Crafting SOAR Into 2024: Your Blueprint for Success with SOAR Media
Wow, can you believe how quickly 2024 is unfolding before us? Feels like just yesterday we were setting our resolutions. In fact, at SOAR Media, we put on a whole gathering to help our peers start their 2024 of right, with our inspirational networking and panel event, SOAR Into 2024: Your Blueprint for Success!
You may or may not know that part of SOAR Media’s full service marketing package is full-service event management. We work with you from start to finish – planning, marketing, in-person staffing, then finally documenting, reporting, and wrapping everything up in a bow. But what does it actually look like when one of SOAR’s events is in full effect?
The Event that Kicked Things Off
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 7000 Central Park | Cirrus Conference Center | 7000 Central Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
On January 18, 2024, in Atlanta, GA, SOAR Media launched the inaugural SOAR Into 2024: Your Blueprint for Success. This pivotal event brought together professionals from across the Atlanta-metroplex, all ready to turn the year into their most successful one yet. This unforgettable afternoon featured valuable networking opportunities and inspiring sessions led by industry trailblazers, renowned celebrity trainers, and bestselling authors, all complemented by delectable food and beverages. Attendees left with actionable insights and strategies that turbocharged their careers and personal lives, giving them a head start on reaching their goals in the new year!
And, of course, SOAR Media was at the helm, making sure every detail was as perfect as a meticulously curated Instagram feed (one of ours, perhaps?).
Who Joined Us?
The turnout was impressive, with 49 attendees from 76 different companies, cutting across various sectors. This mix fostered an environment of diverse perspectives and opened avenues for cross-industry collaborations. Imagine the synergy of a tech startup founder exchanging ideas with a seasoned finance professional, all within the welcoming setting of our event!
The Speakers
Ashley Conrad
Crystal Kahlil
Dr. Nicole LaBeach
Olivia Malifa
Rick Hale
Timothy Dance
The Main Dish: the Speaker Sessions
The heart of the event was its sessions, offering a blend of inspiration and practical advice. These included:
2:15 - 2:45 pm: Embracing the YUMMY Journey: From “Doing” to “Being”
Category: Personal & Professional Development
Crystal Khalil and Dr. Nicole LaBeach unveiled the exclusive YUMMY Method – Your Ultimate Most Meaningful Yet. This transformative method guides you towards a more purposeful and satisfying life by embracing the core principles of Liberation, Activation, and Acceleration.
2:50 - 3:20 pm: Impact Starts with “I”
Speaker: Ariele Keller, Personal Trainer & Behavioral Change Specialist, Clarity Fitness
Category: Fitness & Nutrition
Ariele Keller unlocked the secrets to maintaining a happier, healthier lifestyle in 2024. Through simple mindset shifts and tactical strategies, you can be set up for success through movement, nutrition, and stress management.
3:25 - 3:55 pm: Living Your Brand: Elevating Life & Career Through Personal Branding
Category: Personal & Professional Development
Timothy Dance delved into how personal branding can enrich both your professional and personal life, regardless of your role or aspirations.
4:00 - 4:30 pm: Stop Settling, Finding Clear Directions for a Regret Free Life
Category: Personal & Professional Development
Rick Hale shared his personal journey, highlighting how adversity can become your biggest ally. He emphasized the importance of setting clear goals and maintaining simplicity in your plans and aspirations.
4:35 - 5:00 pm: Marketing Trends to Prepare for in 2024
Category: Marketing
Olivia Malifa shared the secrets behind successful marketing in 2024, including client retention strategies, understanding customer pain points, and building a loyal community.
5:00 - 6:00 pm: Networking and Happy Hour
Guests networked and unwound at our Happy Hour, featuring complimentary food and drinks. A perfect setting for making valuable connections!
Behind the Buzz: Marketing SOAR Into 2024
To ensure the success of SOAR Into 2024, SOAR employed a comprehensive marketing strategy – a blend of creativity, strategic planning, and meticulous execution. We began with launching a dedicated landing page on Splashthat to centralize information and registration.
From there, we rolled out a series of targeted email and text campaigns to remind attendees of the event, and, once it was complete, gather feedback.
We utilized paid advertising across Facebook, Instagram, Google, and LinkedIn to maximize visibility.
Additionally, on social media, we leveraged organic promotions on our own accounts and encouraged speakers to promote the event within their networks using personalized discount codes. Our talented graphic designers crafted all promotional materials in-house, ensuring consistency and quality in our visual messaging. The event’s aesthetic – from signage to decorations – was meticulously designed by our team. During the event, our coordination with photographers and videographers ensured all the festivities were captured nicely for future promotional use.
Speaker Bios
Ashley Conrad – Celebrity Fitness Expert, Clutch Body Shop
Ashley Conrad, renowned as a top fitness and nutrition expert globally, leads with her unique and scientific approach to body transformation. A former basketball player who studied Performance Nutrition and Exercise at USC, Ashley launched the famous “Clutch” program, known for its rapid and effective results. She quickly became a favorite trainer for celebrities and athletes, earning a spot in “America’s Top 10 Celebrity Trainers” by Oxygen Magazine. Having made a significant impact in fitness, Ashley is now pioneering new methods in online training, aiming to reshape the digital fitness landscape.
Crystal Kahlil – Co-CEO, Volition Enterprises, Inc. & Sister Diamonds, LLC
Meet Crystal Khalil, a dedicated entrepreneur and coach, who empowers women to excel in their careers and personal lives. With over 30 years in the corporate world, Crystal has become a leading figure, known for her integrity and compassionate leadership. She made history as the first African-American executive at Porsche North America and is a bestselling author of “Hard Workers Work Hard, and Networkers Move Up!” Crystal also chairs Caring For Others, a global non-profit focused on eliminating poverty. In 2020, she co-founded Sister Diamonds LLC, where she continues to inspire and help women reach their highest potential.
Dr. Nicole LaBeach – Co-CEO, Volition Enterprises, Inc. & Sister Diamonds, LLC
Dr. Nicole LaBeach is a seasoned entrepreneur, master coach, and mentor. With over 25 years in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, she excels in guiding individuals to self-discovery. Embracing the motto “Life is a Gift. Living is a Choice!”, Dr. Nicole has authored two inspirational books: “A Woman’s True Purpose: Live Like You Matter” and “Choose Yourself: A Journey Toward Personal Fulfillment For Women.” She also teaches at Spelman College, inspiring students with her wisdom. Alongside her business endeavors, Dr. Nicole imparts her extensive knowledge as an adjunct professor at the prestigious Spelman College.Evidently not content with this incredible portfolio, Dr. Nicole co-founded Sister Diamonds LLC with Crystal Khalil in 2020. A new chapter in her purpose-driven career, Sister Diamonds and its associated projects are a testament to Dr. Nicole’s drive to uplift others in all she undertakes.
Olivia Malifa – Managing Director, SOAR Media
Olivia Malifa, the Australian founder of SOAR Media, has been shaping the marketing landscape since 2003. Her journey in the industry has seen her work in various roles, from behind-the-scenes in media to leading marketing efforts in corporate and private sectors. Her path led to the creation of her own consultancy firm, where she honed her skills in blending creativity with strategic thinking, catering to a diverse clientele.
In 2018, Olivia ventured to the U.S., where she has significantly expanded SOAR Media’s client base and team. Embracing diversity, much like her team, Olivia brings unique perspectives and a touch of Aussie charm to every project, contributing to SOAR’s dynamic and inclusive approach.
Rick Hale – Author, Stop Settling
Rick Hale’s switch from music to real estate in 1996 marked the start of an extraordinary career. As a leader in Keller Williams Realty, he managed a top-performing team that sold 12,000 homes in a year. Despite this demanding career, Rick continued his passion for music, performing and recording rock music with friends.
Beyond his professional success, Rick is deeply committed to community service, especially supporting at-risk youth through Camp Grace. His life, shared with his wife Pauline and their four sons, reflects his dedication to inspiring others. His book, “Stop Settling,” is a motivational guide that combines personal experiences with practical advice.
Timothy Dance – Managing Director, Dancin’ Delivery & Head Chef, Poetic Plates Luxury CateringMeet Timothy Dance, a modern-day Renaissance man with an inspiring and impactful life story. As a single father of three and a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, he leads The Everything Man brand, advocating for the richness of embracing multiple roles and passions. At the helm of Dancin’ Delivery, a logistics and marketing agency, and Poetic Plates, known for its upscale culinary experiences, Dance masterfully blends business acumen with culinary artistry. Set to disrupt his respective industries in the best ways, he is a symbol of unique talent and relentless ambition.
Chris Lawton, SOAR's web development expert, brings over 39 years of experience in information technology. Chris served as the architect and director of IT and Enterprise Architecture for a US company in the US and Europe, where he was responsible for business systems across the continent. He led the team in implementing innovative solutions that streamlined business processes and improved efficiency. Additionally, Chris worked at Coca-Cola in Atlanta, where he was the architect developing and implementing strategies that enhanced website performance and ensured optimal user experience for 650 global websites and their infrastructure.
SOAR got its start with its Aussie founder, Olivia Malifa. Olivia has over 18 years of experience in the marketing industry. She has worked in all capacities and from all angles, serving as a marketing manager in both corporate and private businesses for over a decade before starting her own successful consultancy firm. Through her work in agency, Olivia discovered her true passion for combining creativity and strategy to serve a diverse range of clients across multiple industries.
SOAR's co-founder and COO, Anthony 'Anton' Forbes-Roberts is an executive, advisor and investor with over twenty-five years of leadership in Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurial ventures, and nonprofits. His marketing experience includes leadership positions at Ogilvy Worldwide and Carlson Companies, in a career where he has designed, built, and/or sold programs driving over $500M in annual revenue. Anton's expertise in strategy & operations helps SOAR Media build, support and optimize its unique 'one stop' marketing services model on behalf of its clients.
Andrew Armanasco is a key member of the SOAR team, specializing in new business development, account management, and relationship management. Andrew holds a degree in Business from Tulsa University and has been in the industry for several years. He has worked throughout the Americas and the European Union, helping businesses with community development, land acquisition, manufacturing, expansion, sales, and distribution.
Behind every successful brand is one fundamental element: engaging experiences. As an Atlanta-native, Brand Marketing Strategist (Senior Account Manager), Kate Kisner has 13+ years of developing world-class events, acquisitions, brand concepts, and launches. Adept at developing methods to enhance visibility and market share by turning followers into clients, out-earning competitors, and increasing profit margins with forward-thinking, holistic brand experiences.
Moriah Deal is SOAR’s account manager with an impressive background in all areas of Public Relations and Marketing. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Science from Kennesaw State University, with a minor in Marketing. Since then, she has brought her skills to many industries. Moriah has written Healthcare PR copy with WellStar and the Georgia Pharmacy Association, done digital marketing for a carpet manufacturer that targeted Commercial Event and Hospitality spaces, facilitated social media marketing for a non-profit, and worked in graphic design and event management for a plumbing marketing department.
Delfina Booth is an interdisciplinary professional who excels in writing, marketing, and social media. She received her Bachelor's in Literature, Media, and Communication and Master's in Global Media and Communications from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Delfina is always creating; her academic background includes building two fantasy computer games, directing three short films, and studying abroad in Mexico City twice.
Logan Wilson brings a wealth of marketing expertise to SOAR Media, where he excels in crafting impactful strategies and innovative campaigns. As the Marketing Coordinator for the Seattle Seawolves, Logan handles social media, advertising, promotional design, sponsorships, and data analysis to drive marketing success. Combining his marketing skills with a deep passion for sports, fueled by his sister’s rugby career, Logan thrives on the excitement of game days and engaging fans. His dedication to excellence in every project reflects his commitment to both the sport and his role.
Jamie is our senior account manager, with a master’s degree and over 15 years of experience across a number of industries. She excels at guiding clients to success, having overseen accounts for major brands like Nike, Adidas, Starbucks, and Tommy Hilfiger. Originally from Texas, Jamie has lived in California and D.C., and now resides in Washington. In her free time, she enjoys family activities, traveling, outdoor running, yoga, and kayaking.
Pago brings over two years of freelance experience in video and photo editing. In his role, he takes pride in bringing imagination to life by creating and refining compelling visuals to match our clients' needs. When not working, he enjoys quality time with his wife, their dog, and a good night's sleep.
Chance Wenglewski is a graphic designer and illustrator with five years of experience under his belt. He loves contributing to the creative process of using his art to take that project to the next level and leave an impact. In his free time, Chance stays active with regular visits to the gym, training for rugby season, and exploring his passion for tattooing.
Lain is a creative force at SOAR Media, with proven success in marketing teams. She has developed a flair for creating visually compelling narratives and building cohesive brand identities. With her expertise in graphic design, multimedia, and brand identity development, Lain creates unique, memorable brand experiences that capture audiences' hearts and catapult client success.
Amanda Lako is SOAR’s marketing intern with a passion for creativity and marketing. In December 2024, she graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a concentration in Data Analytics. Amanda merges her energy for marketing and her analytical skills to bring fresh perspectives to the team and new ideas to the table. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and try new restaurants!
Our newest intern is a passionate, smart, hard working professional looking to start her career as an entry-level marketer for a high-performance organization with opportunity for growth. Zoe Franklin is currently pursuing a BBA in International Business and Marketing with a Minor in Japanese Language and Literature at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Set to graduate in Spring 2025, Zoe is excited to enter the world of business and showcase what she has to offer.