As the digital marketing landscape evolves at breakneck speed, one powerful truth remains: the brands that thrive tomorrow will be the ones that build connected communities today.
This October, DMWF North America — returning to Marriott Marquis, Times Square, NYC on October 13–14, 2025 — will host a timely and essential session as part of its Social Media, Influencer & Community Marketing track. Titled “Cultivating Connected Communities,” the panel promises to unpack how top brands are navigating platform changes, authenticity expectations, and emerging monetization strategies to build engaged, loyal audiences.
For marketers seeking to turn passive followers into active brand advocates, this panel offers practical guidance and future-facing inspiration.
→ View the full DMWF North America agenda
Key Themes: Real Connections in a Saturated Digital World
With content saturation rising and social media algorithms shifting unpredictably, brands face a growing challenge: how to cut through the noise without compromising authenticity. This panel will examine how marketing leaders are adapting to:
- Increasing demands for authentic brand storytelling
- The rise of creator partnerships and long-term brand ambassadors
- A shift from vanity metrics to retention, sentiment, and meaningful engagement
- Monetizing communities through exclusive content, virtual events, and subscriptions
- Creating a cohesive brand experience across fragmented platforms
These challenges demand more than just creative content — they require strategic alignment across marketing, tech, and community teams.
Meet the Speakers: Brand Leaders at the Forefront of Community Strategy
The panel will feature senior leaders from powerhouse brands who are redefining what community engagement looks like in 2025 and beyond.
Rachel Duffy – Deputy Head of Community Editorial at The Telegraph
Rachel brings a newsroom sensibility to community building, shaping conversations that reflect the values and voices of audiences. At the session, she is expected to share how editorial frameworks — often reserved for publishers — can be adapted to corporate marketing teams to drive engagement rooted in trust, relevance, and authenticity.
Devin Nagy – Global Head of Digital, Tequila at Diageo
Devin is likely to offer insights into how creator co-creation and digital storytelling are transforming Diageo’s approach to brand building — especially within the vibrant and culturally nuanced tequila category. His perspective will help marketers understand how to align influencer strategies with brand values over the long term.
Joy Allen-Altimare – Chief Marketing Officer at Saucony
Joy is expected to discuss how Saucony leverages emotional storytelling and inclusive community design to drive meaningful loyalty. Her approach puts community at the heart of the customer journey, using data and feedback to continually refine engagement strategies.
Haley Schluter – Head of Consumer Engagement at LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics
Haley will likely explore how luxury brands are integrating subscription-based models, digital exclusives, and hybrid virtual/in-person experiences to create deep emotional resonance with their audiences. Her talk is poised to shed light on how monetization can become a value driver — not a barrier — for premium communities.
Jessica Spar – SVP of Digital at Hunter
Jessica is expected to present strategies for delivering cross-channel consistency, helping brands maintain a unified voice across TikTok, Instagram, web, email, and beyond. Her insights will be especially relevant for marketers working to integrate siloed digital experiences.
Marketing Tactics and Tools You’ll Hear About
Attendees can expect actionable strategies for community-driven growth, including:
- Sentiment-focused analytics: Tools that help marketers understand and act on community emotions — not just behaviors.
- AI-powered personalization: How to tailor content and offers to community segments without violating data privacy expectations.
- Creator collaboration platforms: Emerging software that enables efficient and transparent influencer relationships.
- Integrated CX design: Solutions for aligning social, CRM, and web teams around a shared view of the customer journey.
Several DMWF exhibitors will also be showcasing platforms that align with these strategies — from audience intelligence tools to AI-enhanced campaign management solutions.
Why DMWF North America Is Where the Conversation Starts
Now in its next evolution, DMWF North America brings together leading voices in digital transformation, data strategy, content innovation, and customer experience. With dedicated tracks spanning AI, analytics, social media, martech, eCommerce, and more, the event provides both macro trends and tactical playbooks.
The “Cultivating Connected Communities” panel exemplifies DMWF’s commitment to cutting-edge thinking, peer learning, and practical application. Whether you attend in-person in NYC or join virtually, the insights shared in this session will be directly relevant to brand, agency, and platform marketers alike.
→ Register now to attend DMWF North America
Join the Future of Community-Led Marketing
The way brands connect with consumers is changing — fast. Transactional engagement is out. Connection is in. This panel will help marketers move beyond tactics and into long-term strategies that foster loyalty, advocacy, and sustainable growth.
Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from industry pioneers as they chart the next chapter of digital community building. Register for DMWF North America on October 13-14 at Marriott Marquis, Times Square, NYC – secure your pass now.
