Meet the Keynote Speakers

CHIP KIDD

Chip Kidd is an American graphic designer, editor and author, best known for his book covers. As of 2024, he is the vice president and art director at Knopf and editor-at-large for graphic novels at Pantheon. He is the author of two novels and numerous non-fiction books on comics and graphic design, with a particular interest in DC's Batman series. Kidd is the recipient of four Eisner Awards, the 2014 AIGA Medal and the 2007 American National Design Award for communication design.

Designer, Author, Book Cover Illustrator

STEVE PACHECO, CEO

DAWN REEVES, EVP

AAF is the nation’s leading professional organization for the advertising, marketing, and communications industry. Founded in 1905, AAF represents a nationwide network of local clubs, college chapters, and industry professionals dedicated to education, advocacy, and innovation. Dawn Reeves serves as EVP of Member Services & Programs, while Steve Pacheco is President and CEO, guiding the organization’s national strategy and outreach. Together, they lead initiatives that support creative excellence, professional development, and the next generation of advertising talent.

AAF National

TED WRIGHT

In 2015, Phil Kotler described Ted Wright as, “The Pioneer of modern Word of Mouth Marketing.” As the CEO of Fizz, Ted Wright has led one of the largest word of mouth marketing firms in the world since 2001. Operating in 13 time zones around the world, Fizz’s clients include Coca-Cola, LVMH, JetBlue, Audi, Intel, Quidel, and FIFA.

Ted has taught at the Wharton School since 2010 and in 2014 wrote the best-selling Word of Mouth Marketing book entitled “Fizz”. For fun, Ted surfs poorly and takes pictures of street art. He is a cum laude graduate of the University of Chicago’s business school and has been together with his very patient wife since 1987.