Ian Schafer brilliantly expressed why it is so important for marketers to keep learning and growing professionally: “Innovation needs to be part of your culture. Consumers are transforming faster than we are, and if we don't catch up, we’re in trouble.”
What is the MIMA?
Following this blog, you have probably noticed two trends that run my professional life: learning and networking. I am currently part of 4 marketing associations In Minnesota, and would like to use this post to give a special shout out to the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA). Staying true to the motto "Inspire + Connect", MIMA has monthly events that are open to its members and the general public. The association also has member only events as well as student oriented programming to create spaces for learning, networking and mentorship.
MIMA's aim is to "serve and inspire its over 1,400 members from agency, corporate and freelance environments in content development, design, experience design, marketing, media product development, promotions, publishing, and usability."
MIMA's has different kinds of events that include:
Tactics in Twenty: where three speakers have 20 minutes each to present a topic or case study, followed by a Q & A.
MIMA Meet-Ups: member only hour-long sessions in open forum format to discuss topics such as "Digital Advertising Trends" and "Productivity Tools."
Annual MIMA Summit: Annual summit dealing with topics surrounding content, mobile, design, paid, social, data and the digital mix. It is an excellent chance to interact with and learn from industry influencers and experts.
Monthly Programming: regular programming open to everyone tackling topics like "Unlocking Your Customer: Predictive Marketing" and "Brand Storytelling in a Digital World".
Student events: events target marketing students looking for guidance, mentorship and networking opportunities such as: "How to Build Your Personal Brand to Land the Job you Want!".
NK and MIMA
While looking for opportunities to increase my digital marketing knowledge and expand my network, I found MIMA. I joined in April 2015 and attended my first event in May. It was the first Tactics in Twenty event, titled "Data + Tech" that focused on data-based and technical practices in SEO, SEM, PPC, content strategy and marketing automation. The event featured Nina Hale of Nina Hale Inc., Josh Becerra of Monkey Island and Christina Lefebvre of Antenna. The content was truly insightful, and I was instantly hooked. I have attended events on a monthly basis since then and started volunteering with the Student Relations Committee in October.
How to join!
If you are interested in joining MIMA, click here. MIMA has student, professional and corporate levels of membership. Membership is free for students (YAY!) and $230 annually or $20 a month for professionals.
Thanks for reading!
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