Speakers of Interest: Expert Insights from AAM Summit 2026
At the 2026 AAM Summit in Palm Springs, California, speakers explored topics ranging from boosting your AI discovery strategy and using data to enhance client satisfaction to building a fulfilling career. Here are a few standout insights from Summit presenters. Be sure to follow them for more ideas and updates.
Brian Swanson, Chief SEO Strategist, Flashpoint Marketing
Brian Swanson brings a combination of technical knowledge and practical experience to his digital marketing presentations—and his Summit session was no exception. He began by contrasting traditional search (similar to a librarian) with AI-powered search (more like an expert consultant). From there, he outlined practical ways to improve how your firm appears in AI results, including adding targeted FAQs or Q&A content, consolidating testimonials onto a dedicated page, and strengthening overall content credibility. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
Jennifer Hertzig, Julie Tucek, & Sean Smith on Building Your Career
Jennifer Hertzig, Julie Tucek, and Sean Smith teamed up to walk participants through a powerful workshop on building a career at a firm you love. The speakers, who are friends, started the session by describing their own career evolutions and how they discovered fulfillment in their roles. Hertzig is a Principal and leads Brand and Client Experience at Pinion; Tucek is Marketing Director at Legacy Professionals LLP; and Smith is Chief Marketing Officer at Schneider Downs. Their advice? Focus on how your goals and attributes can align with your firm and cultivate meaningful connections in the profession. On LinkedIn, connect with Hertzig, Tucek, and Smith.
Ryen Salo & Julia Germeyer on Turning Client Survey Data into Actionable Results
Ryen Salo of Cherry Bekaert and Julia Germeyer of PBMares, LLP, discussed how firms can transform client feedback into meaningful action. Their session emphasized weaving client insights into branding, business development, and overall strategy. Key takeaways included the importance of empathy in understanding the client experience and the value of designing client experience programs that truly meet client needs—potentially supported by tools like a “client success toolkit.” On LinkedIn, connect with Ryen Salo and Julia Germeyer.
About Marci Suazo
Marci Suazo is Marketing and Communications Director for JCCS, the largest locally owned public accounting firm in Montana. Before joining JCCS, she worked in communications and public relations roles in local government, higher education, and non-profits. Her career began in journalism. She served as a public radio reporter for many years before jumping into communications. She holds a BA in journalism from the University of Montana and an MA in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.
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Beyond the Database: Building a CRM That Fuels Business Development
Nikki Burgeson | UHY-US
In this episode, Chris Camara speaks with Nikki Burgeson about the critical role of CRM systems in business development, particularly within professional services.