UGLY TALK: AI FOR 2026 SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MARKETING
AI is everywhere in marketing, yet much of it does not move the needle. Teams pour hours into automation before they understand the strategy. Output increases, impact stalls. The frustration is real. This session separates signal from noise so you can use AI where it creates value, keep humans where judgment matters, and stop scaling what does not work.
🎯 Why You Should Attend
Learn from real mistakes and wins from operators who spent months testing, so you can shortcut the trial and error.
Get practical tools and workflows that work right now, including what is new and worth testing.
Gain clarity on where to apply AI in marketing, and where not to apply it.
Set realistic outcome targets for acquisition, retention, and content throughput when AI is in the loop.
🙋 Who You’ll Meet
Founders and CMOs focused on growth in 2026
Marketing leaders and operators actively testing AI tools
Builders and system designers creating AI-powered workflows
Advisors and partners shaping how AI lands inside real teams
🎤 Who’s on the Panel
A founder who has successfully leveraged AI inside a live marketing engine
A seasoned founder with brand and performance experience who can compare pre-AI and post-AI operations
A marketer who has helped multiple companies adopt AI and can share what worked and what did not
Moderator:
Dan Salganik – Managing Partner & CEO of VisualFizz
Dan Salganik is the Managing Partner and Co-founder of VisualFizz, a Chicago-based digital marketing agency established in 2016. He spearheads company development, strategy, and client relationships. Dan has been heading up marketing projects for clients ranging from up and coming organizations to some of the largest companies in the world. When Dan is not running his business, he is crafting cocktails and coffee, traveling, spending time with family, or trying to work on a fun house project.
💬 What We’ll Talk About
The noise problem
Common mistakes, how to spot low-value automation, how to know something is not working.
Best practices and tools
The latest workflows worth testing across content, research, performance, and operations.
What not to use AI for
Tasks that hurt brand voice, shallow personalization pitfalls, and where manual quality wins.
Safety, security, and brand protection
Data handling, governance, approvals, and protecting reputation while scaling AI usage.
🤝 Co-hosted With
VisualFizz – A Chicago-based marketing agency helping businesses grow through branding, strategy, and performance marketing.
🤝 Supported By
GREY Journal – Media partner spotlighting modern entrepreneurs (featured on Apple News + Google News).
🤝 Venue Partner
The Yard - Private offices & coworking spaces for individuals and teams.
⭐ About Ugly Talk:
Started in 2019, Ugly Talk has been transforming business setbacks into breakthrough “aha!” moments by hosting unfiltered, no-nonsense events where battle-tested entrepreneurs share their raw lessons and insights.
With a growing presence in cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Miami, we’ve built a vibrant community of thousands of founders and industry leaders making a profound impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Official Website: UglyTalk.com
🗣📢 Important Notice for Ugly Talk Attendees
Admission & Confirmation
Attendance is by approval only. Approved guests will receive a confirmation email along with a calendar invite. Invitations are non-transferable. Additional event details will be shared as the event approaches.
Code of Conduct
By attending, you agree to:
Maintain respect and professionalism, adhering to all venue rules, policies, and applicable laws.
Refrain from harassment, discrimination, unwelcome sexual advances (verbal or physical), intimidation, or inappropriate photography/recording.
Report any violations to the event hosts immediately.
Violations may result in immediate removal from the event and exclusion from future invitations.
Liability & Risk
Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The event organizers, hosts, sponsors, and venue are not liable for personal injury, lost or stolen belongings, or any other damages incurred during the event.
Media Consent
By attending, you grant the event organizers and affiliated entities the right to capture, use, and distribute photos, videos, and audio recordings of you for promotional, marketing, and other lawful purposes, including digital and print media, advertising, and social media. You waive any right to inspect or approve the final materials and release all claims related to their use.
Communications
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Agreement
If you do not agree to this Code of Conduct, please refrain from attending the event.
Official Event Page: [Link]