join the discussion, bringing diverse voices and real-life experiences to the conversation.

A New Voice in Media

According to Patrick Bet-David, CEO of Valuetainment, "Her Take" is a show that fills a gap in today’s media landscape. “This show is about giving a voice to women who are shaping the moment. It aligns with the lives, beliefs, and perspectives of our audience while delivering something real and essential.”

The podcast offers more than just a platform for opinions—it creates a space where women’s voices can challenge, listen, debate, and find common ground. In the words of Jillian Michaels, “We’re not here to echo each other or toe a party line. We’re here to challenge, listen, debate, and—when it makes sense—find common ground.”

State-of-the-Art Production

Filmed in the world-class Valuetainment Studios, "Her Take" is produced by Chuck LaBella, the renowned Executive Producer behind some of the most compelling content in modern media, including "THE PBD PODCAST." The high-quality production values and the intellectual depth of the show will make it a standout in the crowded podcast space.

"Her Take" offers an alternative to the typical media fare, delivering in-depth, thought-provoking conversations that challenge viewers' thinking. It’s not just another talk show—it’s an unfiltered space where powerful women engage in real dialogue. The show’s diverse group of contributors ensures that it offers a unique perspective on today’s most important topics, from pop culture to politics.