We’re pleased to announce that on August 19 at the W Hollywood Hotel, we’ll be holding the [a]list video summit. While video as a format has always gleamed with potential, particularly this year, mobile has pushed the format into the limelight as older platforms and new apps are reinvigorating the video space. The challenge to marketers to is make the most of it.

We sat down with Jay Baage, executive director of [a]listdaily at Ayzenberg to talk about what attendees can expect, how to get involved, and why video is so important right now. 

Jay BaageJay Baage, Executive Director, [a]listdaily

Why was it important to hone in on video for this [a]list summit?

At last year’s [a]list summit in July, we focused in on influencer marketing. That is still one of the most exciting fields of marketing with so much native talent emerging everyday on different social content platforms like YouTube, Vine and Instagram. In the last year, we have seen so many other important developments in the broader field of video marketing that we felt it made sense to spotlight some of those as well at this year’s summit.

One of the biggest developments is that Facebook video now finally rivals YouTube in scale and many new interesting rivals are on the horizon, offering brand marketers a whole new landscape that they need to map out for themselves. What does the audience look like on these platforms What do the ad formats and other marketing opportunities provide and where can you get the most bang for your buck

What will the programming of the [a]list summit be like What trends are you focusing on?

We’ll be talking to top talent and executives running brand studios as well as emerging video content and platforms expected to grow exponentially over the coming years, such as streaming video services covering everything from eSports to make-up tutorials. We’ll also be taking a look at what video opportunities there are for marketers on emerging virtual and augmented reality platforms such as Facebook-owned Oculus and Microsoft’s HoloLens.

I think that there has never been a more exciting time to be a marketer with so many exciting new forms of interactive content and interesting technologies to tap into, but the question is: if you strip away all the hype, what will actually give you better results than TV or any other medium It’s a challenge all brand marketers face. Embrace new marketing platforms to stay relevant, but at the same time maximize ROI throughout the transition.

What are some things marketers should expect to happen in the video sphere in the coming year?

I’m so excited about all the great premium content for online platforms being announced at the IAB NewFronts in NYC going on. We are also seeing big live-streamed events. Most recently, the unauthorized Periscope streams from the weekend’s Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, but also big organized stunts by brands like the Red Bull Stratos jump with skydiver Felix Baumgartner which got a lot of traction.

I’m personally excited to hear what’s next in terms of premium and live video content from the speakers at this year’s summit and where the best opportunities are for brands to get involved.

Michelle Phan is keynoting this coming summit, but what other speakers can attendees expect to be at the event?

Yes, we are so excited about have Michelle Phan on board for the summit. Not only is she an amazing on-camera talent, but she understands the importance of building a brand and working with the right partners. She has built a business empire to show for it. In all, we’ll have over 30 speakers representing some of the most innovative content, platforms and technologies in the field of video right now. We will also hear from top brands about their strategies and tactics when it comes to video. Expect a lively discussion!

What are some ways that people can be involved in [a]list summit if they are interested?

There are a few speaking and sponsorship opportunities available, so anyone interested can email me directly jbaage@ayzenberg.com. Also tickets are available on the summit event page. For those who have not experienced an [a]list summit, you’re in for a treat. We try to bring in the best of current art and culture and it’s a fun and creative atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for networking and hanging out with some of the best brand marketers in the business.