AMA Columbus

Learn how proactive AI agents are transforming AI search optimization at scale, with SEO strategist Dale Bertrand.

We approached AI search optimization the same way we approached SEO — with time-consuming research and content planning. Then we learned that AI search optimization at scale requires AI.

This case study details how we built proactive, AI-powered workflows for AI search, and how we use AI to identify trending micro-topics, automate content refreshes, and monitor campaign performance in real time. Rather than relying on manual analysis and reactive content updates, this approach uses autonomous agents to shorten the time between spotting a signal and taking action — keeping content optimized for AI search engines as the landscape shifts.

You'll walk away with:

-How to build proactive AI agents for AI search that reduce time from signal to action
-Ways to reduce manual analysis with autonomous content AI agents
-How to create a trigger system for proactive content updates
-Strategies to deploy AI workflows that scale AI search ex*****on
-Methods to test content with AI before publishing

Date: October 15th, 2026
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Dawson - The Employment Experts. 114 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215

Register through the link below!

https://lnkd.in/ejyAk6Vp

Central Ohio's nonprofits need our help. And we need yours!

AMA Columbus is proud to once again partner with AAF Columbus, PRSA Central Ohio, Community Shares of Mid Ohio, Small Biz Cares, and Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) Club for Communicate for Good, a collaborative day of service on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

This event only works if we have enough volunteers to meet the needs of every participating nonprofit. Right now, we're actively recruiting marketing, communications, and creative professionals to spend the afternoon putting their skills to work for organizations that are counting on us.

Can’t volunteer in the afternoon? Join us for the happy hour!

Here's How It Works:

During the afternoon, volunteers work directly with nonprofit organizations on projects ranging from marketing and communications initiatives to hands-on community support efforts. Whether you're a designer, writer, strategist, or just eager to help however you can, there's a project that needs you.

The day concludes with a networking and celebration happy hour at Land-Grant Brewing, bringing together volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to recognize the impact of giving back while strengthening connections across Central Ohio's professional community.

Schedule:

2:00 - 5:00 pm Volunteering at NPOs
5:30 - 7:30 pm Happy hour at Land Grant Brewing

What You Get:

Choose the experience that fits your schedule

Volunteer + Happy Hour: A full afternoon making a hands-on impact with a local nonprofit, followed by two drink tickets, light appetizers, and time to network with fellow volunteers, nonprofit leaders.

Happy Hour Only: Two drink tickets, appetizers, and a chance to connect with Central Ohio's marketing and communications community.

Pricing:

$15 Non-Members
$10 Members
$5 Students

Our nonprofit partners are counting on volunteers like you to help them move their missions forward. Sign up today and help us make sure every organization gets the support they need!

Register today right here: https://www.accelevents.com/e/communicateforgood

There's still time to register for Firsty Thursday, AMA Columbus' casual, no-agenda happy hour for marketers who want to connect with real humans, not just social media profiles. Grab a taco and a cold drink, and meet some new people 1900s style: face-to-face!

Whether you’re a long-time member or have been meaning to check out your local AMA chapter, this is an easy, low-key way to plug into Central Ohio's marketing community.

📅 Thursday, September 3
🕒 6 - 8 PM
📍 Condado Tacos, Polaris, 8958 Lyra Dr, Columbus, OH 43240
💸 There’s no cost to attend, but we ask that you preregister: https://tinyurl.com/5ym8bvam

In today’s digital world, your online reputation is often your first impression. Before customers make a purchase or contact a business, they research online. And the content you share plays a major role in whether they trust your business.

Join Accredited Business Emerald Creative Content, Better Business Bureau of Central & SE Ohio, and the Columbus AMA for an interactive workshop designed to help small businesses strengthen their online reputation through strategic content.

Learn practical tips about:
- Creating engaging content
- Building customer trust online
- Using reviews and storytelling effectively
- Improving your SEO and visibility
- Optimizing your BBB Business Profile for credibility

Walk away with simple, actionable strategies you can start using immediately. No marketing degree required.

Details are:

- August 27, 2026
- Doors Open: 8:30 AM | Event 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- 1169 Dublin Rd. Columbus, OH 43215

If you plan on attending, register here: https://lnkd.in/ecgrNB9Z

See you there!!!

When polished content is easy, perspective becomes the premium.
Join Mike P. for "Using AI Without Losing Your Edge: Human Character in the Story of AI," a practical webinar on making AI-assisted communication more credible and unmistakably yours.

As AI makes competent content abundant, the value shifts to what cannot be generated on command: knowing what matters, noticing what others miss, making deliberate choices, and bringing a perspective shaped by actual experience.

Tomorrow, Dr. Mike shares how to:
-> Lead with your story, not the software
-> Use the details only you know
-> Train AI on your real voice, values, and quirks
-> Let AI handle the chores, not the soul
-> Keep human judgment behind every word you publish and every task you tackle

Presented in collaboration with Better Business Bureau, Central & SE Ohio and American Marketing Association Columbus Chapter
~Tuesday, July 14
~Noon–1 p.m.
~Virtual | Free

Can’t attend live? Register and we’ll send you the recording.
Register: https://lnkd.in/gV-zSB_V

AI is changing how marketers, communicators, and businesses work. The real advantage is not simply knowing which tools to use. It is knowing how to stay sharp, strategic, creative, and human while the tools keep changing around us.
Presented in collaboration with Better Business Bureau, Central & SE Ohio this webinar will help professionals use AI with purpose, confidence, and human judgment.

Featured presenter, Dr. Michael Posey, brings a strong trust and impact signal to this conversation. As a professor at Franklin University, international speaker, and expert in strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness, Dr. Posey helps professionals think beyond tools and focus on how people, decisions, communication, and leadership shape meaningful results.

In this session, participants will explore:

How to use AI as a guide on the side, not the sage on the stage
How to stay motivated and creative as AI changes the way we work
How to fight complacency and protect original thinking
How to use AI for efficiency, brainstorming, and strategic support
How to preserve the judgment, creativity, and authenticity that make your work valuable
How to find the useful middle ground between resisting AI and relying on it too heavily

This session is designed for local businesses, marketers, communicators, nonprofit professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants a more thoughtful and practical approach to AI.

You will leave with a clearer sense of how to use AI with purpose, preserve your professional edge, and stay motivated in a landscape that is moving fast.

THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT.
PART ONE IN A TWO-PART SERIES
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Presented in collaboration by BBB, Central & Southeastern Ohio and the Columbus American Marketing Association.

Register here for FREE: https://lnkd.in/etADmeA5

Are you looking for a simple but visible way to show that you stay engaged in the industry, invest in professional growth, and stay connected to what’s happening in marketing?

If your American Marketing Association membership is current, you'll soon receive a digital membership badge to share with your network. Add it to your profile and let people know you’re serious about your career and committed to the profession.

Not a member yet? Sounds like your profile is missing something! Discover all the benefits of membership at www.amacolumbus.org.

You know that moment in a meeting when someone throws out an unexpected comment, changes direction completely, or asks a question you definitely were not prepared for five seconds ago?

🎉Congratulations! You’re doing improv.

Turns out the same skills that make people better improvisers also help teams communicate clearly, collaborate more effectively, and adapt faster under pressure. Forbes recently highlighted how improv-based exercises are showing up in business environments for exactly those reasons. (Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/3dzf5edt)

That idea is exactly what inspired us to bring you 'Yes, And! How to Use Improv Skills to Up Your Marketing Game,' a hands-on improv workshop for marketers.

Facilitated by , this interactive event is designed to help marketers think on their feet, respond more confidently, listen more closely, and build stronger ideas together in real time.

No comedy experience required! Just a willingness to participate and have a little fun with it.

🗓 Wednesday, May 20
📍 COhatch Polaris
🕠 Networking at 5:30 pm | Workshop at 6:00 pm
🎟 AMA Members $10 | Non-members $15 | Students $5
💸 Buy-one, get-one on all tickets if you register by May 15!

Grab a friend and save your spots today!
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/39a34a4a

Friendly reminder that our next First Thursday happy hour is tomorrow, May 7th!

It is a great chance to meet other marketers in the area, make connections, and enjoy some food and drink.

Details are:

Thursday, May 7 | 6-8pm
Condado Tacos, Easton, 4077 Fenlon St
Free admission, open to everyone!

No cost, but please pre-register here if you plan to attend: https://lnkd.in/drXckRJX

We’re proud to partner with Condado Tacos to host First Thursday Happy Hours at their bold, colorful spots around central Ohio.

Quick update: Our event with Heather Whaling, initially scheduled for Wednesday May 6, has been postponed.

Updated details on timing and location coming soon!