YOU’RE INVITED

Trailblazers Live 2026: The Curiosity Revolution

The marketers pulling ahead stay curious about what’s working and honest about what isn’t. Join us for an intimate gathering of brand leaders and partners tackling the industry’s toughest questions through panels, interactive expos, and more.

In order to attend, you must register for the event by 9/22. Questions about travel or other event logistics? Reach out to us at [email protected].

Date: October 1st, 2026 | 1 – 5pm
Location: Paisley Park (7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen, MN)

Join the curiosity revolution

Every session comes back to the question brand leaders care about most: how do you connect marketing spend to what actually grows your business? There’s no easy answer, but curiosity gets us closer to one, together.

  • 1:00pm Networking Mixer 
  • 1:30pm Trailblazers Live: The Curiosity Revolution 
  • 3:30pm Afterparty: Follow Your Curiosity:
    • Paisley Park Tour 
    • Cocktail Hour + Live Music
    • Trailblazer Expos
  • 5:00pm Trailblazers Live Ends 

Trailblazing brands taking the stage

The media platforms and brands leading the curiosity revolution alongside us. 

Getting to Trailblazers Live

Join other trailblazers on our bus

We recommend joining us on our coach bus as parking at Paisley Park will be limited. Buses will depart Ovative’s Headquarters (729 N Washington Ave, Suite 1000, Minneapolis, MN 55401) at 12:30pm. At the end of the event, buses will leave Paisley Park at 5:15pm, returning to our office by approximately 5:45pm.

Prefer to drive? Just note that in your RSVP below so we can hold a parking spot for you. 

Security reminders

Paisley Park has a few venue rules in place. To smoothly move through security when you arrive, please leave the following behind: 

  • Gum, food, and drinks
  • Smoking and vaping items
  • Weapons of any kind 

If you’ll be joining the Paisley Park tour, please note that your phone will be placed in a secure Yondr bag. 

A look back, and a look ahead

Curiosity isn’t new to us. It’s what brought brand leaders, partners, and Ovative together last year for an afternoon of honest conversation and real connection.

This year, we’re building on that same spirit with The Curiosity Revolution. Here’s a look back at that energy, and a preview of what’s ahead this October.

Reserve your spot

Name(Required)
Parking at Paisley Park will be limited, so we recommend joining us on our coach bus (details above). Please note how you plan on getting to Paisley Park.(Required)
To honor Prince’s wishes, Paisley Park requires that all food served will be pescatarian. Please select any dietary restrictions you may have.(Required)
YOU’RE INVITED

Trailblazers Live 2026

Marketing has never changed this fast. The channels, customers, tools, and even the questions your CFO is asking don’t look like they did two years ago. Trailblazers Live is built for the leaders who see that as an opportunity rather than a threat. 

You’ll hear unfiltered conversations about what’s actually working right now, what’s not, and what it takes to rebuild around the truth. This is where that rebuilding starts. 

Date: October 1st, 2026 | 12:30-5:45pm
Location: Paisley Park (7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen, MN 55317)

Join the curiosity revolution

From the first panel to the last cocktail, here's what to expect at Trailblazers Live:

  • 1:00pm Networking Mixer 
  • 1:30pm Trailblazers Live: The Curiosity Revolution 
  • 3:30pm Afterparty: Follow Your Curiosity: 
    • Paisley Park Tour 
    • Cocktail Hour + Live Music 
    • Trailblazer Expos 
  • 5:00pm Trailblazers Live Ends 

Trailblazers Live at a glance

From the first panel to the last cocktail, here’s what to expect at Trailblazers Live:

  • 1:00pm Networking Mixer 
  • 1:30pm Trailblazers Live: The Curiosity Revolution 
  • 3:30pm Afterparty: Follow Your Curiosity:
    • Paisley Park Tour 
    • Cocktail Hour + Live Music 
    • Trailblazer Expos
  • 5:00pm Trailblazers Live Ends 

Want to be part of the next Trailblazers Live experience?

YOU’RE INVITED

Trailblazers Live 2026: The Curiosity Revolution

Trailblazers Live 2026: The Curiosity Revolution

The marketers pulling ahead are the ones who stay curious about what’s working and honest about what isn’t. That’s the spirit behind Trailblazers Live: we tackle the industry’s toughest, still-unresolved questions with curiosity, accountability, and a room full of different perspectives.

Every session comes back to the question brand leaders care about most: how do you connect what you spend in marketing to what actually grows your business? There’s no easy answer, but curiosity gets us closer to one, together.

Date: October 1st, 2026 | 1-5pm
Location: Paisley Park (7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen, MN 55317)

Join us in New York City

4:00-4:30pm Welcome Reception and Registration

4:30-6:15pm Trailblazers Live

  • Welcome Address
  • Keynote: AI Changes Everything—Right?! The Paradox of Modern Marketing
  • Brand Panel: The New Brand Blueprint: Insights and Inspiration
  • Revenue Panel: Winning Wallets: The Art and Science of Revenue Growth
  • Customer Panel: The Evolution of Engagement: Navigating the New Consumer Landscape
  • Closing Panel: Agility and Advantage: The Power of Independent Agencies for Modern Marketers

6:15-7:00pm Networking Mixer

Trailblazers taking the stage

The future of marketing isn’t defined by abstract ideas or distant trends—it’s being shaped right now by leaders who know how to bring creativity and technology together. At Trailblazers Live, you’ll get an inside look at how leaders from top brands, innovative media platforms, and Ovative are navigating this balance. These aren’t surface-level conversations—they’re real stories of human creativity powered by automation and innovation, with insights you can put into action immediately.

Alicia Carey

Managing Director, Agency, Platforms & Investor Partnerships at Google

Katy Friday

SVP, Business Development at The Trade Desk

Monica Gratzer

Senior Director of Performance Media at Post Consumer Brands

Jesse Grittner

SVP, Growth at Ovative Group

Bethany Hawthorne

Senior Director, Client Services at Ovative Group

Sean Lee

SVP of Product, Marketing, and Supply Chain at Boost Mobile

Melissa Medina

Industry Manager at Meta

Dale Nitschke

CEO and Founder at Ovative Group

Aaron Rose

Chief Commercial Officer at At Home

Charlotte Ryan

VP, Client Services at Ovative Group

Ashley Schapiro

VP, Marketing, Media, Performance & Engagement at American Eagle

Steve Silbaugh

SVP, Digital & Customer Marketing at Ann Taylor & LOFT, KnitWell Group 

Michael Swilley

Head of Global Independent Agency Development at Amazon Ads

Meredith Zhang

Measurement Partner, Global Agency Lead at TikTok

Annie Zipfel

EVP, Media at Ovative Group

We appreciate your interest in attending Trailblazers Live. Unfortunately, we’re at capacity and can no longer accept RSVPs.