I attended the Digital Summit in Indianapolis, IN, and here are my takeaways from the conference. The Digital Summit is precisely what it sounds like, a conference geared toward Marketing professionals who want to learn more about advertising their business through Digital Marketing. 

As a multifamily marketing professional, I encourage anyone in the business to attend a general marketing conference to get insight into digital marketing from an outsider's perspective. Whether in real estate, the fashion world, an #influencer, or a business owner, marketing strategies and trends are alike, no matter your niche. 

I opted for a Platnium Pass for this conference which allowed me access to video recordings of each session and one of three Masterclass workshops hosted on day 1. The meeting was held at JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis, offering overnight guests a discounted rate. Overlooking Victory Field and in the heart of Downtown, JW Marriott is a prime location to create the WOW factor for first-time visitors. 

The Digital Summit was full of 30-minute sessions ranging from SEO topics, creating shoppable moments, and even how to master the "Messy Ponytail" of storytelling. Between each session was a 15-minute networking opportunity to ask questions, grab a cup of coffee, or check your email. The real money piece was the Masterclass offered on day one. You had the choice of three sessions, each lasting from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. These sessions gave in-depth knowledge from experts like Tamsen Webster, Desiree Martinez, and Hannah McNaughton. 

So, what were my takeaways? Why was this conference worth my company's money to allow me to learn more and network outside of the multifamily industry? Here are the top 10 takeaways from my experience at Digital Summit. 

1. Utilize your resource partners to learn their processes and teach them yours. Your resource partners can include graphic designers, strategists, marketing counterparts, and more. 
2. Craft your strategy and plan, then use your plan to raise red flags when things happen that will impact your performance.
3. Human connection is how we educate others. Influencers need to feel like they can trust you with their information.
4. Personal touchpoints create long-term, meaningful relationships. 
5. The first 3 seconds of your video marketing are VITAL.
6. You cannot grow without generating consistent content.
7. Adjust your digital marketing for a sound on-and-off experience.
8. You need more than just views. You need e n g a g e m e n t.
9. Short-form, vertical video is driving the future of social content & commerce. 
10. Digital storytelling is a "messy ponytail." It seems effortless, authentic, and natural, but it takes a lot of strategies, time, and practice.