St. Louis businesses now have a dedicated AI resource with the launch of The AI Hat. Building on the success of The Social Media Hat, this new venture provides AI consulting, training, and expert insights to help local SMBs harness AI’s potential.

At the heart of The AI Hat is its renowned podcast, "AI for Business Leaders: The AI Hat Podcast" (formerly "AI in Marketing: Unpacked"). Featuring 50+ expert interviews from Google, Nvidia, HubSpot, and more, the podcast delivers actionable AI strategies for business growth.

The AI Hat’s Core Offerings

1. AI for Business Leaders: The AI Hat Podcast

• Industry insights from top AI experts and leading brands.
• Real-world case studies on AI adoption across various industries.
• Practical strategies to leverage AI for efficiency, innovation, and revenue growth.

2. AI Consulting for Businesses

• Identify custom AI opportunities to streamline operations, cut costs, and boost profitability.
• Personalized guidance to integrate AI solutions into daily workflows.

3. AI Training for Teams

• Hands-on workshops to empower employees with AI knowledge and skills.
• Training on AI tools, automation, and best practices to drive business success.

Why The AI Hat?

"The rebranded podcast reflects our commitment to providing St. Louis business leaders with the resources they need to succeed in the AI era," says Mike Allton, AI expert & podcast host.

Local businesses are already seeing the impact:
"Mike’s insights were mind-blowingly valuable. He showed us the practical steps to implement AI tools that would drive real business growth," says business owner Richard Tubb.

For businesses ready to embrace AI and drive innovation, The AI Hat is the go-to resource for expert guidance, practical training, and strategic consulting.

Explore AI solutions and listen to the podcast at TheAIHat.com.

Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA) has appointed Eric Hamme as President of its Chicago market, a pivotal move for the third-largest media market in the U.S. In this role, Hamme will lead sales, marketing, real estate, public affairs, operations, and finance, driving strategic initiatives that enhance CCOA’s value for advertisers and the Chicago community.

Eric Hamme’s Leadership & Industry Expertise

• 19+ years in advertising and sales, specializing in customer-centric revenue strategies.
• 7 years at CCOA, leveraging technology, data, and OOH media to drive measurable impact.
• Deep expertise in sales leadership, business development, and strategic partnerships.
• Proven track record of accelerating revenue growth and market expansion.

CCOA’s Vision for the Future

"As the advertising landscape evolves, we continue to invest in strategies that propel the OOH industry forward," said Diane Veres, Regional President, CCOA-Midwest & Southwest. "Eric’s expertise in building high-performing teams and cultivating partnerships will drive success for our clients and the local community."

Chicago Market Growth & Strategic Focus

As President of CCOA-Chicago, Hamme will:

• Oversee one of CCOA’s largest OOH media footprints, reaching 92% of the DMA 18+ population weekly.
• Lead brand engagement strategies across roadside, transit, and airport advertising assets.
• Strengthen CCOA’s exclusive advertising presence at Chicago O’Hare & Midway International Airports.
• Develop long-term relationships with advertisers, landlords, and municipal stakeholders.

Eric Hamme’s Career Journey

• Joined CCOA in 2018 as Local Sales Manager for Milwaukee.
• Rose to VP of Sales in 2020 and later Market Manager/VP of Sales in 2022.
• Most recently served as Regional Director of Sales, CCOA-Midwest, leading sales teams across multiple markets.
• Prior experience in radio, TV, and digital advertising at Hearst Television, FOX Sports, Milwaukee Bucks Inc., and Entercom Milwaukee.

"Chicago is a dynamic market, and I’m excited to leverage CCOA’s full suite of solutions to create impactful opportunities for our partners," said Eric Hamme, President, CCOA-Chicago.

With Hamme at the helm, Clear Channel Outdoor is poised for growth, offering advertisers innovative solutions to connect with consumers where they drive, walk, or fly.

A new report by Verified Market Research® projects that the Global AI in Media Market will grow from $10.53 billion in 2024 to $82.45 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 25.8%. AI is transforming the media industry, enabling automated content generation, audience personalization, and advertising optimization.

Market Drivers

• AI-Powered Content Creation – Generative AI and NLP streamline journalism, video editing, and creative media production.
• Audience Engagement & Personalization – AI-driven recommendation engines enhance user experience and content discovery.
• Advertising & Monetization – Predictive analytics and AI-driven ad targeting improve marketing ROI for digital platforms.
• Advancements in Video & Image Processing – AI-driven deepfake technology, interactive media, and sentiment analysis enhance content strategies.

Industry Insights & Trends

• Market Growth (2025-2032) – The AI in Media market will see rapid expansion, fueled by AI adoption in streaming, news, and digital marketing.
• Competitive Landscape – Major players are investing in AI-driven automation, strategic partnerships, and innovation.
• Investment & Opportunities – High-growth sectors include automated journalism, intelligent video editing, and AI-powered advertising solutions.
• Regulatory & Ethical Challenges – Governments are introducing AI regulations, data privacy policies, and compliance frameworks to address ethical concerns.

As AI continues reshaping the media landscape, companies investing in AI-driven solutions will gain a competitive edge in content creation, audience engagement, and ad monetization. The future of media is intelligent, automated, and deeply personalized.

In today’s crowded marketplace, standing out is more challenging than ever. Karen Tiber Leland, a renowned marketing strategist, author, and speaker, provides the expertise leaders need to build a compelling and authentic brand. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped executives, entrepreneurs, and businesses craft powerful brand identities through Sterling Marketing Group, her New York-based consultancy.

Karen’s Expertise & Background

• Marketing & Branding Specialist – Founder of Sterling Marketing Group, advising global business leaders.
• Education & Credentials – Holds a degree in Organizational Management, pursuing a master's at Harvard, and serves on the HBR Advisory Panel & Forbes Agency Council.
• Author & Speaker – Written 12 books, including The Brand Mapping Strategy, and frequently speaks on branding and leadership.

Signature Branding Strategies

• Personal Branding – Helps executives and entrepreneurs define their public image and stand out in their industries.
• Corporate Branding & Rebranding – Guides businesses in creating strong, consistent, and impactful brand identities.
• Rent My Brain Program – Offers one-on-one consulting sessions, tailoring marketing strategies to business goals.
• Workshops & Executive Coaching – Provides group seminars, coaching, and training for business leaders worldwide.

Karen’s Impact on Women in Business

Karen was recently featured on Close Up Radio’s Empowering Women initiative, where she discussed helping women leaders build confidence in their skills and define their personal brands. Her global experience across 50+ countries allows her to provide culturally relevant branding insights to diverse clients.

Upcoming Book & Media Presence

• New Book on Branding – Karen is finalizing a new book on branding and marketing, set for release later this year.
• Media Recognition – Featured in CEO Today, praised for simplifying complex marketing strategies into actionable insights.
• TV & Print Features – Regularly appears on major media outlets, showcasing her expertise in marketing and branding.

Karen Tiber Leland continues to shape the future of branding, offering cutting-edge strategies to help leaders and businesses thrive. Whether through consulting, writing, or speaking, her impact on modern brand development is undeniable.

Apply Digital, a global digital transformation partner, has acquired Ragnarok, a leading personalization and MarTech agency. This strategic acquisition strengthens Apply Digital’s customer engagement and omnichannel marketing capabilities, enhancing its ability to drive impactful business results for clients.

Enhancing Digital Capabilities

• The acquisition enables Apply Digital to support clients across the entire digital lifecycle, from strategy and experience design to engineering and data-driven marketing.
• Ragnarok brings deep expertise in direct marketing, personalization, and data analytics, complementing Apply Digital’s strengths in technology and digital experience design.
• The partnership expands expertise in enterprise MarTech platforms, including Braze, Segment, Mixpanel, Hightouch, and Iterable.

Leadership Insights on the Acquisition

Gautam Lohia, CEO of Apply Digital:

“Ragnarok’s expertise in personalization and data-driven marketing perfectly aligns with our vision. This partnership allows us to provide clients with fully integrated customer engagement strategies beyond building digital products.”

Steven Aldrich, Co-CEO of Ragnarok:

“Together, we offer large enterprises a seamless solution for accelerating digital transformation. With enhanced access to data and technology, we will help clients unlock new growth opportunities.”

Spencer Barrett, Co-CEO of Ragnarok:

“This deal benefits both our clients and teams. We gain exposure to new markets, new skills, and expanded opportunities to innovate.”

Ragnarok’s Market Impact

• Founded in 2012 by Spencer Barrett and Steven Aldrich, Ragnarok has built a reputation for delivering measurable marketing impact through personalization and direct engagement strategies.
• The company serves e-commerce, media, SaaS, healthcare, and FinTech sectors, working with brands such as Dropbox, Upside, and A+E Networks.
• With a team of 50 specialists, Ragnarok strengthens Apply Digital’s ability to create customer-centric, data-driven solutions.

Cultural Alignment and Shared Vision

Beyond the strategic fit, the acquisition is rooted in a shared culture of innovation and collaboration. Apply Digital and Ragnarok both emphasize relationship-driven business models that prioritize client success and team growth.

Gautam Lohia, CEO of Apply Digital:

“Both companies were founded on strong relationships and a shared commitment to innovation. This foundation makes for a powerful partnership.”

The Apply Digital-Ragnarok acquisition marks a significant milestone in the MarTech space, reinforcing Apply Digital’s leadership in digital transformation. Clients will benefit from end-to-end digital solutions, spanning product development, personalization, and customer engagement strategies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the sales industry, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. To explore these innovations, Techsommet is hosting the AI-Driven Sales Automation Virtual Summit on March 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. This event will provide sales professionals, marketers, and business leaders with expert insights, real-world applications, and AI-driven strategies to optimize sales performance.

Keynote Speaker: Ryan Mathers, Sales Engineering Team Lead, Bigtincan

Techsommet is honored to welcome Ryan Mathers as the keynote speaker. With extensive experience in AI-driven sales enablement, Mathers will share invaluable insights on how businesses can leverage AI to redefine sales strategies and enhance productivity.

Keynote Address: "Leveraging AI to Redefine Sales Enablement"

Ryan Mathers will explore the transformative role of AI in sales enablement, covering:

• AI-Driven Sales Enablement: How AI-powered platforms like Bigtincan’s GenieAI automate routine tasks, provide real-time insights, and enhance decision-making.
• Personalized Training & Coaching: AI-driven programs offer tailored learning paths and immersive training experiences that boost sales readiness.
• Adaptive Onboarding: AI enables customized onboarding based on individual learning styles, reducing ramp-up times and improving team integration.
• Enhanced Customer Engagement: AI tools provide intelligent content recommendations and deep insights into buyer behavior, enhancing customer interactions.
• Real-World Applications: Case studies showcasing businesses that have successfully implemented AI-driven sales strategies, improving sales performance and customer satisfaction.

AI’s Expanding Role in Sales

AI is revolutionizing sales by automating tasks, analyzing data, and enhancing strategic decision-making. Key areas of impact include:

• Predictive Analytics: AI analyzes historical data to forecast sales trends and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead Scoring: AI evaluates leads based on data-driven parameters, helping sales teams focus on high-conversion prospects.
• Personalized Customer Experiences: AI-driven tools customize interactions based on individual customer preferences, boosting engagement.
• Sales Forecasting: AI-powered models provide accurate revenue predictions, aiding strategic planning and inventory management.
• Process Automation: AI streamlines repetitive tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and follow-ups, allowing sales teams to focus on relationship-building and deal closures.

The AI-Driven Sales Automation Virtual Summit is a must-attend event for professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving sales landscape. Join industry leaders as they explore AI’s impact, share actionable insights, and showcase innovative solutions to drive sales success.

Branch, a leading linking and measurement partner, has announced advancements in its Performance offering. These innovations focus on privacy-centric attribution, enabling marketers to measure campaign effectiveness across web, app, and offline channels while complying with stringent regulations.

Enhancements in Branch Performance

1. Advanced Compliance Encryption for Regulated Industries

• Enables organizations in highly regulated sectors to leverage ad and data integrations.
• Provides encryption and decryption functionalities to meet HIPAA and other compliance requirements.
• Ensures privacy-safe data processing while maintaining analytical insights.

2. Predictive Aggregate Measurement (PAM)

• Delivers granular campaign insights without compromising user privacy.
• Helps marketers assess campaign performance even as tracking identifiers are deprecated.
• Supported by real-world results, with companies reporting reduced CPA and improved efficiency.

3. Addressing Challenges in Privacy-First Advertising

• Marketers struggle with evolving privacy laws, impacting targeting and costs.
• 88% of advertisers believe privacy regulations affect personalization.
• Branch’s solution bridges the gap between user privacy and actionable marketing insights.

4. Seamless Cross-Platform Attribution and Optimization

• Connects user journeys across web, apps, and offline interactions.
• Helps marketers allocate ad spend efficiently by unifying cost and attribution data.
• Provides privacy-friendly measurement solutions tailored to iOS and Connected TV (CTV) platforms.

5. New Features in Branch Performance Suite

• Privacy-Centric Attribution: Adapts to changing regulations using PAM and SKAdNetwork (SKAN).
• Household Measurement: Measures ad performance across multiple devices, improving retargeting and ROAS assessment.
• ROI Hub: Centralized analytics for optimized budget allocation and campaign insights.

Branch’s latest enhancements empower marketers with privacy-first measurement solutions, helping them optimize campaigns while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. By addressing the complexities of modern attribution, Branch Performance enables businesses to drive growth with confidence.

WTWH Media has appointed Matt Logan as its new CEO, succeeding co-founder Scott McCafferty, who now serves as Chairman of the Board. With over 25 years in B2B media, events, and marketing services, Logan is set to lead WTWH Media’s continued expansion.

Matt Logan’s Industry Experience

• Informa Markets: Former EVP, overseeing 240+ employees in global manufacturing media and events.
• RELX: Led strategic marketing and sales for a global event portfolio.
• McGraw Hill & BusinessWeek: Managed marketing and sales for print, live, and digital media.
• Mecklermedia: Specialized in marketing and sales promotion across multiple platforms.

Logan’s Vision for WTWH Media

• Strengthen WTWH Media as a data-driven, tech-enabled B2B media and events platform.
• Expand multi-vertical audience reach across Engineering, Healthcare, Life Sciences, and Foodservice industries.
• Enhance targeted engagement and demand solutions for marketing partners.

WTWH Media’s Growth and Strategic Partnerships

• Founded in 2006 by Scott McCafferty.
• Partnered with Mountaingate Capital in 2022 for expansion.
• Six strategic acquisitions completed, doubling revenue since the partnership.

McCafferty’s Leadership and Transition

• Expresses gratitude for the team’s dedication and WTWH Media’s success.
• Confident in Logan’s leadership to elevate outcomes for marketing partners and audiences.

With Matt Logan at the helm, WTWH Media is poised for its next phase of innovation and expansion, leveraging deep industry expertise and data-driven marketing strategies.