Melissa Blum is the founder of M.T. Deco, a digital and social media strategy company she launched in 2018 after more than a decade in media and broadcast journalism. She previously led digital at NBC Nightly News and produced for CNN Films & Series, with earlier roles in brand marketing and journalism at NBC News. A graduate of Columbia Journalism School, Melissa specializes in innovative digital strategy, original content, and strategic partnerships. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and three children.
Wednesday, February 25
2:40 PM Track 3: Fireside Chat: From Micro To Meta: What’s New and Next in Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing continues to evolve far beyond simple sponsorships, becoming a dynamic channel for storytelling, conversion, and community building. From the rise of micro-creators to the expanding role of platforms like Meta, brands are recalibrating strategies to stay ahead of shifting trends and consumer expectations. In this fireside chat, Julianna Crozier will unpack what’s working for her team at Thrive Market, what’s next on the horizon, and how retailers can harness creators of all sizes to maximize authenticity, reach, and measurable impact through:
- Discovering how micro- and nano-influencers are driving more authentic, community-focused campaigns
- Learning how AI-powered tools and data-driven strategies are streamlining influencer discovery, campaign management, and ROI measurement
- Exploring the evolution of influencer marketing from brand awareness to full-funnel activation
- Understanding the importance of long-term, performance-driven partnerships
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Melissa.
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