(Above) Participants enjoy the workshop. (Below) Dylan Street, owner of Guerrilla Marketing, addresses the large crowd at a previous SIU “Marketing Unleashed” event. (Photos provided)
August 15, 2025
Sign up now to learn innovative strategies at SIU’s “Marketing Unleashed”
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is offering a free workshop filled with fresh, innovative marketing strategies required in today’s quickly evolving business climate.
“Marketing Unleashed” is set for 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the Gower Translational Research Center, 1785 University Press Drive in Carbondale. It’s packed with ideas, insights and opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs to make connections and acquire the latest tools and techniques to grow their enterprises.
Register now
Space is limited, so organizers recommend early registration. Sign up online. The registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. Aug. 21 or when all spaces are claimed.
Comprehensive event
All those attending the workshop will receive valuable take-home resources and materials to help them implement the valuable details and strategies they learn. A complimentary lunch is included as well.
There will also be a designated time for those in attendance to network.
Learn from experts
A full, dynamic lineup of marketing and business experts will share practical advice and proven, results-driven approaches and solutions. Jeff Harmon, chief marketing and communications officer for SIU and executive director of University Communications and Marketing, will be the emcee of the third annual “Marketing Unleashed.” Harmon has more than a quarter-century of marketing and communications experience in the private sector and higher education. At SIU, he oversees all university marketing and communications as well as WSIU and campus printing and duplicating operations.
Presenters also include:
- Britni Bateman, assistant vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and chief marketing officer for the SIU Foundation, “Consistent Storytelling: The Secret to Standing Out on Social Media.” She will guide small business owners in the art of developing confident, consistent social media content with which audiences will connect.
- Jason Duff, Small Nation founder and CEO, “The Power of Place: Investing in People, Properties and Purpose.” Duff will look at how investing in both physical spaces and human capital creates long-term value.
- Allison Gower, mojoPOS communications director, “AI Tools to Supercharge Small Business Growth.” She will share tips for integrating artificial intelligence tools into everyday marketing, giving practical, accessible strategies small business owners can readily implement.
- Jared Long, SO ill CINEMA chief executive officer, “Framing Your Story: Techniques to Make Your Message Matter.” Based on his experience as a photographer, videographer and podcast host, Long will reveal how thoughtful, well-done storytelling can elevate a brand and deepen the audience connection.
- Tobias Merriman, assistant director of SIU’s Center for Virtual Expression (CVEX) in the College of Liberal Arts, “From Resistance to Curiosity: AI Demos That Break the Ice.” Revealing what has worked and what hasn’t, Merriman will present honest lessons and learned insights from the AI adoption front lines.
- Ryan Patrick, Wizard of Ads partner, “Who Are You, Really?” He will explore the power of personal branding as he examines core values, personality types, Jimmy Buffett and more.
Find out more
Check the Facebook event page for the latest updates on the workshop. For more information about the Illinois SBDC at SIU, or the numerous no-cost services it provides, visit the website, call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.
Event sponsors include the SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development and University Communications and Marketing.
SIU’s Illinois SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement between the United States Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIU.