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

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
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.