The lazy-days of summer are anything but lazy here at IHAF, as planning for the IHAF Annual Conference & Awards Show is in full swing! This year’s conference, BRAND NEW, is focused on how strong brands connect with consumers, differentiate from competitors, and integrate seamlessly across touchpoints in the marketplace.

Though planning is still underway, here’s a look at three of our keynote speakers.

Dena Blevins of Starbucks will talk about what it takes to compete on brand in her highly caffeinated category. Quinn O’Brien will describe his team’s charge to build a “brand personality” for Lenovo. And Wendy Clark of DDB will share her unique perspective on branding inside and out.

In addition to our keynotes, we’re in the throes of developing Brand Bootcamp sessions—break-out presentations on a range of topics that revolve around brand. Be sure to visit our event site often, as sessions and speakers are announced throughout the summer.

The IHAF Annual Conference & Awards Show will be held at the newly remodeled Revere Hotel in Boston, MA. Tickets are available with early-bird savings exclusively for IHAF members who register before August 1. Reserve your room by October 18 and you’ll also receive our discounted hotel rate.

Join us on November 8-9 for BRAND NEW, where we’ll explore the role in-house agencies play in everything from building brand equity to defying brand guidelines. We’re looking at brand in a whole new light.