‘Achieving Brand Visibility in the Era of AI-Search’ will bring together digital marketing experts and agency leaders on Feb. 5

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE

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As AI-driven “answer engines” increasingly shape what customers see, trust, and choose, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is hosting a practical, business-first session on how organizations can stay discoverable in the new era of AI search.

Achieving Brand Visibility in the Era of AI-Search takes place Thursday, Feb. 5, at 2:30 p.m at Peace Restaurant at 250 Queen St. E.

The event will be led by Justin Cook, President and Founder of 9thCO, a Canadian digital agency known for performance marketing and digital growth strategies.

What attendees will learn

With AI replacing traditional search journeys, the tactics that used to win page one are evolving fast. This session focuses on what’s changing and what to do about it, including:


How AI search experiences differ from classic SEO (links vs. synthesized answers)



Debunking myths surrounding “LLM Optimization” with proper technical foundations



What brands can do to become “reference-worthy” in AI-generated results



Practical, non-technical actions businesses can take to improve visibility across emerging search surfaces


Fireside chat: real-world perspective from agency leaders

At 3:45 p.m, Cook will be joined for a fireside chat with Jeff Greco of MODCO and Kevin Rusnell of dig.

The discussion will unpack what AI search is already changing in brand strategy, analytics, content, and performance marketing and what local businesses should prioritize next.

Event schedule (high level)


2:30 p.m. – Welcome and check-in



3:00 p.m – Presentation



3:45 p.m – Fireside chat (Cook, Greco, Rusnell)



4:00 p.m – Networking and cocktails


Tickets are available here

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