Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Innovative Environments.

Fifteen years ago, the My Houston campaign launched. This innovative plan featured Houston celebs like Beyoncé and George Strait, plus local stars who were then up-and-comers like Chloe Dao and Chris Shepherd.

The result? The city evolved its image, moving away from long-held misconceptions of oil barons and cowboys and instead leaning into the Bayou City’s rich tapestry of diverse people making cool things and sharing unique perspectives, with a heaping helping of world-class cuisine. This stunning turnaround has been one of the most effective tourism repositioning success stories in decades.

Join Holly Clapham-Rosenow, CMO of Houston Tourism (aka Houston First) and Marcus Davis, famed entrepreneur, restaurateur, and founder of the iconic The Breakfast Klub, Kulture and Reggae Hut Café for this peel-back-the-curtain chat. Steven Leeper, founder of Matchstick and SHINE, will facilitate.

As Chief Marketing Officer at the Houston First Corporation, Holly Clapham-Rosenow is responsible for creating and accelerating Houston First’s marketing strategy and Houston’s brand recognition across the globe. Holly has extensive experience in marketing, management, branding, organizational design, and innovation. Under her leadership, the marketing team has received nearly 100 awards. She is a member of the American Marketing Association and sits on the Theater District Houston Association board and served on the 2004 Super Bowl Marketing Committee, the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four Executive Team, the 2017 Super Bowl Marketing Committee, and the Marketing Chair for the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The spirit and entrepreneurial mastermind behind The Breakfast Klub, Kulture, and Reggae Hut Café, Marcus Davis is best known for his charismatic personality, authentic customer appreciation, and his tireless commitment to the communities he serves. Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Texas Southern University. He is the host of the weekly radio show “Sunday Morning Live” on Radio One‘s KMJQ 102 FM, and is a highly sought after business and motivational speaker.

Steven Leeper, Founder and CEO of Matchstick Executive Search, is also the Founder of SHINE: The Conference on Culture. Ever since interning at Southwest Airlines, Steven has been fascinated with the kind of difference that strong company cultures can make. That kind of culture is a rare thing, but it doesn’t have to be. That love of culture and shared experiences have not only contributed to both of his current day jobs, but also to his volunteer experience and past work, including Oscar Meyer Weinermobile driver, UT Tower tour guide, Executive Facilitator at Prison Entrepreneurship Program, and more. Steven has been on AMA Houston’s board for over 14 years, currently serving as the Vice President of Programming.

Pricing:

Early Ticket Prices (Early Registration ends March 27)

AMA Member: $42
Non-Member: $58
Student: $37

Ticket Prices (Starting March 28)

AMA Member: $52
Non-Member: $72
Student: $40

Where:

The Briar Club
2603 Timmons Ln, Houston, TX 77027

Do you love attending AMA Houston events? Check out a full calendar of events here!