The Top Ideas We’re Excited to Discuss at GURU Conference

Every year, GURU Conference brings together marketers, business owners, and nonprofit leaders who are all asking some version of the same question: how do we get the word out about our business, and do it well? This year, with a little rom-com charm added into the mix, a few big ideas kept coming up across the lineup. Here are the ones we can’t wait to talk about, and the sessions to keep an eye on for each.

1. Bet on yourself, and keep going

Every good rom-com story has a messy middle. Some of this year’s most inspiring voices are leading with honesty about the parts that don’t make the highlight reel: the pivots, the stumbles, the moments of doubt, and the choice to keep building anyway. Whether you’re launching something new, reinventing what you’re known for, or taking a creative risk at your organization, this theme is a reminder that growth rarely looks tidy, and that you’re allowed to change direction.

Sessions to watch:

• Dan Levy shares a keynote highlighting his creativity and signature humor; Nov. 12, 11:17 a.m. ET
• Abigail Erickson-Torres is flying high with “Talk to Me Goose: Becoming a Marketing Nonprofit Maverick”; Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m. ET
• Amy Porterfield gives you the fast facts with “The Quickest Wins in Marketing & Business”; Nov. 12,  3:05 p.m. ET
• Molly Ringwald delivers her keynote from a place of inspiration and reinvention; Nov. 13, 1:49 p.m. ET

2. In a world of AI-assistance, pair efficiency with individuality

AI is now part of nearly every marketer’s toolkit, which makes it easier than ever to create something that’s ready to launch… but did you take the time to make it you? These sessions look at how to use technology as a partner while keeping the personality, point of view, and human touch that make people remember you. You’ll also hear fresh thinking on how people (and AI tools) are finding businesses in the first place.

Sessions to watch:

• Ross Simmonds cracks the AI search code with “How to Engineer Your Brand Into the Memory Layer of Every LLM”; Nov. 12, 11:58 a.m. ET
• Frank Vella delivers a keynote full of expertise and innovation; Nov. 12; 12:34 p.m. ET
• Stephanie Alfonso brings her real estate expertise to “AI Can’t Replace Your Relationships”; Nov. 12, 2:06 p.m
• Kath Pay shows us what’s next with “AI Has Commoditized Copy, Now What?”; Nov. 12, 4:22 p.m. ET
• Kara Fischer brings makeover magic to the inbox with  “My Fair Lady: Giving an Ugly Send an AI Makeover”; Nov. 13, 2:36 p.m. ET

3. Know your why, and the people you’re talking to

The best marketing starts with clarity: what you stand for, who you’re here to serve, and how to say it in a way that feels like a real conversation. These sessions get to the heart of connection, from the words you choose to the stories you tell to the way you welcome someone new. They’re especially rich for nonprofits and local businesses, where relationships do so much of the work.

Sessions to watch:

• Nancy Harhut gives you the keys to killer email with “Seven Words and Phrases That Spark Email Success”; Nov. 12; 11:58 a.m. ET
• Dave Pezzano helps you break through with “Five Ways to Connect and Win Your Audience”; Nov. 12, 3:05 p.m. ET
• Iana Robitaille brings nonprofit storytelling to attendees with “Narrating the Ask: Bringing the Donor into the Storyline”; Nov. 13, 1:13 p.m. ET
• Katelyn Baughan continues the donor love with “Turning New Donors into Believers”; Nov. 13, 2:36 p.m. ET
• Brittany Graff speaks fluent franchise with “Scaling the Inbox”; Nov. 13, 3:35 p.m. ET
• Jay Schwedelson, the GURU himself, wraps up the conference as only he can; Nov. 13, 4:28 p.m.

4. Build a foundation that lets great marketing shine

Great ideas only work if they reach people, and the behind-the-scenes work is what makes that possible. This group of sessions is about the practical side: getting delivered, saving time with smart automation, scaling across teams, and knowing what’s actually working so you can invest with confidence. It’s less glamorous, and it might be the most useful part of your week.

Sessions to watch:

• Guy Hanson, “Q4 Inbox Reality: Winning Attention When AI Reads First”: preparing for the busy season ahead
• Aaron Wesley Means, “Marketing Automation: Better Results in Less Time”: getting time back while making your marketing more relevant
• Marki Lemons Ryhal, “AI-Powered Email Systems”: turning your contact list into a growth engine
• Paige Gast: building repeatable systems so email works across many teams and regions
• Emily Popson: knowing what’s working so your marketing budget keeps earning its place

5. Stay relevant by renewing your Certified status

Marketing is changing all the time, but staying current doesn’t have to be hard. Each year, Certified GURU offers its current Gurus recertification by attending specific sessions at the conference, and this year’s choices are all about helping learners keep their knowledge fresh and relevant so they can hit send with confidence. 

Not certified yet? Join the waitlist!

This year’s recertification sessions: 

• Brian Minick, “Who Killed the Inbox”; Nov. 12, 11:58 a.m. ET
• Emily Popson, “Crazy, Stupid, Leads”; Nov. 12, 2:06 p.m. ET
• Kath Pay, “AI Has Commoditized Copy, Now What?”; Nov. 12, 4:22 p.m. ET
• Beth O’Malley, “The New Inbox Psychology”; Nov. 13, 11:56 a.m. ET
• Guy Hanson, “Winning Attention When AI Reads First”; Nov. 13, 11:56 a.m. ET
• Kara Fischer, “My Fair Email”;  Nov. 13, 2:36 p.m. ET

Explore the full GURU Conference agenda

Will we see you there?

These great ideas and sessions are just a sampling of what you’ll see at GURU Conference. Join us for incredible insights, more experts, and fun extras that you won’t want to miss. (Cute pets and Guinness World Record attempts, anyone?) The conference takes place November 12 and 13, and best of all, it’s FREE and fully virtual. 

Save your spot at GuruConference.com, and bring your curiosity.