October 2025

10 Ways to Rethink Innovation in Higher Ed

Higher ed talks a lot about innovation — but too often, that conversation starts and ends with technology. True innovation goes beyond new tools and requires rethinking business models, student experiences and institutional strategy at every level.

In this fast-paced, high-impact session, we'll break down the 10 Types of Innovation — a framework used by the world's most disruptive companies — and apply it to higher education. You'll walk away with a new mental model for how to think about innovation in your work, your institution, and the industry at large.

September 2025

KEYNOTE: The Innovation Blueprint —Unlocking AI Through the Ten Types Lens

Every leader today is under pressure to do more with less while keeping trust intact. In this keynote, Mallory Willsea offers a blueprint for making AI a strategic advantage.

Using the Ten Types of Innovation, she demonstrates how AI can drive smarter processes, stronger engagement, and new opportunities for growth. Expect a candid, clear-eyed, and highly interactive session that balances big-picture vision with practical next steps.

August 2025

The AI Front Door: Rethinking Trust, Content, and Conversion

Today’s students don’t start with your website — they start with an agent. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, or a school chatbot, AI is now the front door to the private school and college search experience. Sixty percent of students use it to compare institutions. Over half say it’s better than Google. And most won’t click through if the AI answer doesn’t mention you.

This session unpacks why students are turning to AI first — and where they still draw the line. We’ll explore new data, real school case studies, and the trust gap that emerges when automation meets high-stakes decisions like admissions or financial aid.

June 2025

KEYNOTE: No Wizard Required: Courageous Leadership for Women in Higher Ed Marketing

The future of higher education marketing doesn’t require a wand or wizard—it demands fearless leadership, innovative thinking, and the confidence to rise to new challenges. In this session, we’ll explore how women in leadership roles can “defy gravity” and build resilient, adaptable teams that embrace change and thrive through transformation.

Whether you’re managing a complex project, implementing new systems or technology, or reshaping your team’s structure, this keynote will help you reflect on your path and build confidence for whatever comes next—no wizard required.

November 2024

Build Your Community for Professional Confidence

Marketing excellence requires self-assurance—whether you’re presenting to trustees, launching a brand refresh, or building an AI-ready team. Building a supportive community with intention can be a key to unlocking that confidence. It becomes a vital source for reenergizing, fostering divergent thinking, receiving honest feedback, and affirming decisions. This session will explore how to cultivate meaningful, lasting relationships that not only fuel personal growth but also boost professional effectiveness. Learn how to build with purpose, engage deeply in your profession, and leverage your community.

September 2024

From Zero to AI Hero: How to Build a Custom GPT in Just 10 Minutes

Empowering yourself and your team with the tools to build bespoke AI solutions is an invaluable skill. This lightning talk demystifies the process of creating a custom GPT model using ChatGPT. In just 10 minutes, we'll not only discuss but also demonstrate live how you can construct an AI model that understands and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within your institution.