Snapchat’s huge. Now what? Valued at over $20B, Snapchat’s more than 150 million daily active user count shows no signs of slowing. This session will take a look at what it takes to succeed on the real-time photo messaging platform, whether you’ve just started, are taking a backseat approach or have been snapping from the get-go. This session will include:

Ashley  Butler is the Director of Digital & Social at Abel Communications, a leading Mid-Atlantic public relations and digital communications firm. In her previous role, Ashley was responsible for managing paid, owned and earned social media strategy and shaping the voice and tone for the Greek Yogurt brand Chobani in New York. At Abel Communications, she leads a division focused on digital and social media, bringing her unique experience to the agency’s growing client base.

Meet the movers and shakers of Baltimore’s best brands in the Instagram community. Our Instagram experts will discuss how to launch and build your brand on the ever-popular platform, increase your followers, create engaging content and ultimately convert online followers to customers. The panel will also share insights on the most useful mobile photography, technology and photo sharing apps available in the marketplace.

Moderator: Bridget Forney, PR specialist & brand correspondent

Jessica Bieber, Women’s Lacrosse Brand Manager at STX

Jessica Bieber is the Category Brand Manager for Women’s Lacrosse at Baltimore-based sporting goods company, STX. In her role, Jessica develops and implements brand communication strategy, leveraging social platforms to connect with key markets and drive online sales traffic. In her two years at STX, she has significantly grown the brand’s online following, delivering content that aligns with brand values, creates conversation around the sport and lifestyle, and supports product goals.

Liz Chong has held numerous positions in social media marketing, including management of the social strategy for Light City Baltimore. Liz graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a Bachelors of Art in Media and Communications Studies.

Meredith Herzing, Digital & Social Media Producer at Baltimore Magazine

Meredith Herzing is the digital and social media producer at Baltimore Magazine, where she manages the daily flow of social content and produces online exclusive videos and photo galleries. Prior to working at the magazine, she obtained a degree in journalism with a concentration in visual communications from Michigan State University.

Facebook Live videos are watched three times longer than video that was not filmed live, indicating that live video is the secret ingredient that garners engagement from audiences around the world. But live streaming is unpredictable and can be risky for many brands. In this session, you will learn how to eliminate the risk in addition to:

Megan Knight is a multi-media journalist for ABC2. She covers local, national and international stories during Good Morning Maryland, writes and produces stories for a weekly “Making a Difference” segment and also writes for the food blog Taste Buds on abc2news.com.

Faye Lukas, Communications & Social Media Specialist at Maryland SPCA

Faye Lukas is the Communications and Social Media Specialist at the Maryland SPCA. In her role, Faye creates social media campaigns and uses various social media platforms to engage people in the Maryland SPCA’s mission of improving the lives of pets and people in the community. Faye graduated from Loyola University of Maryland with a degree in Communications and Digital Media. Faye has one pet at home, Copper, a mild-mannered four-year-old shepherd mix.