Cibo Brand Experience Symposium: You Are Your Brand

On Monday evening, Cibo hosted the inaugural Brand Experience Symposium. Over 70 Bay Area marketing, branding, and agency professionals gathered at The Battery Club in San Francisco for an evening of drinks, camaraderie and conversation about the important themes shaping the way we build brands today.

The topic for the Symposium this year was, You Are Your Brand. The evening’s conversation centered on the idea that brands gain meaning through putting values into practice and are therefore a direct reflection of the experience we provide our customers at every moment of interaction.

The event featured a group of speakers that truly embodied this philosophy. Ken Fulk (Ken Fulk Inc.), Keir Winesmith (SFMOMA), and Matt Schow (Generation Tux) have either created brands that are direct reflections of themselves and their values, or are brand stewards championing the spirit and integrity of their brands by putting them into practice everyday.

Barry Schuler, former CEO of AOL and partner at Draper Fisher Jurveston Growth, moderated the lively conversation.

The discussion highlighted each panelist’s unique perspective on building and maintaining brands. Matt emphasized the importance of a flawless experience when a customer first unpacks his perfectly pressed tuxedo. Ken discussed the value he puts into maintaining client relationships, so much so he views the brands he works with as his own. Keir spoke to finding the balance of fulfilling artists’ expressions and expanding the audience of SFMOMA visitors.

The conversation took a turn to current events – more specifically, Donald Trump. Though not everyone agrees with Trump’s politics, it was clear to the panelists that it is his authenticity that appeals to a lot of people. Matt Schow may have summed it up best, “You can’t be authentic to everyone, so be authentic to those who matter most to your brand.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of great conversation and even better company. We’re already looking forward to planning our next Brand Experience Symposium in 2016. Like to be invited? Send us an e-mail at events@cibosf.com.