Innovation Day @ Edward Jones (Members Only Conference)

EDWARD JONES APPROACH TO INNOVATION: EVOLUTION VS REVOLUTION

Sometimes marketers think innovation has to be a revolutionary change or advancement. However, brands can actually innovate through ongoing evolution. Discover how Edward Jones is innovating their brand through ongoing digital and video programs to leverage content and reach their consumers in a different way. 

Jim Olsen

Principal, Marketing Communications Edward Jones

ANHEUSER-BUSCH INNOVATES AND EXPANDS WITH THE BUD LIGHT LIME-A-RITA FAMILY

Legacy and innovation have long been on tap at Anheuser-Busch. This session will explore how the leading beer manufacturer built the Lime-A-Rita family of flavored beers into a billion dollar brand.  The presenter will share the insights, lessons learned and key missteps Anheuser-Busch made along the way.  Attendees will hear how taking risks for even the largest of brands is critical to success, as well as hear how the specific risks by Anheuser-Busch paid off and helped deliver the top two innovations in beer category over the last three years.

Pat McGauley

Vice President of Innovation Anheuser-Busch

BUILD-A-BEAR-WORKSHOP: INNOVATION IS THE KEY TO MORE

This session will explore and demonstrate how an innovative approach to build a business and a brand  can lead to MORE for a company.  MORE customers, MORE places of distribution, MORE product and MORE profitability.  Attendees will learn how Build-A-Bear is building a brand for the future with innovative distribution, marketing, product and sustained profitability.

Jennifer Kretchmar

Chief Product Officer & Innovation Bear Build-A-Bear-Workshop

INNOVATION FITS LIKE A GLOVE AT RAWLINGS

This presentation will examine the evolution of one of America’s most well-known and authentic sports brands and their non-linear journey to the top of their industry. From their humble beginnings as a sporting goods store in downtown St. Louis to becoming a world-wide leading sporting goods manufacturer, the Rawlings story is as unique and intricate as their Heart of the Hide® leather ball gloves.  The session will explore the brand’s continuous focus on technological advancement and their innovative approach to product development which has enabled them to maintain their strong position in a competitive marketplace.  You will also learn how the company’s expanded distribution strategy to encompass direct-to-consumer and international selling has continued to move this 128 year old brand moving forward.

Lindsey Naber

Director of Marketing Rawlings Sporting Goods

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION TRANSFORMS THEIR BRAND THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

Boston Scientific Corporation’s Rhythm Management division competes in a global $13B cardiovascular medical device market for rhythm disorders (e.g., pacemakers, implantable defibrillators). During 2005-06, amidst a high-profile acquisition fight between Boston Scientific Corporation and Johnson & Johnson for Guidant Corp, many of the company's products went on FDA recall. The situation grew worse due to lagging innovation, lack of trust and confidence in product quality, pressure by governments on healthcare utilization, pricing pressures due to austerity/macro-economic conditions, and the loss of key talent. It was not until the company rededicated itself to its mission of driving life-saving innovation that the organization was able to create positive customer experiences and leverage a stronger brand. The company has made a significant turnaround in the last few years and has grown share in key market segments. Learn how Boston Scientific Corporation transformed their brand through the right leadership and innovation.

Steve Morse

Vice President Marketing Boston Scientific Corporation