Rakuten Optimism returns to the US
For the first time since 2019, Rakuten is bringing its marquee Optimism event to the U.S.
From May 29 to May 31, attendees will come together in Carlsbad, California to “Fuel Meaningful Connections” and celebrate the latest innovations in the performance marketing space. As part of the event, Optimism will build on Rakuten Advertising’s influential annual affiliate marketing conference, Dealmaker, and will feature thought-provoking discussions on top-of-mind industry topics, alongside several relationship-building opportunities for publishers and advertisers.
Inspirational Star Power
This year’s attendees will hear from some of the most inspiring voices in pop culture.
Rakuten will kick off the agenda with a bang, as two-time Emmy award-winning actor, comedian, producer, writer, and star of hit series Ted Lasso, Jason Sudeikis will headline the main stage. Armchair Expert Co-Host Monica Padman will join Sudeikis to discuss how to captivate audiences, the power of optimism and how to create stronger connections through storytelling.
In addition, this year’s Golden Link Awards, which celebrate and recognize the achievements of advertisers, publishers and agencies, will be hosted by Preacher Lawson, comedian and finalist on America’s Got Talent.
Innovative, Human-Centric Content
Business conferences can often be reflective of trends taking place within an industry, such as big data, AI, machine learning, and other technologies that are changing the ways we work. Rakuten Optimism U.S. is focused on telling the human side of that innovation and how technology is helping build stronger relationships.
Omar Johnson, the marketing mastermind behind Beats by Dre, will host a session on “B2H: Business to Human Marketing.” Johnson will share how he transformed the brand into a movement by taking a human-centric approach to building the Beats brand.
In a panel discussion titled “The Rise of Parasocial Relationships,” media industry leaders will discuss how to foster authenticity, influencer connections and bridge the gap between TV/podcasting and consumers in the digital landscape. Amy Jo Martin of Renegade Global, Josh Flagg of Millian Dollar Listing Los Angeles, and Armchair Expert’s Monica Padman will dive into the intricacies of parasocial relationships between consumers and media figures.
Deep Dive into the Latest Trends
Optimism is a space for advertisers, publishers, agencies, and other partners to come together and learn about the latest and greatest trends in retail and consumer behavior.
Yasmin Li of Vogue Business will appear on stage with Veronica Beard’s Anusha Couttigane to discuss “Evolving Consumer Behavior and Insights Impacting Luxury,” chat through some monumental shifts in luxury shopping trends, and discuss what those shifts mean for brand marketing and pricing strategies.
Content creators are a booming trend that advertisers closely follow, and creator growth is happening so rapidly that it’s often difficult to keep up with the latest and greatest creator strategies. General Manager of Collective Voice, Lindsay Jerutis will sit down with creators Derria Underwood and Arielle Berneman, as well as KCMCONNECT CEO Kristina McInnis, to discuss “Fueling Virality: Unlocking the Potential of Rising Creators.” This panel will uncover the untapped value that micro-creators bring to creator marketing, and how they can help brands hit marketing goals by tapping engaged, niche audiences and creating unique, creative campaigns.
Optimism, Joy and Fun!
Optimism aims to offer people from the digital and performance marketing field opportunities to connect with peers and build relationships. From morning yoga sessions to daily pickleball tournaments for competitive spirits, to evening parties and mixers, there will be a range of options for every interest.
With the event just a few weeks away, registration is now open!
We’ll see you there!
