Sandage Symposium: Advancing Advertising Together

Save the date for the 2026 Sandage Symposium: Advancing Advertising Together on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Illini Union!

9:30-10 a.m.—Registration

10-10:45 a.m.—Welcome and Keynote
Advertising as The Invited Guest Who Took Over the Party
Judy Ungar Franks, Former Agency Executive, Professor at Northwestern University, and Author of Media from Chaos to Clarity and Back Again

10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.—Panel: Where Advertising Goes Next
Jessica Jorsch (BS '07, ADV), Global Digital Performance Media Lead, Mars
Helen Katz (MS '86, ADV; PhD '88, ICR), Executive Vice President, Research, Publicis Media
Mike Kelly (BA '79, LAS), CEO and Co-founder of Kelly Newman Advisors
Ashley McGowan (BS '07, ADV), Head of Marketing, Audience & Growth, Meta
Greg Morrison (BS '07, ADV), Co-founder, MXML Creative

12-1:15 p.m.—Networking Lunch (Student Showcase, Meet Your AdMatch, Bingo Card Networking)

1:15-2:30 p.m.—Panel: From Classroom to Industry: Exploring the Possibilities of Advertising 
Lacey Gilbert (MS '11, ADV), Senior Vice President, Strategy Director, Leo Burnett
Adam Hamilton (BS '11, ADV; MBA '19) Director, Brand Communications, McDonald's
Amy Restko (BA '13, LAS; MS '14, ADV), Vice President, Engagement Strategy, AbelsonTaylor Group
Bill Rouse (BA '96, LAS), Senior Vice President, Advertising Sales, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Rachelle Pierre-Lott (BA '03, LAS), Director II, Enterprise Digital 

2:30-3:30 p.m.—Creative Hackathon: Brand Revivals

3:30-4 p.m.—Networking Roundtables 

4-5:30 p.m.—Open Reception & Networking 

Stay tuned for RSVP information coming in August.