After Hours Buzz

Summary In this conversation, Toni Caracciolo shares her remarkable journey through the marketing and attractions industry, reflecting on how her early experiences shaped her career and leadership style. She discusses the importance of building fully integrated marketing strategies, why strong data should guide creative decisions, and how understanding the guest experience is central to effective storytelling. Toni opens up about launching major attractions, navigating the challenges of evolving audiences, and developing a unified brand voice across large teams. She also highlights the role mentorship played in her growth, the power of cross-functional collaboration, and why adaptability is essential in a constantly shifting marketing landscape. Takeaways All strong marketing plans begin with a clear situation analysis. Objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Effective strategy requires deeply understanding target audiences and crafting message pillars. Tactics need clearly defined actions, owners, and timelines. Marketing is a living, breathing system that must be continuously optimized. Data should inspire creativity, not limit it. Cross-functional teamwork is crucial when building and launching large marketing campaigns. Mentorship can fundamentally shape a marketer’s career trajectory. Great leadership comes from communication, listening, and empathy. Long-term success requires honoring work-life balance and knowing when to reset. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Marketing Strategies 07:27 — Toni’s Professional Journey 10:55 — Building a Unifying Brand Voice 19:40 — Launching New Attractions 24:14 — Redefining Audience Connections 32:51 — Overview of Falcons Beyond 43:30 — Exploring Non-Alcoholic Refreshments 44:27 — Building a Full-Funnel Marketing Plan 46:45 — The Evolution of Marketable Experiences 50:31 — The SauceTech Framework for Marketing Plans 54:15 — The Importance of Cross-Functional Collaboration 58:29 — The Role of Marketing in the Experience Economy 01:01:34 — Turning Objectives into Actionable Tactics 01:04:13 — Balancing Data-Driven Insights with Creativity 01:07:20 — The Necessity of Pivoting in Marketing Plans 01:11:27 — Mentorship and Leadership in Marketing

Summary In this episode of After Hours Buzz, we sit down with Kyle Sturley from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission to unpack the strategy, teamwork, and behind-the-scenes coordination that power some of Central Florida’s biggest sporting events. Kyle shares her professional journey in the sports industry and offers a clear look at what it takes to market major events, collaborate across multiple counties, and strengthen Orlando’s position as a leading sports destination. She discusses the importance of communication, relationship building, and community engagement, along with the long-term planning required to bring high-profile sports moments to life in Orlando. From celebrating women in sports through the Women in Sports Luncheon to recognizing the unsung heroes who make major events possible at The Sporties, Kyle highlights the people, processes, and partnerships that shape Orlando’s sports ecosystem. She also shares valuable insights into the future of sports tourism and the exciting initiatives on the horizon for the region. Takeaways Kyle Sturley shares her journey to becoming VP of Marketing at the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. Orlando’s unique position as a sports destination due to its theme parks, venues, and overall infrastructure. The role of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission in driving economic impact through sports events. Insights into the bidding process for major sports events in Orlando. The importance of collaboration among stakeholders and building strong relationships within the sports community. Kyle emphasizes the need for adaptability and flexibility in sports marketing. The growing impact of youth sports, especially volleyball and soccer, on the local sports landscape. The importance of recognizing and celebrating the individuals who work behind the scenes to make events successful. Chapters 00:00 The Bourbon Break: Getting to Know Kyle 03:12 Kyle's Journey into Marketing and Sports 04:53 The Role of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission 06:15 Growth and Evolution in Sports Marketing 08:36 Event Management and Collaboration Challenges 11:14 Marketing Strategies for Sports Events 14:07 Behind the Scenes of Event Bidding 16:31 Lessons Learned from Event Management 29:51 Lessons from Early Events 35:11 Building Relationships in the Sports Industry 35:57 International Experience and Sports 36:33 Orlando's Unique Sports Landscape 40:58 Popular Sports in Orlando 45:09 Collaboration Across the Sports Community 46:52 Signature Events: Celebrating Women in Sports 53:25 Future of Sports in Orlando

Summary In our first-ever solo episode of After Hours Buzz , we’re introducing Wine Down Wednesday — a new series where Grace Elizabeth pours a glass and dives into the latest trends, insights, and stories shaping the marketing world. In this episode, Grace discusses the latest updates in digital marketing, focusing on Meta's Andromeda update. She shares her personal experience with wine and transitions into the significant changes in Meta's advertising platform. The conversation covers the importance of creative diversification, the new AI-driven ad system, and the necessary adjustments advertisers must make to adapt to these changes. Grace emphasizes the need for a simplified account structure and the future of advertising on Meta, encouraging listeners to embrace the new strategies for success. Struggling with Meta Ad performance? Book a free strategy session today: https://meetings.hubspot.com/grace143 Learn more about Social Media Advertising. Explore our business page for more insights and strategies: https://www.chatterbuzzmedia.com/social-media-advertising/ Takeaways Meta's biggest platform update since 2019 is Andromeda. Andromeda is Meta's new ad retrieval system. Creative diversification is crucial for effective advertising. Meta recommends having 20 new ad concepts per week. The future of advertising is focused on creative portfolios. Consolidating campaigns is essential for success. The AI will optimize ad delivery based on user behavior. Chapters 00:00 Wine Wednesday: A Toast to New Beginnings 02:52 Meta's Andromeda Update: A Game Changer in Advertising 07:51 Understanding Andromeda: The New Ad Retrieval System 12:40 Creative Diversification: The Key to Success 19:46 Adapting to Change: Strategies for Advertisers

Summary In this episode, Adeta Gayah, Senior Director of Social Media and Content at Visit Orlando, shares her inspiring journey from early innovations in hospitality marketing to leading large-scale destination campaigns that connect with audiences around the world. She dives into how authenticity, emotional storytelling, and cultural awareness fuel meaningful engagement, and how the lines between influencer marketing and content creation continue to evolve. Adeta also highlights Visit Orlando’s most impactful initiatives, from the 20th anniversary of Magical Dining to the Gen Z–driven City Break campaign, while offering a forward-looking perspective on how AI, creativity, and community will shape the future of tourism marketing. Takeaways Adeta Gayah’s 15+ year marketing journey shows the power of adaptability and lifelong learning. Emotional storytelling remains the foundation of authentic digital engagement. True innovation often emerges from solving unexpected challenges. Artificial intelligence is redefining how marketers create, analyze, and connect. Cultural awareness is key to building campaigns that resonate globally. Successful influencer marketing starts with clarity: clear goals, audiences, and expectations. Social listening provides the data needed to make emotionally intelligent decisions. Magical Dining continues to elevate Orlando’s culinary scene while giving back to local charities. Reaching diverse audiences strengthens both community connection and brand impact. Visit Orlando’s City Break campaign redefines how destinations engage Gen Z travelers. Great leaders inspire by providing a clear vision and empowering their teams to bring that vision to life. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Adeta Gayah and Her Journey 03:56 – Innovations in Marketing: Early Career Insights 07:44 – Cultural Adaptation in Marketing Campaigns 12:06 – Building Authentic Online Communities 16:02 – Influencer Marketing vs. Content Creation 19:48 – Defining Influencers and Content Creators 23:57 – Strategies for Successful Influencer Campaigns 27:58 – Challenges and Best Practices in Influencer Marketing 32:21 – Understanding Social Listening and Its Impact 35:49 – Celebrating 20 Years of Magical Dining 40:32 – Targeting Diverse Audiences for Visit Orlando 45:14 – Navigating Post-COVID Visitor Trends 49:43 – The Future of Travel Marketing with AI 52:15 – Spill it

Summary In this episode of After Hours Buzz , host Grace Urwin sits down with Colin Van Exel, founder of Ecxelerated Sales Solutions and a veteran sales leader with decades of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies and SMBs. Together, they explore The Buyer’s Journey , discussing how businesses can move prospects from awareness to advocacy while building trust and driving sustainable growth. Colin explains the common pitfalls companies face when trying to scale, why asking the right discovery questions matters, and how to create a revenue engine that delivers consistent results. He also shares his perspective on leadership, strategy, and the tools that help teams perform at their best. In this conversation, Colin dives into: Defining the five stages of the Buyer’s Journey and why they matter How to spot bottlenecks and inefficiencies in your sales funnel The role of servant leadership in building trust and effective teams Essential tools, KPIs, and metrics for scaling sales Why understanding customer problems is the key to consistent growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Insights 05:22 Ty Temel's Marketing Journey 10:57 Lessons from Google Ads Experience 17:37 Google Ads Strategies and Metrics 21:46 Industry Insights and Best Practices 26:17 Optimizing Campaigns for Cost Efficiency 30:07 Patience in Google Ads Management 31:56 Essential Tracking for Google Ads 33:44 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Google Ads 35:28 Navigating Google Ads Campaign Structures 39:57 Strategies for Local vs. National Campaigns 43:47 Top Tips for Successful Google Ads 46:42 The Importance of CRM in Marketing 48:36 Future Trends in Google Ads

Summary In this episode of After Hours Buzz, host Grace Urwin engages with Ty Temel, a seasoned expert in Google Ads and digital marketing. They discuss Ty's journey from a college student running ads for friends to becoming a senior paid media manager at Google. Ty shares valuable insights on the importance of data tracking, effective Google Ads strategies, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. The conversation also touches on the challenges of various industries in PPC advertising and the significance of retargeting for brand awareness. Ty emphasizes the need for patience and strategic planning in running successful Google Ads campaigns, while also highlighting future trends in the industry. In this conversation, Ty dives into: Breaking down the essentials of building high-performing Google Ads campaigns Explaining the difference between campaign strategies for local vs. national businesses Unpacking the power of retargeting and customer intent Sharing why patience and long-term thinking are critical when it comes to success Covering emerging trends like Performance Max and the shift toward exact match keywords Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Insights 05:22 Ty Temel's Marketing Journey 10:57 Lessons from Google Ads Experience 17:37 Google Ads Strategies and Metrics 21:46 Industry Insights and Best Practices 26:17 Optimizing Campaigns for Cost Efficiency 30:07 Patience in Google Ads Management 31:56 Essential Tracking for Google Ads 33:44 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Google Ads 35:28 Navigating Google Ads Campaign Structures 39:57 Strategies for Local vs. National Campaigns 43:47 Top Tips for Successful Google Ads 46:42 The Importance of CRM in Marketing 48:36 Future Trends in Google Ads

Summary In this episode of After Hours Buzz , Grace Urwin sits down with Dwayne Kent, founder of The Ark Network Group, to unpack why video is the #1 marketing tool businesses should be leveraging today. What started as a response to the challenges of the job market has evolved into a brand that helps entrepreneurs show up with clarity, confidence, and strategy—especially on camera. From navigating a rebrand to launching impactful video campaigns, Dwayne shares how The Ark is helping businesses cut through the noise and build lasting trust. In this conversation, Dwayne dives into: How The Ark evolved from networking events to a full-service business support model Why video storytelling creates emotional impact and drives real results Tips for building brand trust through authentic, consistent video content How to level up your video strategy in 2025—even with AI and DIY tools in the mix What marketers often miss about video distribution and client communication The future of The Ark and how it's scaling to become a household name Whether you’re camera shy or content-savvy, this episode is packed with insights on how video can move your business forward—one frame at a time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 01:29 Dwayne Kent's Journey and Achievements 03:27 The Evolution of ARC's Services 06:07 Rebranding and Strategic Shifts 08:21 The Emotional Impact of Business Decisions 10:07 The Importance of Video in Business 12:43 Video Marketing Trends and Strategies 15:20 Understanding Client Needs in Video Production 17:41 Trends in Social Media and Video Marketing 20:57 The Importance of Distribution 22:59 The Role of AI in Video Production 24:39 Lessons from Client Projects 29:15 Future Aspirations and Brand Transformation Links & Resources: Want to connect with Dwayne? Find him on LinkedIn: Dwayne Kent

Summary On this episode of After Hours Buzz, we’re pouring a glass and getting candid with home builder marketing expert Anna Almirall . Anna brings a refreshing take on what it really takes to stand out in today’s competitive housing market. From blending digital and traditional strategies to weaving storytelling into every community launch, she shares smart, practical insights that even the biggest builders can learn from. In this conversation, Anna dives into: Why floorplans are only part of the story—and how to lead with lifestyle and emotion How marketers can align with sales teams without the usual chaos The importance of video content (and why done is better than perfect) The evolving role of AI and how it’s shaping buyer engagement How to measure real marketing impact and prep for what’s next in the industry Grab a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and settle in. This episode is a toast to smarter strategy, clearer messaging, and building marketing foundations that actually convert. 🍷 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Home Builder Marketing Insights 02:31 Anna's Journey in Home Builder Marketing 05:30 The Importance of a Balanced Marketing Mix 08:11 Analyzing Marketing Strategies for Home Builders 10:28 Successes and Failures in Marketing Campaigns 12:05 The Role of Video Content in Marketing 13:03 Competing with Larger Builders 14:59 The Importance of Community Storytelling 15:44 Measuring Marketing Success 18:07 The Impact of AI on Content Development 19:38 Evolution of Home Building Marketing 21:55 Challenges in the Home Building Industry 23:44 Preparing for New Developments 24:04 Understanding Consumer Demographics 25:18 Digital vs. Traditional Marketing Strategies 26:43 Coaching Junior Marketers 29:12 Trends and Innovations in Home Builder Marketing 30:48 Staying Ahead in Marketing Trends 32:36 Final Tips for Marketing Success Links & Resources: Want to connect with Anna? Find her on LinkedIn: Anna Almirall Learn more about Home Builder Marketing and how you can elevate your strategy. To learn more about home builder marketing services, visit our website: Chatter Buzz Home Builder Marketing To get in touch with our experts, book a free strategy session here: Book Meeting

Summary Pour yourself a bourbon and settle in. This episode of After Hours Buzz is serving up sharp insights with a splash of AI. We sat down with Matt Deaton, Chief Growth Officer at Devsu, to talk about how his team is dragging legacy systems into the modern age and mixing artificial intelligence into the marketing space. From his early passion for sales to the future of account-based marketing (ABM), Matt drops some wisdom on how to grow your business and career with intention, data, and a little experimentation. Takeaways Why Devsu is passionate about modernizing outdated tech and how that powers better marketing. How AI is shaking up development, personalization, and sales strategies. Why data storytelling matters more than dashboards. The real reason ABM is beating traditional lead gen. Matt’s career tip of the year: be curious, be valuable, and play the long game. Chapters 00:00 Work-Life Balance and Remote Work Challenges 01:51 Introduction to DevSoup and Its Services 05:22 Matt Deaton's Professional Journey 15:25 Sales and Marketing Strategies Evolution 19:05 The Art of Storytelling in Data 22:48 AI in Marketing and Sales 30:12 The Shift from Traditional Lead Generation to ABM 40:57 Measuring Success in ABM Strategies 44:12 The Secret to Career Advancement: Relentless Curiosity Links & Resources: Learn more about Devsu and their mission: https://devsu.com/ Want to connect with Matt? Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdeatonmba/ or Email Matt at [email protected] Learn more about ABM Marketing and how you can elevate your B2B Marketing Strategy To learn more about Account Based Marketing. Visit our website: https://www.chatterbuzzmedia.com/account-based-marketing-agency/ To get in touch with our experts, book a free strategy session here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/grace143?uuid=470de0e3-0873-428b-b1bf-5f81e1bd1124

Summary In this episode of After Hours Buzz , Grace and Bernadette Mural Boesch sip on margarita mocktails and dive into a conversation all about creativity, community, and the magic that happens when those two worlds collide. Bernadette shares her journey from graphic designer to community engagement leader at OUC – The Reliable One, and how she’s using design and storytelling to build real connections across the city. They chat through everything from leading creative teams and budgeting for bold ideas to staying curious in the face of challenges. If you are interested in meaningful marketing, creative strategy, and a little happy hour inspiration, you’ll love this episode. Takeaways Bernadette's journey into graphic design started in her early college career. She transitioned to community engagement to explore new growth opportunities. Creativity is essential in marketing and community engagement. Overcoming negative feedback can fuel determination and success. Curiosity should guide leadership and problem-solving. Budgeting for creative projects requires business knowledge and flexibility. Building a creativity bank is crucial for generating ideas. Networking and community involvement enhance creative growth. AI is transforming the creative landscape and marketing strategies. Rebranding creative teams can shift perceptions from service to strategic partners. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and First Guest 01:37 Grace's Journey into Graphic Design 09:44 Transitioning to Community Engagement at OUC 16:19 The Role of Creative Marketing in Community Engagement 21:57 OUC's Commitment to Creativity and Community Impact 24:47 Evolution of Creative Processes at OUC 26:53 Navigating the Business Side of Creativity 31:12 The Art of Selling Feelings Through Design 34:21 Fostering Creativity in a Structured Environment 37:10 Building a Creative Community and Networking 43:43 The Impact of AI on Creative Marketing 49:03 Budgeting and Cost-Saving Strategies in Creative Projects 51:59 Leading with Curiosity: A Key to Effective Management To learn more about how OUC – The Reliable One supports community engagement: https://www.ouc.com/community/commitment/ Need creative design support from the industry's best? Book a discovery call today: https://www.chatterbuzzmedia.com/

Summary In this episode, Grace Elizabeth sits down with Jennifer Frazier to chat about her fascinating journey from journalism to marketing. They dive into the impact of AI on the industry, and how businesses can stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. They also break down the StoryBrand Framework and how brands can shift their focus to position the customer as the hero in their story. Jennifer shares actionable tips for refining your messaging and why consistency is key across all platforms. Takeaways AI is evolving rapidly and can enhance marketing efforts. The human element in marketing is irreplaceable, especially in creativity and empathy. Understanding your brand's messaging is crucial before implementing AI. The StoryBrand Framework emphasizes the customer as the hero. Brands often struggle with messaging due to ego and self-focus. Effective communication requires clarity and simplicity in messaging. Consistency in brand voice builds trust with customers. Practical steps can help businesses refine their messaging strategy. Content should reflect the brand's identity across all platforms. Authenticity in marketing can lead to better engagement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Drink Selection 01:20 Jennifer's Professional Journey 07:20 The Intersection of Journalism and Branding 09:48 Embracing AI in Marketing 13:08 Understanding the StoryBrand Framework 17:32 Shifting Messaging to Customer-Centric 21:13 Practical Steps for Effective Branding 25:18 Consistency in Brand Messaging 28:43 Final Thoughts and Advice Learn more about the StoryBrand Framework: https://storybrand.com/ Purchase "Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen": https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329 Book a free messaging strategy session: https://www.chatterbuzzmedia.com/brand-messaging-service/

Summary In this lively conversation, we are “buzzing” through social media strategies with Paola Guevara Hanon, the Senior Social Media Manager at AdventHealth. From her journey in hospitality management to mastering healthcare marketing, Paola brings fresh insights on the unique challenges healthcare brands face in the digital space. We dive into the importance of adapting to trends, understanding audience needs, and the power of cohesive marketing strategies. Paola also shares her thoughts on measuring success with KPIs and how to strike the perfect balance between video and still images in content creation. Takeaways Paola transitioned from hospitality to social media during the pandemic. Social media in healthcare requires a unique approach to engage diverse audiences. Advent Health has multiple social media pages tailored to different services. The acceptance of digital marketing has significantly increased post-pandemic. Content strategy must be agile to respond to real-time events. Video content is prioritized due to its dominance in social media engagement. Collaboration across marketing teams ensures cohesive messaging. Measuring success involves analyzing engagement metrics and audience feedback. Flexibility is crucial in adapting to social media trends and audience preferences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setup 01:26 Choosing the Right Beverage: A Social Media Perspective 03:05 Career Journey: From Hospitality to Social Media 04:55 Understanding Advent Health's Social Media Structure 06:44 Challenges in Healthcare Social Media 08:05 Targeting Diverse Audiences in Healthcare 09:16 Adapting to Changes in Healthcare Marketing 10:38 Planning and Strategy for Social Media Content 12:52 Staying Relevant: Trends in Social Media 14:44 Cohesion Between Social Media and Marketing Campaigns 19:04 Memorable Campaigns and Consumer Engagement 21:37 Future Goals and Community Involvement 24:00 Tools and Technology in Social Media 27:17 Understanding Audience Demographics 30:59 Embracing Change in Social Media

Summary In the premiere episode of After Hours Buzz , Shalyn Dever, founder of Chatter Buzz, takes us through her inspiring journey from engineer to marketing trailblazer. She opens up about the challenges of building a successful agency, the power of fostering a strong company culture, and the invaluable lessons learned from setbacks. Shalyn dives into the transformative impact of AI on marketing, stressing the need to balance innovative, data-driven strategies with creative storytelling. Plus, she shares her insights on avoiding common digital marketing pitfalls and why a solid foundation is key to driving lasting success. Key Takeaways Shalyn transitioned from engineering to marketing to pursue her passion. Building a company was motivated by the desire to create opportunities for others. Failures in business are learning experiences that contribute to growth. AI is reshaping the marketing landscape, making strategists more essential. Effective prompting is crucial for leveraging AI tools in marketing. Data should guide creativity, not replace it. Many businesses lack a clear marketing foundation, leading to ineffective strategies. Creating a supportive company culture fosters talent and innovation. Problem-solving is at the core of successful marketing and business practices. Having faith in the process is essential for overcoming challenges. Chapters 00:00 Shalyn's Journey from Engineering to Marketing 04:47 The Impact of Engineering on Agency Management 07:01 First Major Client and Agency Growth 07:03 Creating Opportunities and Company Culture 10:05 Learning from Failures and Building Resilience 11:10 The Future of Digital Marketing and AI 13:08 Utilizing AI Tools in Marketing 16:07 Balancing Data-Driven Decisions with Creativity 17:16 Common Marketing Mistakes and Foundations 19:28 Philosophy of Problem Solving