Happy Pride Month! June is a time for celebration, reflection, and recognizing the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. While this year feels different with mounting challenges to basic freedoms, it’s more important than ever to show up in meaningful ways. As marketers, we have the power to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community through thoughtful and inclusive practices. From using gender-neutral language in your messaging to hiring LGBTQIA+ creators, every action counts. Join us as we explore how inclusive marketing can drive progress, create real connections, and ensure everyone feels seen and valued, even in uncertain times.

Get ready to be inspired! Our 2025 AMA PDX Agency Storytelling Project kicks off with a dynamic video Q&A featuring storyteller Bryn Culbert and Wonderfolk account manager Dory Athey. This behind-the-scenes glimpse captures the heart of volunteerism, teamwork, and the powerful impact of our agency program. It’s a fun, insightful look at how marketing pros and nonprofits come together to create real change—don’t miss it!

Anti-Asian hate has surged again following the 2024 U.S. elections, with alarming increases in incidents targeting AANHPI communities. Marketers can play a crucial role in fighting this by promoting authentic representation, supporting AANHPI creators, and reevaluating language to avoid harmful stereotypes. This piece offers practical steps for brands to take action and make a positive impact.

AI and automation are transforming marketing by making it smarter, faster, and more personalized. AI enhances customer experiences through predictive analytics, personalization at scale, and AI-powered chatbots for efficient customer support. Automation, on the other hand, boosts efficiency by handling tasks like email campaigns, social media scheduling, and performance reporting. Together, these technologies allow marketers to make data-driven decisions, nurture leads, and create seamless customer interactions. As AI and automation evolve, they’ll continue to offer deeper insights and more immersive experiences, ensuring businesses stay competitive and deliver exceptional marketing.

April is Neurodiversity Celebration Month, and AMA PDX is honoring the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to marketing. We spoke with Trinity Bowen, a Portland State MBA student, who shared how her neurodivergence fuels creativity, pattern recognition, and problem-solving in her work. Trinity reminds us that inclusion goes beyond accommodations — it's about embracing different ways of thinking to build stronger, more innovative teams.

In the world of influencer marketing, smaller is getting smarter. This blog explores the growing power of micro (10k–100k followers) and nano (under 10k) influencers, who are winning over brands with their authenticity, high engagement rates, and niche audiences. Unlike their mega-famous counterparts, these influencers feel more like trusted friends than celebrities—making their recommendations more impactful and budget-friendly. For brands looking to build genuine connections without breaking the bank, micro and nano-influencers are the secret sauce to smarter, more relatable marketing.

In today’s digital world, video content remains one of the most powerful tools for engaging and converting audiences. Statistics show that 80% of internet traffic will be video by 2025, and 72% of consumers prefer learning about products through video. Video enhances engagement, builds trust, drives conversions, improves SEO, and is highly shareable, making it a crucial component of any marketing strategy. Whether through social media, YouTube, live streaming, or video ads, businesses can harness video to connect with audiences, increase brand visibility, and achieve measurable results.

Consumers today are becoming more conscious than ever, prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Research shows that 76% of shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and they expect brands to be transparent, authentic, and innovative. As consumers increasingly value sustainability, businesses must engage with their audience and collaborate with like-minded organizations to stay relevant. By adopting sustainable marketing strategies, companies can build trust, stand out, and make a positive impact on both their brand and the world. It's not just a trend—it's the future of responsible marketing!