Culture as a Growth Engine: How to Stand Out, Win Loyalty, and Scale

​A real-world conversation on how cultural relevance can be your most powerful (and overlooked) growth strategy, between a Newark-based tech founder, product marketing strategist, and creative.

​Why this session matters now:

​Newark is one of the most diverse and fastest-evolving markets in the country. Yet too many local startups and small businesses miss out on growth because they’re not connecting with the communities they serve in a way that feels real. Culture is the shortcut to trust. The brands that win here are the ones that speak their audience’s language, reflect their values, and show up where they actually spend time. If inclusive campaigns consistently deliver higher long-term sales, why not double down on cultural relevance? It’s the difference between being loved and being forgotten - and it’s hiding in plain sight.

​The session:

​Imagine if your brand instantly clicked with the people you most wanted to reach. Customers didn’t just buy once, but instead they came back, brought friends, and talked about you like you were part of their story. This session will bring together a product marketing consultant and the founder of a financial literacy app that has stood out in a crowded space by building cultural relevance into every part of the business. Through candid storytelling and audience Q&A, they’ll unpack what works, what doesn’t, and how to apply it to your own company - no matter your size or industry.

​What attendees will leave with:

​- A framework for uncovering what truly matters to your audience and where they authentically engage (people, places, practices, proof)

​- Practical ways to weave cultural insight into product, messaging, and customer experience

​- Three fast, low-cost actions you can take this month to make your brand more relevant and harder to forget