We recently attended the Digital Marketing Summit in Denver, where industry leaders from massive brands like Google, Spotify and LinkedIn offered real insight into the future of our industry. It was equal parts energizing and eye-opening – and a solid reminder of what really moves the needle right now.

Here are three standout takeaways we’re bringing home, plus some real talk from our team on what hit hardest and why it matters.

People Are the Strategy

At the core of every impactful marketing effort? People. One of the most memorable sessions came from Spotify’s Head of Global Thought Leadership, Jenny Haggard, who posed a deceptively simple, but deeply important, question: “Do I have the right people in the room for this audience?”

“Spotify is such a big part of my daily life, so hearing this keynote was a personal highlight. That question reframed how I think about campaign planning. Even when I feel confident about a strategy, the best ideas often come when I lean into my team’s perspectives. It’s also a reminder that everyone needs time and space to sharpen their craft. And in a world where AI is reshaping how we work, the real value still lies in understanding people – their needs, tensions and motivations – long before they ever meet your brand.”

– Ross Comeaux, Director of Accounts

The takeaway? Give your people a voice. Create space to collaborate. And make sure your brand reflects what your audience is feeling before you even get to the first touchpoint. Whether you’re building campaigns or building trust, human connection is what cuts through.

Reach Doesn’t Equal Results

Impressions are up, but engagement is lagging. That disconnect has never been clearer. The days of chasing numbers or stuffing content with keywords are over. Marketing teams need to be grounded in purpose and clarity – knowing the voice, tone and values of the brand and speaking directly to the audience’s needs.

“There’s so much pressure to perform, but if your content doesn’t resonate with the people you’re trying to reach, then what’s the point? I’d rather post less often and say something human, memorable and magnetic than post every day just to check a box.”

– Sydney Sobotik, Account Executive

Strong messaging is rooted in empathy and awareness. Auditing your personas, revisiting your positioning and reaffirming your mission every 6 to 12 months isn’t just a good habit – it’s a necessity. If your brand disappeared tomorrow, would anyone care? That’s the question every marketer should be asking.

Marketing is a Moving Target

There is no longer a “final version” of your marketing strategy. Today’s best marketers move fast, adapt constantly and refine their messaging with every piece of content.

“We’ve entered an era where iteration matters more than perfection. The brands that are winning are treating marketing like a living conversation, not a polished announcement. It’s not about getting it perfect, it’s about getting it out there, learning and improving.”

– John Williams, CEO + Strategist

Refining your message, reusing content that still has value, trying new formats – that’s the work, and it’s all part of the process. AI can help move things faster, but strong marketing still depends on clear thinking, informed decisions and a willingness to keep evolving.

One thing became clear during our time at the Digital Summit: marketing is evolving fast, but people remain at the heart of it. The conversations, challenges and insights all pointed to the fact that we’re asking the right questions and moving in the right direction. And most importantly, we’re still doing what matters most: helping people and brands grow.