BlackFin360 – Innovation To Reality
Tom Edwards is a professional futurist and keynote marketing technology speaker covering data, digital, artificial intelligence, marketing technology and emerging media trends
I recently had the privilege of joining the BIGHR 2019 conference to discuss all facets of AI, digital transformation, intelligence augmentation, tips for integrating AI, and preparing the HR function for the coming culture shift. Follow Tom @BlackFin360 via Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
Here is a full recap of key trends from the 2019 National Retail Federation Conference. Follow Tom Edwards @BlackFin360 via YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter
I recently had the privilege to deliver a keynote to the Discover card Pulse network advisory team covering the topic of converting AI into ROI. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhanced with a detailed look at multiple facets of artificial intelligence including how the …
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeffrey Hayzlett of C-Suite TV to kick off season 7 of Executive Perspectives. We discussed digital disruption, conversational experiences, artificial intelligence and best practices for leveraging data to connect with consumers. Now, I have heard from multiple sources that the interview is available On-demand on domestic …
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AI and cognitive technologies are enhancing many different industries and providing significant ROI for early adopters. However, AI is also providing benefit in improving our various experiences in life. In this podcast, Cognilytica analysts Kathleen Walch and Ronald Schmelzer interview Tom Edwards, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer at Epsilon Agency, who shares insights into how …
Recently, my commentary on data & AI was included in an Ad Age piece on the role of data, artificial intelligence & brands. Here is a link to the full article. Here is my full commentary based on Ad Age’s original question… Ad Age: We’re seeing more agencies now offering services for AI solutions, but …
I recently had the privilege to be interviewed by the SMU Temerlin Advertising Institute team.
I recently had the opportunity to be a guest on the Tonya Hall show. Tonya is a contributor to CBS Interactive properties such as ZDNet and Tech Republic. Our discussion touches upon a number of currently trending topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, emotive robotics and more. Here is the full interview. Follow Tom …
Looking forward to taking part in the upcoming webinar: Using AI to conquest new markets on February 28, 2018, at 12pm CST. Be sure to register today! Today’s marketers have access to an incredible volume of consumer information, but most are simply not equipped to make sense of it all. With artificial intelligence (AI) and …
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I recently had the opportunity to join Eric Hanes on his Words of Mass Disruption podcast. We discussed artificial intelligence for everyday conversation. My goal was to help those who may not be familiar with artificial intelligence to develop a perspective on the topic. We talked about AI, Machine Learning, IOT and digital assistants. Thanks in …
Tom Edwards, Ad Age Marketing Technology Trailblazer and Chief Digital Officer, Agency @ Epsilon discusses how computer vision, powered by artificial intelligence will be the key trend to watch in 2018. I recently provided commentary to CMO.com discussing 7 digital trends that will change business forever. My contribution to the piece was tied to the …
Continue reading “AI and Computer Vision Key Trend for 2018”
Today Advertising Age announced their 2017 list of top 25 Marketing Technology Trailblazers and I am honored to be included. Photo by Bradley Taylor, Caprock Studio A big thank you to the Epsilon corporate communications team, DGC and Advertising Age judges. I am truly humbled by the inclusion with such a great list of industry …
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Advertising Age announced their 2017 list of top 25 Marketing Technology Trailblazers and I am honored to be included.
I was recently asked by Campaign Live about my thoughts, reactions and takeaways from SXSW Interactive 2017. My commentary focused on the shift towards programming vs. experiences at this years event. Additional Context to the Article Commentary: 2017 may be the year that programming both from an official and 3rd party standpoint was the focal …
For the past 12 months, my Epsilon team and I have focused on multiple facets of artificial intelligence (AI) with data as the primary fuel that powers key insights. We have leveraged machine learning, natural language processing, predictive APIs, and neural networks to uncover consumer truths that previously would have taken weeks or months to …
This morning my new article 7 ways artificial intelligence will enhance marketing was the cover story for iMedia Connection. The article reviews seven subsets of artificial intelligence from machine learning, cognitive computing, natural language processing, deep learning, predictive API’s, object recognition and dynamic content generation and how brand marketers can better uncover insights, connect with consumers, …
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I recently sat down with Jeffrey Hayzlett of C-suite TV for the first episode of season 7 for Executive Perspectives live. He recently wrote a piece for Entrepreneur.com outlining 5 business trends that will take off in 2017. Jeffrey referenced our conversation regarding automation of conversational experiences through artificial intelligence. The infusion of voice-based technology …
I was recently asked by the team at Luxury Daily to elaborate on a proprietary Epsilon research initiative tied to how likely consumers are to shop in-stores vs. online for the 2016 holiday season. Findings show that 87% of shoppers are “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase at brick and mortar stores this year, …
Continue reading “In The News: Luxury Daily & Seasonal Retail”
Yesterday I had the privilege to speak at the Insight Innovation eXchange or IIeX North America 2016 discussing our approach to getting data driven creative via Machine Learning and artificial intelligence. This presentation was a joint effort between my Epsilon team and one of our strategic partners Oculus360. I work closely with Raju Kattumenu, the founder …
Continue reading “IIeX 2016 Machine Learning + AI = Data Driven Creative”
Recently, I was asked by the iMedia team to discuss my approach to employee retention. My management style is built around the philosophy of empowerment for my staff. I look for critical thinkers who have the desire to constantly learn and are looking to develop their industry point of view. Here is the full video …
I was recently asked by Luxury Daily to provide commentary about advancements and challenges tied to mobile targeting. (Luxury Daily) To what extent is more specific targeting/buying of audiences growing? If it is growing, why is this happening now? (Tom Edwards) With the proliferation of device types of all makes and models combined with a …
I was recently a member of the opening keynote panel for the iMedia Agency Summit discussing the topic “How to Remain Agile in the Face of Change”. Key Commentary from 15:08 – 19:00 We discussed many topics including what the agency of the future will look like, mergers and acquisitions and I went into detail …
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Two of my passions are gaming and marketing. Whenever I have the opportunity for the two to intersect I am overjoyed. Previously, I have written on the topic of advergaming (imedia) and brand integrations (IEG). This article will highlight case studies of advergaming as well as introduce edutainment case studies. Gaming is big business. According …
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Facebook is rolling out major changes to their platform that greatly affect marketers. To help navigate this shift, I have worked closely with the Facebook team to understand the nuances of the shift and created a white paper that should help organizations to understand the shift and what steps to consider next. The overarching point …
Recently, I was asked by Mobile Marketer to provide commentary about how iBeacon can add extend the reach of entertainment brands. The discussion also included insight into the current challenge entertainment brands face with iBeacon as well as recommendations to effectively leverage iBeacon technology. Follow Tom Edwards @BlackFin360
My commentary was included in today’s Marketing Daily article discussing the launch of Calvin Klein’s new #MyCalvins digital campaign. Follow Tom Edwards @BlackFin360
My commentary was recently included in a TechNewsWorld article discussing Yahoo’s new approach to weather & e-mail via mobile and how they are focused on visual storytelling and curation to create a richer experience. Follow Tom Edwards @BlackFin360
So much time is spent defining intricate social strategies across owned social channels. But there are certain branded elements that receive minimal attention that can significantly amplify these efforts. One such item is how organizations incorporate social elements into their e-mail marketing campaigns. This is relevant as organizations that leverage both e-mail marketing & social …
One of the outstanding features of the iPhone 4S is definitely Siri. Siri is Apple’s version of a virtual assistant. But setting up Siri out of the box can be interesting when you try to associate your commands with Facebook & Twitter. Siri allows you to use your voice to send messages, make calls, schedule …
Continue reading “Training Apple’s Siri for Facebook & Twitter”
As an incredibly frequent customer of Starbucks, I do pay close attention to the itunes Pick of the Week cards that are available close to the register. Apple & Starbucks have partnered together since 2007 and the Pick of the Week program has kept my interest since its inception. The core focus has been on …
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One of the golden rules of marketing is having the ability to show your business or clients the value of the campaign that you are running on their behalf. With traditional web campaigns you could methodically calculate ROI based on Click-through rate and project your results. With the introduction of social media traditional models of analytics …
One of my all time favorite games was the original Ninja Gaiden on the NES. I still remember the opening cut scenes… that was all about the story that you needed to know… you knew it was time to start slashing away. I felt the same about Ninja Gaiden II & III on the NES as …
One of my good friends recently posted his game library as part of his blog. So following that lead here is my collection of Xbox 360 and PS3 Retail titles. I also have 40+ Arcade titles that may be listed later. I have recently acquired a PS3 as well and those titles are also outlined below. 185 …
Taking a moment away from GDC 2008, I wanted to announce that our latest product Telligent Graffiti CMS 1.0 is now available! You can download it here: http://get.graffiticms.com/ Graffiti is a lightweight, simple content publishing system you can use to quickly and easily publish a blog or an entire web site. It blends together traditional CMS …
Team Building. That is what it’s called when a company has a sponsored outing. In order to partake in team building on this day you had to drive to the middle of nowhere, don camouflage from days gone by (ex-military) and pick up high-powered weapons that shoot plastic balls filled with paint at high rates of speed. Then divide the company into …
Tom was recently recognized by Tech Titans, as an award-winning Technology Advocate. As a technology evangelist & influencer, Tom is adept at carrying a brand message forward. This can in the form of highlighting products and services during key industry events similar to my recent work with Nokia and Mobile World Congress 2019 or through content creation similar to my …
I recently had the opportunity to partner with Nokia to cover Mobile World Congress 2019. From highlighting key elements of their brand messaging around 5G, amplifying content from analyst meetings to on-camera work on the show floor. I really enjoyed partnering with Nokia. Today, my full #MWC19 recap was posted on Futurithmic.com the recap views …
I was recently interviewed by the Dallas Business Journal for the upcoming 2019 Tech Titans awards show. I am a finalist in the technology advocate category and looking forward to the event! Here is a link to the full interview. Here is a repost of the full article Tom Edwards of BlackFin360 is a finalist in …
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I have worked closely with Amazon associates across various business units for well over a decade. One of the core aspects that has been consistent is how Amazon employees embody the 14 Amazon Leadership principles. These 14 principles are also key when Amazon evaluates prospective employees. These principles are not just applicable to Amazon, they …
I recently provided commentary to AdAge tied to Mixer’s recent exclusive deal with eSports celebrity Ninja. Below is my full commentary tied to how Mixer differs from Twitch, how Mixer is positioning itself with brands, why Mixer is investing in Ninja, Here is my full commentary RE: Mixer & Ninja’s Move. ADAGE – WHAT DOES …
Recently, I was on-site at one of the worlds largest manufacturers discussing the convergence of experiences and delivering 2 sets of my Innovation to Reality talk. This session sparked a number of questions from privacy, data and how advertising will look in the 2020s and that is the basis of the commentary below. My personal …
Continue reading “Algorithms, Affinity & Advertising in the 2020s”
In honor of Amazon Prime Day, I wanted to highlight a book that I recently contributed to called Disruption, Preparing for Tomorrow. I recently had the opportunity to deliver the opening keynote at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC during the Innova-con conference. I provided a tour of tomorrow and highlighted the coming …
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I wanted to reach out to those of you I have worked closely with over the past few years and ask for an assist. I have been nominated as a top 50 marketer by OnCon and would love your support with a quick vote as it is 100% peer driven. It just requires name, email, …
I recently had the opportunity to headline the 2019 Print Innovation Exchange in Minneapolis, MN. It was a fun and highly interactive keynote session! We discussed how Star Wars, Fortnite, Pixar Movies & The Matrix highlight how emerging technology & and behavior will shift in the near future and how the 5 levels of autonomy …
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I recently had the opportunity to join the NextGen Ninja Show. Host Kory Farooquie and I discuss a number of topics from data, humans over hype, humans vs. AI, dealing with disruption, GenZ, the future and more. Follow Tom Edwards @BlackFin360 via Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
From Star Wars, Fortnite, Pixar Movies & The Matrix, Tom Edwards illustrates how pop-culture shows a path for how technology evolves through the filters of Empower, Exponential & Enhanced. Empower (Timestamp – 5:05) is about the expectation of control and this journey explores Star Wars, Fortnite, Gen Z, the lens as life, how the future …
I was recently asked by Advertising Age why/if Fortnite is a social network for Gen Z. The behaviors tied to gaming cannot be ignored and the brands that can seamlessly capitalize on creating value, providing exclusive content and enhance creativity will reap the rewards. Here is my full commentary: AdAge : Are you buying or …
I was recently asked my opinion by Advertising Age about Spotify’s recently announced voice-enabled audio ad experience. The user could receive a voice-enabled audio ad promoting a playlist or podcast while listening on the mobile app. The ad encourages new content that can be accessed by saying “Play Now” Here is the recently published article. …
I was recently asked by Ad Exchanger to provide my thoughts tied to announcements made at Facebook’s 2019 F8 developer conference. Here is a link to the published Ad Exchanger article. My full commentary is outlined below: (Ad Exchanger) Does this “privacy vision” feel sincere or is Facebook cleverly positioning its shift? (TOM) I feel …