SFBig

AI Advolution
2025-04-23 13:30 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
AI Advolution: How Generative AI Affects The Future of Advertising

Elks Lodge, 450 Post Street 3rd Floor (Part of the Kensington Park Hotel)

Join sfBIG community at the AI Advolution Half Day Summit on Wednesday 4/23 for a deep dive into the evolving role of AI in advertising. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your approach, this event will provide actionable insights from industry leaders across media, creative, strategy, and data.

The advertising industry is at a pivotal crossroads where AI is transforming every aspect of the field, from creative development to media buying and campaign optimization. Generative AI is enabling limitless possibilities, allowing brands to automate creativity, target audiences more effectively, and optimize campaigns in real time. But as AI becomes increasingly integrated into day-to-day workflows, the big question is: How can the advertising industry evolve to leverage AI effectively, and how are we upskilling our workforce to meet these new challenges?

Doors: 1:30pm, Content 2:30pm – 5pm, Networking Hour 5pm

Members, sign in for your discounted ticket: $75

Session 1: Beyond the Buzz: The AI Essentials You Need to Know

AI is transforming marketing — but not always in the ways you’d expect. This panel cuts through the buzzwords to uncover the essentials every marketer should know. From creative automation and customer insights to ethical data use and measurement pitfalls, we’ll explore the hidden layers of AI that impact brand storytelling, personalization, and performance. If you think you’ve got AI covered, think again — this session is your cheat sheet for what’s next (and what you’ve probably missed).

Jess English – Marketing Executive – Evolve

Zach Schwitzky – Co-Founder & CEO – Limbik

Pubali Sen – Senior AI/ML Specialist CE – Google

Raghu Kodige – Founder & CEO – Anoki

Session 2: AI Learning & Development: How Buyers & Sellers Stay Ahead

AI is reshaping how marketers run ad campaigns and how ad products are sold. But with rapid change, how do teams on both sides keep up? Even better, how do they get ahead? This Q&A with leaders from both sides will explore essential AI skills / knowledge needed for marketing and sales teams, common pitfalls in trying to upskill teams, and how to turn AI knowledge into real, business impact.

Whether you’re buying or selling, this session will help you build a smarter, AI-ready team.

Shiv Gupta – Founder – U of Digital

Joe Megibow – Former CEO – Casper

Brian Quinn – President – AppsFlyer

Session 3: Behind the Algorithm: Live AI Targeting at Work

Get a front-row seat to the future of precision marketing. In this interactive session, Ben and Jordan peel back the curtain on how AI-powered targeting really works. Watch as data, intelligence, and automation come together to identify the right audience at the right moment. Whether you’re curious about the tech, the strategy, or the outcomes, this demo will show you what’s possible when machine learning meets marketing execution.

Jordan Crawford – Founder – Blueprint

Benjamin Shapiro – Founder & CEO – I Hear Everything

Welcome Sponsor

Innovation Sponsor

Table Sponsors

“Photographer” Justin Chu

2025 Pickleball Tournament
2025-05-16 10:00 - 17:00 | Bay Club Gateway, 370 Drumm St, San Francisco, California, 94111, United States
Back for its third year and raising the bar, this is sfBIG’s Pickleball Tournament like you’ve never seen it before. This high-energy day of play is more than just a tournament; it’s one of the largest and most anticipated events on the sfBIG calendar.

Teams of two will be organized in advance of the tournament day, so whether you’re signing up with a partner or looking to be matched with one, we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on bringing your A-game. All gear is provided.

The day kicks off with a Pickleball Pro Clinic, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to warm up before the games begin. Once the tournament is underway, teams compete for the chance to take the podium, win prizes, and earn their place on the coveted sfBIG trophy.

We highly encourage everyone to pick up a paddle and join the game, but there’s something for everyone, even if you don’t plan to play. Each ticket includes access to an open bar, lunch and snacks (with dietary accommodations available), and unlimited use of Bay Club facilities—including the pool, ping pong, cornhole, and more. Throughout the day, sponsors across the venue have games, giveaways, shaded lounges, and interactive experiences that keep the fun going between matches.

Thank You To our Sponsors!

Pride 2025: Stronger Together
2025-06-12 14:30 - 17:30 | CA
Building Belonging & Inclusivity in a Time of Uncertainty

In celebration of Pride Month, sfBIG is turning up the volume and bringing together a panel of entrepreneurs, bold leaders, and social impact champions to share their stories, spark real talk, and serve up insights on building a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering industry.

Speakers

Christopher Stemborowski, Marketing Effectiveness Consultant (Freelance) & Chair of Board of Directors @ Pacific Center for Human Growth

Haley Everhart, VP, Marketing, FOLX Health

Cat Perez, CEO & Founder, Famm Connect

Danisha Lomax, EVP, Head of Inclusivity & Impact, Digitas North America

Steve Wong, CEO & Co-Founder, Ready State

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Mystery of Cannes Unpacked 2025
2025-07-09 14:30 - 18:00 | Duncan Channon Offices, 22 Battery St Floor 10, San Francisco, California, 94111, United States
sfBIG is excited to bring all the highlights of Cannes to the SF ad community for our second year! Join us for insights from top creative and media leaders as they break down key trends, evolving categories, and the role of tech at Cannes. We’ll also showcase standout Bay Area work and maybe even celebrate a local win!

While the South of France may be known for rosé and Riviera views, Cannes Lions is also a global stage for groundbreaking creativity, innovation, and industry evolution. This event will feature dynamic discussions of creative and media leaders sharing key takeaways, trends, and personal experiences from Cannes. From changes in award categories and judging criteria to the increasing role of technology, we’ll explore how the festival continues to shape the future of advertising.

Doors: 2:30pmContent: 3:15pm – 5pmNetworking: 5pm

Optimizing Your Resume & Linkedin Page
2025-08-06 13:00 - 14:00 | CA
The Fireside Chat series is a part of the BAARC Mentorship Program, powered by sfBIG, AMA SF, and PRSA. Designed to spotlight specific roles within our industry, each chat features conversations with the professionals who currently hold these positions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into a typical day in the life, along with helpful tips, insight, and guidance drawn from the real life experiences of our amazing guests.

The Resume and Linkedin Fireside Chat kicks off the series with Carolyn Parodi, Client Lead at PHD, interviewing Kelly Burke, Coach & Consultant and Founder of Breezemont Group, as well as Executive Director of sfBIG. Bring your questions about how to build an effective resume and how to shine up your Linkedin page. Carolyn and Kelly also serve as the Directors of the BAARC Mentorship Program.

Add To Your Calendar Here

SF Pop-Up 2025
2025-08-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Toy Soldier, 52 Belden Pl, San Francisco, California, 94104, United States
Looking to meet others in the industry who live or work nearby? Want to dust off your networking skills in a laid-back setting? This is the event for you.

We’re popping up at Toy Soldier, right in the heart of downtown San Francisco, just steps away from the city’s bustling office scene. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, this is your chance to connect with fellow professionals, expand your network, and tap into the local community.

We’ll have our own reserved area at the venue, making it easy to mingle, grab a drink, and spark meaningful conversations.

PATH TO SUCCESS
2025-09-18 14:30 - 15:30 | Lyft Offices, 185 Berry Street, San Francisco, California, 94107, United States
An exclusive career focused VIP pre-event experience with direct access to our most accomplished leaders.

Path to Success is designed as a special opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with some of the women of Her Success. Our panelists, Her Success Alumni, and other amazing women will be available to have some impactful conversations with the attendees. The pre-event is an ideal experience for those who are early in their professional journey or anyone seeking guidance, mentoring, or advice on their career path. Tickets are extremely limited

This is a separate event / separate ticket – you must still purchase a ticket to Her Success in order to attend the main event.

Attendees Have the Opportunity to Meet One-on-One with These Amazing Leaders!

Her Success
2025-09-18 15:30 - 18:30 | Lyft Offices, 185 Berry Street, San Francisco, California, 94107, United States
Check out the Pictures from Her Success Here

Check out the Recording of Her Success Here

sfBIG is excited to present the 4th Annual Her Success event, featuring some of the industry’s most respected, admirable and trailblazing women. Fueled by the impact of previous years, we are bringing honest conversations, valuable insight, and inspiration to all attendees. Rooted in positivity and honesty this event encourages meaningful conversations that will spark lasting change.

We are encouraging attendees to support Dress for Success by bringing donations. This nonprofit provides free career clothing, coaching, and job readiness programs to women across the Bay Area — and since 2006, has supported more than 18,000 women in their professional journeys.

How you can help:

Donate clean, ready-to-wear blazers, blouses, dresses, slacks, and cardigans

Bring work-appropriate handbags, jewelry, and shoes (especially wide shoes, and sizes 5 and 10+)

Plus-size (12–18) and petite (8+) clothing are especially needed

Designer and high-end items are welcome — they may be re-sold at events to raise funds for programs

You can also donate a gift card (ideally in $25 increments) or make a financial donation at www.sfdress.org/donate/make-a-gift

They do NOT accept menswear, casual wear, athletic wear, undergarments,

Most important – all items must be new or very gently used, clean and ready to be distributed directly to job searching women.

Introducing our 2025 Her Success Panelists

Gabby Turner, VP of Marketing and Innovation at Bay Area Host Committee

Gabby Turner is a senior business, marketing, and partnerships strategist with deep roots in the Bay Area and more than two decades of global experience moving brands, platforms, and cultural initiatives forward. She currently serves as VP of Marketing & Innovation for the Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC), where she’s helping lead the region’s effort to host Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup 2026, part of a historic 18-month run of global events for the Bay.

Gabby’s career spans high-growth startups, iconic tech brands, and her own consultancy. Her portfolio includes companies such as StubHub, eBay, Zenni, FanDuel, and OneTeam Partners. She has led strategic initiatives across professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, and cultural institutions. She’s had a successful track record of leading teams, accelerating high-priority initiatives, and driving business performance forward.

Emily Raimondi, VP of Brand Marketing at Bay FC

Emily Raimondi is the Vice President of Brand Marketing for the elite football franchise Bay FC, where she oversees the club’s growing social and digital presence, content & creative strategy, burgeoning brand identity, and world-class game entertainment and fan experience for all home matches at PayPal Park.

Prior to joining Bay FC, Raimondi spent 10 years at NBC Sports Bay Area & California in their Marketing department helping to oversee brand and creative development for all Bay Area Pro Sports teams to drive engagement and consumption. Most recently, Raimondi was Vice President of Creative and Strategic Marketing for NBC Sports Bay Area & California and NBC Bay Area. Raimondi was a collegiate athlete in track and field and a graduate of Santa Clara University.

Gladys Kong, CEO at Azira

A seasoned technology founder and entrepreneur, Gladys Kong has been the CEO of Azira, a consumer insights platform, since its launch in March of 2024. Ms. Kong’s deep knowledge in the location data space is well-known within the industry and supported by many years of strong leadership and innovation. Prior to her role as Azira’s CEO, she served as COO and Secretary of the Company when its predecessor acquired UberMedia in April of 2021, where she was CEO for six years and CTO for five years, beginning in 2012.

During her tenure, Ms. Kong pioneered the first geolocation-powered data intelligence platform that still powers many Fortune 500 companies and top travel destinations in the world, both in business decision making as well as marketing initiatives.Before 2012, Ms. Kong was the CEO of GoInteractive, Inc., a company she founded. Before that, Ms. Kong held senior positions at Idealab and its operating companies since joining in 1999. She is currently on the board of directors for StellarAlgo, a customer cloud platform for the Sports and Live Audience industries. Ms. Kong holds a B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from Caltech and an M.S. in Computer Science from UCLA.

Shabnum Palomba, EVP, Client at Digitas

Shabnum Palomba currently holds the EVP, Client Lead at Digitas, where she is the client lead for Sephora North America managing both creative and media. She also oversees the West Coast Media practice. Shabnum has been with Digitas for 2 years. Prior to Digitas Shab has over 27 years of advertising/marketing experience including time at AKQA, McCann, WPP and Omnicom. She’s run clients including Clif Bar, Wynn Las Vegas, You Tube, Anheuser Busch, Levi’s, Sony Music and Visa/Fifa and NFL. In her spare time Shab spends time with her husband and 6-year-old son. She coaches his soccer and baseball teams as well as sits on the board of the Olympic Club Foundation

Ji Lee, Head of Partnerships at GamesBeat

Ji Lee is a media and partnerships leader with over two decades of experience in the advertising industry. Currently serving as the Head of Partnerships at she is focused on driving strategic collaborations and revenue growth at the intersection of gaming, technology, and entertainment.

A passionate advocate for mental health and self-love, Ji is also deeply committed to building and nurturing communities. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found two companies: Take Care Space, a wellness brand born from her personal belief in self-care, and HELLO HAPI, a media platform committed to amplifying the stories and voices of the Asian diaspora.

Her unique background, blending extensive leadership in revenue organizations with a strong personal dedication to community and well-being, positions her as a dynamic and insightful force in the evolving media landscape.

Kelly Burke, Your Host, Executive Director of sfBIG and Coach, Consultant & owner of Breezemont Group

Kelly Burke is a former advertising executive with a passion for mentoring and empowering professionals to reach their fullest potential. Through firsthand experiences, she saw the need for effective training, support, and self-actualization. Kelly founded Breezemont in 2018, offering training, coaching, and consulting as a way to help individuals build confidence, achieve their goals, and thrive in their careers.

In 2021, Kelly was asked to take over as Executive Director of sfBIG and bring the organization back to life after covid. While this new role required Breezemont to take a temporary back seat, Kelly’s commitment to empowering women never wavered. Determined to keep her vision alive, she integrated her female-focused project under the sfBIG umbrella and launched the inaugural “Her Success” in 2022.

Today, with an amazing board, sfBIG is thriving and continues to bring meaningful content and important career driven events to the Bay Area Community. In turn, Kelly has brought Breezemont back to the front burner and is excited to continue to help women build lives and careers that ignites their passion and builds on their strengths.

Annual Golf Tournament 2025
2025-10-30 11:00 - 19:00 | Presidio Golf Course, 300 Finley Rd, San Francisco, CA, 94129, United States
sfBIG is excited to bring back the annual sfBIG Charity Golf Tournament at the, always lovely, Presidio Golf Course! The Golf Tournament brings the whole community together for some rivalry, mingling, laughs, and lots of fun.

With an October 30th date, of course we have to do a Halloween Theme 🎃 Prizes awarded for costumes, so get thinking now.

Don’t miss out on our sponsorship opportunities. Contact Sponsorship@sfBIG.org to learn more about how to be a sponsor.

Noon: Tee Off (get there early for golfer perks!)

4pm: Party in the Presidio

2026 New Year's Party
2026-01-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Emporium Arcade Bar, 616 Divisadero St, San Francisco, California, 94117, United States
Join sfBIG at Emporium as we ease into the new year with good drinks, great company, and a space designed for real connection. No stiff agendas, no long speeches, just a chance to gather with the people who shape our industry and enjoy an evening that mixes celebration with a little friendly arcade competition.

We’ll introduce our new board members, reflect on what we accomplished in 2025, and look ahead to what’s possible in 2026. It’s the perfect way to reset, reconnect, and start the year with the community that continues to move the Bay Area’s digital and interactive media world forward.

Thank you to our Safe Ride Home Sponsor Overwolf!

✨ Sponsorship opportunities are still available for a bar sponsor and food sponsor. Interested in putting your company front and center at sfBIG’s first event of 2026? Reach out to sponsorship@sfbig.org to learn more.

Photographer: Justin Chu

How Brands Win In Culture
2026-02-25 15:00 - 18:00 | Duncan Channon Offices, 22 Battery St Floor 10, San Francisco, California, 94111, United States
As audiences increasingly seek connection over content, fandom has emerged as a powerful driver of trust, loyalty, and long-term growth.

With major sports moments on the horizon, the continued rise of women’s sports, and creators playing a defining role in culture, this conversation examines how brands can move beyond sponsorships to become meaningful participants in the communities people care about most.

We’ll discuss:

– What it takes to turn cultural relevance into lasting brand equity and growth

– How fandom has evolved from audience targeting to identity and belonging — and why that shift matters for both B2C and B2B brands

– The role creators, athletes, and community leaders play in building credibility and influence in ways brands can’t achieve alone

– How brands can show up consistently and authentically in culture, rather than chasing one-off moments

Huge thank you to our Networking sponsor MiQ and our Supporting sponsor Infillion for making this event happen!

March Madness 2026
2026-03-20 14:00 - 19:00 | NorthStar Cafe, 1560 Powell St, San Francisco, California, 94133
Bring your bracket, grab a drink, and enjoy an afternoon of hoops, food, and great company as sfBIG kicks off March Madness! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the fun, we have games, engaging conversations, and plenty of friendly competition waiting for you.

Join us for a laid-back, lively afternoon no matter how your bracket holds up!

sfBIG Gives Back: Earth Day Cleanup with Refuse Refuse
2026-04-23 15:00 - 19:00 | Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, California, 94105
Join us for sfBIG’s first-ever Give Back Day as we come together to beautify San Francisco in celebration of Earth Day and San Francisco Climate Week

In partnership with Refuse Refuse, we’ll roll up our sleeves and take action to keep our neighborhoods clean, green, and thriving. This is a chance to connect with colleagues and community members while making a meaningful environmental impact in the city we all love.

What to expect:

Meeting point at the Ferry Building

Guided neighborhood cleanup led by Refuse Refuse

Supplies and safety materials provided

Community connection and team building

Raffles and prizes for volunteers

Post-cleanup Happy Hour to celebrate

Give Back with PurposeA portion of event funds and proceeds will be donated directly to Refuse Refuse to support their ongoing work keeping San Francisco litter-free.

About Refuse Refuse

Refuse Refuse is a San Francisco–based nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to cleaning and beautifying city streets. Their mission is to inspire civic pride and community action by organizing volunteer-led cleanups across neighborhoods.

Since launching, Refuse Refuse has:

Mobilized thousands of volunteers

Removed tons of trash from SF streets

Partnered with local residents, businesses, and city agencies

Helped restore public spaces block by block

Their work not only improves the environment but also strengthens community connection and stewardship across San Francisco.

Let’s Make an Impact — Together

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, community service, or just want to spend a meaningful afternoon outdoors, this is your opportunity to give back.

Let’s beautify San Francisco — for Earth Day and beyond.

3-5pm: Neighborhood cleanup meeting at the ferry building.

5-7pm: Happy Hour at Patriot House at 2 Embarcadero Ctr 3rd floor.

Sponsorship opportunities available! Companies will be able to form a team to compete and win prizes. Can be purchased directly below or if you have questions please email sponsorship@sfbig.org

First 50 people to register will be entered to win a $100 Visa Gift Card

Thank you to our sponsors, GSTV, MNI and The San Francisco Standard!

Pickleball Tournament 2026
2026-05-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Bay Club Gateway, 370 Drumm St, San Francisco, California, 94111, United States

Pride 2026
2026-06-11 15:00 - 18:00 | CA

Cannes Recap 2026
2026-07-08 15:00 - 18:00 | CA

Her Success 2026
2026-09-10 15:00 - 18:00 | CA

Golf Tournament 2026
2026-10-22 11:00 - 19:00 | Presidio Golf Course, 300 Finley Rd, San Francisco, CA, 94129, United States
