Stand Out Marketing 2026

Join us for a powerful marketing workshop designed to elevate your brand. Hosted by the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber on October 14, offering actionable strategies and insights from industry experts. Whether you're new to marketing or looking to refine your approach, attending all three workshops will provide you with a comprehensive toolkit to enhance your marketing efforts.

Session 1: “Align Your Team Before Telling Your Story!”
Jeffrey Harris – Chief Marketing Officer, Sam Houston State University

This opening session will provide you with the tools and techniques (as well as the presenter's time-tested experience) for getting your team on the same page, creating a consistent brand identity, and telling your story in a way that will highlight the authenticity of your business/organization.

About the Presenter:
Jeff is a higher education marketing and communications executive focused on helping universities clarify their identity, strengthen reputation, modernize digital experience, and support enrollment growth. As Chief Marketing Officer at Sam Houston State University since 2022, Jeff has led the development of a centralized integrated marketing and communications model spanning brand strategy, public affairs, creative, digital, analytics, advertising, website strategy, athletics external engagement, and executive communications support.

His work has centered on aligning institutional storytelling with measurable performance outcomes, helping universities bring together enrollment, reputation, and mission in a more unified way.

Session 2: Panel - “Community is the New Currency: How to Take a National Brand – and Tell Your Story Locally!” (Erika Sumner, Chick-fil-A; Lupe Martinez, State Farm; Tiffany Iadarola, Gullo Auto Group).

This session will be moderated by Montgomery County's PR maven, Margie Taylor with Taylorized PR.

Capturing a loyal, local audience is the gold standard for any small to medium-sized business. How do national brands tell their story locally – in a unique way – without sacrificing the caché of their national voice? What lessons can smaller, local businesses learn from these brands that have proven that “community is the new currency?”

About the Panelists:
Erika Olivares Sumner is Director of Sales Brand Growth and Marketing for Chick-fil-A 105 & Lonestar Parkway. Erika is a born storyteller and has a journalism degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Her unique background includes varied communications roles and a stint as a television journalist. She is married to Randy and is a mother of three adult children.

Lupe Martinez is a first-generation entrepreneur, business owner, and community leader who has spent over 17 years helping individuals, families, and small businesses achieve their goals while protecting what matters most. As a successful owner of two State Farm insurance and financial service agency locations serving Montgomery County, she has built one of the nation’s top-performing agencies by focusing on relationships, culture, and community engagement.

Tiffany Iadarola is Community Relations Director for Gullo Auto Group (Gullo Toyota of Conroe, Gullo Mazda of Conroe, Gullo Ford of Conroe) since 2022. She is responsible for sponsorships, community events and activities. She is dedicated to establishing meaningful and mutual relationships with community members. Gullo Auto Group has been a pillar of the community for over 50 years, and Tony Gullo Sr. was well known for his dedication to philanthropic endeavors, Tiffany has been married for 20 years and has two children: Isabella, 18, and Dominick, 14.

Session 3: “How AI Helps Tell Your Story: Using AI Tools and Prompting to Bring Out Your Brand Voice”
Mason Benitez, Bishop Advertising & AI

Telling your story has never been easier, right? With AI, it’s just a click away! Or not. Developing a marketing plan that truly conveys your brand and sets you apart involves a more sophisticated understanding of the power – and risks – that come with AI-generated content. Learn how to use AI tools that will take you through the creation of a standout marketing plan that tells the authentic story of your business.

About the Presenter:
Mason Benitez is the Founder and CEO of Bishop Advertising & AI, a marketing and business growth firm that helps organizations leverage advertising, artificial intelligence, and emerging technology to increase market share and drive measurable business results.

With more than two decades of experience in media, sales leadership, and marketing strategy, Mason has led multi-million-dollar revenue organizations and held executive leadership positions with some of the nation’s largest media companies, including Townsquare Media and iHeartMedia. As Market President for Townsquare Media, he oversaw a multi-million-dollar operation, leading teams across broadcast, digital marketing, content, and revenue development.

Today, Mason helps businesses throughout Texas navigate one of the biggest shifts in modern business: the rise of artificial intelligence. Through Bishop Advertising & AI, he works with organizations to improve visibility across Google, social media, streaming television, and AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT. His firm specializes in helping companies adapt to changing consumer behavior as more customers turn to AI tools for research, recommendations, and purchasing decisions.