From Artificial Intelligence to Influencer Marketing: Conference Spotlight on Digital Disruption in Marketing 2.0 at DePaul University

On October 9, 2025, DePaul University’s Public Relations and Advertising Program in the College of Communication hosted the Digital Disruption in Marketing 2.0 conference in collaboration with the ANA Educational Foundation (AEF). This one-day event brought together industry leaders, marketing professionals, and the academic community to explore how cutting-edge technologies—from artificial intelligence to influencer marketing—are reshaping the future of brand growth and consumer engagement. Through a series of presentations, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities, attendees gained firsthand insights from top marketing minds representing companies such as Instant Pot, Culligan International, Pampered Chef, United Airlines, Kepler, and E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley. The conference emphasized the importance of embracing technology innovation, while maintaining brand authenticity and being human in today’s evolving digital landscape. These conversations also highlighted the need for continued dialogue between scholars and practitioners about the broader social, organizational, and ethical implications of AI-driven innovation in advertising and marketing.