REGISTER NOW!
January 31, 2025
Kinston, NC
What is SMS2025?
Social Media Summit 2025 (SMS2025) is a one day summit focused on the latest in social media and AI. This year, we are exploring how AI is transforming social media marketing alongside broader social media strategies. From content creation to audience engagement, our theme, "AI + Social: Innovate | Automate | Dominate," will guide discussions on the latest tools and trends, helping attendees enhance their marketing efforts and stay ahead of the competition.
REGISTER NOW
SMS2025 SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Austin Armstrong
Durham, NC
"My biggest belief in life is that consistency over time will lead to success."
Austin Armstrong is a lifelong digital marketer, public speaker, 2X 7-figure entrepreneur, host of the podcast BusinessTok, and CEO of Syllaby, an AI startup that helps content creators create, schedule, and publish videos in minutes. Austin has posted over 4000 videos on TikTok, tripling his own business’s revenue and thousands more across his clients’ accounts. Austin has leveraged his success on TikTok to gain millions of followers across every social media platform. He loves sharing the strategies that have worked for him to empower you.
Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | X | Threads | Personal Website | Business Website
Jason Michael Perry
Baltimore, MD
Jason Michael Perry is a Fractional Chief AI Officer and a seasoned executive and thought leader with over two decades of experience. He serves on the marketing committee and board of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, is a Senior Advisor of Corporate Innovation and Technology for the World Trade Center Institute, and Entrepreneur in Residence for The University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business.
Jason is the author of the acclaimed free weekly newsletter “Thoughts on Tech & Things” and hosts a bi-weekly podcast in partnership with Technical.ly, a premier news organization connecting technologists, entrepreneurs, and other professionals invested in their local communities. His upcoming book defining the role of the Chief AI Officer is set for release in early 2025.
In 2023, Jason led the award-winning event “AI in A Minor,” in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee, Amazon Web Services, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, to perform AI-composed music in the styles of Mozart and Philip Glass.
As a technologist and developer, Jason has served as an executive in both the public and private sectors, leading projects in emerging tech solutions for organizations ranging from startups and government entities to Fortune 50 companies.
Paige Lord
Charlotte, NC
Paige Lord is the founder of Just AI Media, a platform dedicated to advancing responsible AI, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering human flourishing. Through her podcast, newsletter, and social media channels, Paige simplifies complex AI and policy topics for a growing global audience. A seasoned AI ethicist and advocate, Paige draws on her experience at leading technology companies like GitHub and Microsoft to provide consulting and speaking services that empower communities and organizations to build AI responsibly. Her work bridges the gap between innovation and ethics, inspiring thoughtful conversations about the future of technology.
Website | TikTok | LinkTree | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Dr. Lane Freeman
Rocky Mount, NC
Dr. Lane Freeman is a dynamic innovator specializing in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive success for organizations across diverse sectors, including wealth management, workforce development, and instructional design. As a consultant and speaker, Dr. Freeman has guided companies in integrating AI to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and design impactful marketing strategies. He demonstrates the power of Generative AI to create tailored marketing materials, including visuals, videos, and social media campaigns that resonate with audiences. With a focus on practical applications and ethical innovation, Dr. Freeman equips teams with actionable strategies to harness AI’s potential for growth and engagement.
Scott Kelly
Buies Creek, NC - Campbell University
Scott A. Kelly serves as an instructor at Campbell University, teaching courses in entrepreneurship and marketing. Kelly also serves as Director of Entrepreneurship and helps connect the Campbell community to the regional business community, mainly through Raleigh Founded, an entrepreneurial co-working space.
Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.
After several years of corporate life (IBM Global Services & KeySource Bank), Kelly began his career in academics by teaching at Ohio State. His experience also includes building innovation programs at Duke and Elon University and most recently was the Founding Director of Elon in San Francisco, a summer long initiative in Silicon Valley.
When he’s not working with Campbell students, Kelly enjoys outdoor experiences with his wife and three children (Olivia, Andrew, Kathryn).
Dr. Christine Kowalczyk
Greenville, NC - East Carolina University
Christine Kowalczyk is an Associate Professor of Marketing in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at East Carolina University. Dr. Kowalczyk graduated from the University of Memphis with a PhD in Business with a marketing concentration. She has a MBA in marketing from the University of Georgia.
Her primary research interests including branding, celebrities and non-traditional advertising. In addition, she seeks to understand the potential public policy implications for these topics. Her research has been published in the European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, Journal of Product and Brand Management and International Journal of Consumer Studies and has been presented at regional, national and international conferences, including the American Marketing Association, Society for Marketing Advances, AMA’s Marketing and Public Policy and the Academy of Marketing Science.
Dr. Kowalczyk has been honored with the East Carolina University Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award. She has served as the supporting faculty advisor to the ECU Chapter of the American Marketing Association and has assisted students in the annual case competition. Dr. Kowalczyk teaches both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Kaylah Blount
Kinston, NC
Kaylah Blount is a dynamic social media influencer, educator, and coach dedicated to inspiring others and making a meaningful impact. With over 300,000 followers, 6.2 million page likes, and an astonishing 100 million views across her videos, Kaylah’s engaging content has resonated with audiences worldwide.
A proud teacher and coach, Kaylah brings her passion for education and leadership to every aspect of her work. She currently teaches 6th-grade math and coaches volleyball, basketball, and soccer, using her platforms to empower students and athletes alike.
Kaylah’s influence extends beyond the classroom and court—she has collaborated with some of the world’s leading brands, including ELF, NYC, Urban Decay, Goli, Brumate, MLB, Simply Modern x NFL, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Express, and Walden University. Her work showcases her versatility and commitment to excellence, whether she’s promoting beauty products, lifestyle brands, or educational initiatives.
Driven by a love for impacting lives in a major way, Kaylah uses her platform to inspire others to dream big, work hard, and make a difference.
Scott & Ashley Mason
Raleigh, NC
We’re Scott and Ash, full time travelers exploring the world and sharing the best places to Stay, Eat and Things To Do. Mainly in our converted school bus, but also by plane, train, boat or any other way we can! Come along with us as we travel the world, finding cool places you won't want to miss. Whether you're looking for a cozy hideaway in the great outdoors, delicious food that'll make your mouth water, or exciting adventures to get your heart pumping, we've got something for you! Think of us as your go-to guides for all things travel!
We're not just a couple who loves to travel - we also own our own traveling digital marketing business. We're all about helping local businesses or big brands shine online. From creating awesome social media posts to planning unforgettable trip itineraries, we've got you covered.
It's time to dive into the world of travel, one stay, one meal, and one amazing experience at a time.
Austin Carroll
Durham, NC
Austin Carroll has tackled challenges across credit cards and neobanks in her roles as a Senior Product Marketer at Brex and Mercury. Now, she's the CEO and founder of Warrant (hellowarrant.com), a startup revolutionizing marketing compliance for regulated industries. Austin also shares her expertise as an adjunct professor at Duke University, where she earned her MBA. In her free time, Austin loves theme parks and is the author of Fastpass to the Past, a children's book on theme park history.
FRIDAY FOOD TRUCKS FOR LUNCH
(click to learn more)
