Texas McCombs Marketing Conference 2025
The 2025 Marketing Conference will explore the theme of disruption—highlighting how companies are reimagining marketing through innovation and bold strategy. This year’s programming will feature dynamic perspectives from across industries. Attendees can expect to hear from leaders at organizations that are breaking norms and finding fresh, effective ways to engage customers.
Keynotes and sessions will offer insight into how macro-level forces—particularly technological advances—are transforming the marketing landscape. We’ll spotlight real-world examples of disruption across the marketing mix—showcasing how brands are thinking differently about strategy, execution, and customer connection. Attendees will gain a clear view of how the field is evolving—and how today’s most forward-thinking companies are staying ahead of the curve by embracing disruption.

Agenda Overview

Thursday, October 23, 2025

12:30-4:00 pm
Challenge Check-in & Preliminary Round

4:00-5:30 pm
Conference Registration

4:30-5:30 pm
Welcome & Keynote #1: Karl Isaac, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, Hi It’s Us
“You Are Disruption. Inspiring the disruptive marketer within you.”

5:30-7:30 pm
Reception

Friday, October 24, 2025

7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Challenge Check-in & Conference Registration

8:00-10:00 am
Challenge Final Round

10:30 am – 12:05 pm
Mini Sessions:

1. Ben O’Meara, Chief Brand Officer, Huckberry

2. Charles Coristine, CEO, LesserEvil
“Disrupting snacks through authenticity, playfulness and uncompromising quality.”

3. Carrie Palin, CMO, Cisco

4. Andrew Springate, CMO, Keurig Dr Pepper
“How Dr. Pepper disrupted Cola dominance to surpass Pepsi and challenge Coke in the US CSD Market.”

12:05-1:00 pm
Keynote #2: Tressie Lieberman, Global Chief Brand Officer, Starbucks
“How a Disruption Mindset is Charting new Growth at Starbucks.”

1:00-2:00 pm
Awards Ceremony & Networking Lunch

Marketing Challenge

The McCombs Marketing Challenge allows teams of four MBA and MS Marketing students to prepare presentations based on their analysis of a business case distributed the week prior to the challenge. The case will be released at a Zoom event  on 10/15/25. Case presentations are due at 5pm on 10/22/25.

The first round of presentations takes place 10/23, followed by a final round is 10/24, in which four teams participate. Corporate representatives will judge presentations detailing case analysis and recommendations. The winning team will be announced Friday during the conference. Challenge participants are expected to attend the full conference.

 

  • Students assemble teams of four prior to registering
  • Space is limited and spots are first come, first served. All members of a team must be registered individually to be guaranteed a spot.
  • Over $7,000 in cash and prizes
  • Judges represent a wide range of companies

Registration Information

Register now

This event is for McCombs students, Marketing faculty, corporate sponsors and invited guests.

Accommodations

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for Oct 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 2025 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. 

Make your reservation online.

Reservations can also be made using the contact information listed below. Please request the “McCombs Marketing Conference” group rate.

AT&T Hotel & Conference Center
(512) 404-3600
1900 University Avenue, Austin, TX 78705

Explore Paths Forward
With new AI opportunities come important questions. "Am I equipped with the necessary talent and skills to keep up with the pace of change? Am I using AI-driven applications to their fullest potential? Am I using data in an unbiased and ethical way?" Hear from lineup of marketing experts with a wide range of expertise who will dive into these questions and more.