How Influencers Influence in the Digital Age
Digital Salon Night with PRSA featuring a panel of Influencer Marketing experts
October 19, 2017;  5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Radius CoWork, 1001 State St, Ste 907

Just who or what is an influencer? It’s not a trick question.

An influencer is anyone who, through actions or opinions, is able to shape the opinions, perceptions or behavior of others. Today, they’re essential to any marketer’s strategy.

A panel of influencer marketing specialists will discuss this growing trend next month during a special panel discussion.

The presentation, “Digital Salon Night: How Influencers Influence in the Digital Age,” takes place Thursday, Oct. 19, at Radius CoWork, 1001 State St, Ste 907. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and is co-sponsored by the eMarketing Learning Center and the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Cost to attend the event, which includes the panel discussion, food and Erie Ale Works beer, is $15. Attendees can register for the presentation by filling out this form.

During the discussion, each panelist will discuss how he or she approaches influencer marketing. Panelists include: Zakary Stahlsmith, president of ApexDrop Influencer Marketing; Analida and Tom Braeger from Analida’s EthnicSpoon; Jade Mitchell, communications specialist at Mason Jars Company; and Joelyn Bush, marketing and communications director at United Way of Erie County.

Topics that will be covered include:

• The power in word of mouth.
• Do you know who influences your audience?
• How do you build a relationship with influencers?
• What does it takes to be an influencer?
• Where is the money?
• The value of micro-influencers?
• Earned versus paid efforts?
• What does success look like and how to measure ROI?
• Tips and tools of the trade.

The eMarketing Learning Center, an initiative of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, focuses on professional-level interactive and digital marketing education, training and research. The purpose is to help business employers and professionals address the growing need for business marketers who possess the knowledge and capabilities to apply technology-based marketing techniques.

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the professional organization that brings together public relations, communications and marketing practitioners throughout Erie, PA.

For more information on Digital Salon Night, contact Cathy von Birgelen at cxv17@psu.edu.

MEET THE PANELISTS

Zakary Stahlsmith, president of ApexDrop Influencer Marketing

Zakary Stahlsmith is president of ApexDrop Influencer Marketing, LLC.  For marketers looking to work with highly engaged Instagram micro-influencers, ApexDrop is a service agency that provides a turn-key solution. Unlike sites that let brands shop for overpriced influencers or difficult software, ApexDrop does all the hard work by managing hundreds of micro-influencer collaborations that drive tremendous results.

Analida and Tom Braeger, Analida’s EthnicSpoon

Analida and Tom Braeger created a blog in 2013: ethnicspoon.com, originally as a resource for students who attended the cooking classes she offered in the local community.  They began by publishing new recipes each week and continue to build a loyal following via their blog, and Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter networks.

They now work with many brands either directly or through influencer networks to create sponsored content that has experienced tremendous growth on their social media channels.

Jade Mitchell, graphic designer and communications specialist, Mason Jars Company

Jade’s background is in Graphic Design and Communications. At reCAP Mason Jars, Jade creates graphics, videos, and content for Jar Talk, the brand’s blog.  Along with compelling content creation, Jade has a talent for finding and building relationships with Influencers, Bloggers, and Thought-Leaders who, like reCAP Mason Jars, share a passion for Mason jars, DIYing, and eco-friendly practices. Through co-blogging, social media channels, and email marketing, Jade finds many ways to engage and work with Influencers.

Joelyn Bush, marketing and communications director at United Way of Erie County

Joelyn is an Erie native and speech communications graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Prior to her current position as Marketing & Communications Director at United Way of Erie County, Joelyn held positions at the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership and the Erie Community Foundation.

Joelyn gives back to the Erie community by serving on the Erie County Technical School Local Advisory Council; as a board member of the Whole Foods Cooperative; as a Public Relations Society of America – NWPA Chapter Board board member; and as a 2017 Athena PowerLink Panel and Award Luncheon Committee member.

Other passions include shopping local, gardening, eating veganish and spending time with her dog, Rue.