Returning September 21
The playbook of brand has been rewritten. Modern consumers want more than a transaction; they want a connection. Brands that take a stand and live out their purpose are the ones that catalyze movements. Join us for the third event of the 2023 season and learn how to build your own uncommon brand.
This isn’t your typical conference. Joining the Assembly means taking action, defying expectations, and being crazy enough to believe. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how impactful brands are building community, handling adversity, and living out their core values.
September 21, 2023 17:30:00
Food + Networking
Interactive Breakouts
World-Class Speakers
Haters
Inspiration + Action
Swaaaaag
Honest Conversation
Awesome People
Food + Networking
Interactive Breakouts
World-Class Speakers
Haters
Inspiration + Action
Swaaaaag
Honest Conversation
Awesome People
Food + Networking
Interactive Breakouts
World-Class Speakers
Haters
Inspiration + Action
Swaaaaag
Honest Conversation
Awesome People
Food + Networking
Interactive Breakouts
World-Class Speakers
Haters
Inspiration + Action
Swaaaaag
Honest Conversation
Awesome People
Speakers
Robecta Ma is a trailblazing Global Marketing Communications Executive renowned for challenging the status quo. Throughout her illustrious career, she has worked for some of the world's most disruptive brands, leaving an indelible mark on companies like Time Inc, McCann Erickson, Cathay Pacific, Airbnb, and most recently at Apple.
An unwavering commitment to understanding diverse audiences drives Robecta's innovative approach. By pushing the boundaries of marketing, she has crafted resonant campaigns that bridge cultures and propel brands to new heights. Her exceptional work earned her the prestigious accolade of being named one of the "40 under 40 Brand Innovators" and a coveted role as a regular contributor for AdWeek.
Robecta Ma's passion for giving back shines through her leadership during the pandemic. She led the creation of the largest charity fund for the AAPI community on GoFundMe, displaying her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the boardroom.
As an executive Course facilitator for the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Robecta nurtures the next generation of business leaders. She currently lives with her husband in San Francisco with her 6 year old son.
Beyond her professional and philanthropic endeavors, Robecta embraces an adventurous spirit. Recently completing her sixth marathon in New York City, she sets her sights on conquering all six World Marathon Majors in the future. You can follow Robecta on Instagram at robecta_ ,as she continues to redefine global marketing with passion and purpose.
With 27 years of restaurant experience and knowledge of executive leadership inside and out, Bill DiPaola is a thought-leader among restaurant and franchise executives. Bill is the current President/Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Swamp Dawg Restaurant Management Group, a franchisor/franchisee/RMA portfolio of brands based in Ocala, Florida. Bill’s previous experience includes being Chief Operating Officer for Franchising of Ballard Brands, LLC, a company of more than 200 units, both nationally and internationally. Among the many brands that Ballard represents is PJ’s Coffee, which just opened its 175th location and the restaurant group of Iron Chef Jose Garces. He also formerly led the charge as President and COO of Dat Dog Enterprises, overseeing the corporate office, as well as franchise and corporate operations. Under his leadership, Dat Dog was voted #1 Hot Dog Restaurant by USA Today and has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Hot Dog Paradise” and Food Network’s “Ginormous Foods.” The restaurant group had also been written up in the Wall Street Journal and named “Top 40 Brands Under 40 Units” in 2018 by QSR Magazine. Bill also has been Vice President of Franchising for Rotolo’s Craft & Crust; a 35-Unit chain of Fast Casual Pizza Gastropubs throughout the gulf south, spanning from Texas to Florida and all points between.
Ashton Dunn helps brands identify, understand and engage communities. Ash has held creative strategy posts at Reddit and global ad agencies including Chiat/Day, Media Arts Lab and Saatchi & Saatchi. Effie, Top Gear, and Digiday recognized his work for the world’s first crowdsourced sportscar — Project 370Z. Millions viewed his work in Super Bowl 50 for the then all-new Toyota Prius. And he’s responsible for several Fortune 100 brands using Reddit for the first time. He’s absorbed a ton of sunlight, lost every pair of sunglasses and is a graduate of Morehouse College.
Krystle Watler is the Head of Creative Agency Partnerships, N.A. at TikTok responsible for building relationships and platform adoption amongst the creative agency community. Prior to this, Krystle was the Managing Director at Virtue, the full-service creative agency born from VICE, in the Americas. There, Krystle was responsible for the regional P&L and leading teams across all departments.Krystle is a proud alumna of Spelman College and member of the 2020 Adweek 50 List of top media, marketing, and technology leaders, Ad Age's 2019 class of Women to Watch in the U.S., and 2019 nominee of AdColor’s Rock Star Award.
Event Sponsors
Headquartered in downtown Baton Rouge, LA, b1BANK began as a community bank to support entrepreneurs and small community businesses in 2006. The bank has thrived over the years with its relationship-based banking approach and innovative technology. Our mission is to be the financial institution of choice for enterprises, their owners and employees.