Introducing INNOVATE 2021’s Keynote Speakers

Three keynote speakers — a creative strategist, a university president and a global brand director — will headline Capture Higher Ed’s free virtual conference, INNOVATE 2021, on June 16 and 17. Convening hundreds of enrollment and marketing leaders, the conference will provide insights, strategies, tools and resources for today’s recruitment and marketing challenges as well as plenty of professional inspiration and motivation.

The Keynotes

INNOVATE Keynote Speakers

Natalie Nixon

Natalie Nixon, Ph.D., Creative Strategist and President of Figure 8 Thinking, will kick-off the conference with her opening keynote, “Navigating Uncertainty.” A global speaker and author of The Creative Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation and Intuition at Work, Nixon emboldens leaders and organizations to apply creativity and foresight for transformative results.

According to Nixon, for leaders in higher education to emerge out of this “new normal” stronger — and more inspired — they must utilize creativity to enable future-friendly transformation and navigate ambiguous terrain.

During her presentation, Nixon will explain how practical creativity techniques can help us navigate this murky terrain, shift mindset and stretch thinking for life. Attendees will gain an alternate lens to view the trajectory of their work and gain inspiration to move forward amid uncertainty. They will also learn how to adapt and disrupt their own thinking for more meaningful outcomes.

INNOVATE 2021 Keynote speakers

Dr. Wesley R. Fugate

INNOVATE’s second keynote speaker, Dr. Wesley R. Fugate, President of Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa., will open the second day of the conference with the moderated discussion, “A Presidential View on DEI and its Impact on Enrollment Management.” Fugate is a frequent presenter on higher education issues and the recipient of numerous recognitions, most recently the Centre College “Distinguished Young Alumni Award.”

During his conversation with Capture CEO Leonard Napolitano, Fugate will share his insight on incorporating a diversity, equity and inclusivity initiative into a foundational principle for enrollment management and beyond.

INNOVATE 2021 Keynote speakers

Matt Blevins

The conference’s closing keynote speaker will be Matt Blevins, Global Brand Director at Brown-Forman, who will discuss “The Art & Science of Brand Building.” A long-time marketer, Blevins is Vice President and Global Brand Director for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and has held a range of management roles that include brand positioning and communication across several labels.

Blevins will help attendees understand the latest evidence-based ways to build their brand and reach their audience. He will share his experiences building one of the world’s most iconic brands and how to apply these lessons to other brand building efforts.

Registration Open for INNOVATE 2021

To find out more about INNOVATE 2021’s keynote speakers and sessions — as well as the conference’s other panel discussions and presentations — check out the conference agenda on the registration page.

With the theme, Clarity and Creativity, INNOVATE 2021 — June 16 and 17, 1-4 p.m. ET— will stream live on five platforms and offer:

  • Actionable Strategies for Enrollment and Marketing
  • Tools and Resources for Today’s Recruitment Challenges
  • New Insights on Higher Ed Marketing and Branding
  • Professional Inspiration, Motivation and Determination

Are you ready to innovate with us? Register now!

Registration to INNOVATE 2021 allows attendees to access all conference presentations and material, get the latest industry news and updates as well as be entered to win daily giveaways.