Last year, we hosted some of the best and brightest of Minnesota’s digital and tech culture for our Digital Way Finder: Digitally Made In Minnesota. But this time, we’re digging a little deeper and touching on the subject at the crux of our careers: what does working in digital really look like? In an ever-evolving digital landscape there are many paths to consider and with each one comes a plethora of questions.

Each new question seems to lead to another:

• Should I freelance?
• Is it better to specialize or become a generalist?
• As a company, do I hire an agency, or own it in-house?
• How is digital in my industry unique?
• What does success look like?

We know that finding the answers to your persisting questions isn’t always easy. So, back by popular demand, Spyder Trap and Celarity will be presenting our next Digital Way Finder event on April 27th, featuring a few of the industry experts who have navigated their respective fields with ease. They’re here to answer the tough questions about working in digital from the perspective of a freelancer, a recruiter, a corporate and agency employee. Their vast experience showcases the innumerable opportunities that come with having dipped their toes into multiple facets of the digital industry, and their career trajectory showcases that everyone has different ways of defining and finding success in their professions.

“A Digital Way Finder event in 2014 is the reason I started working with Spyder Trap,” said Digital Marketing Manager Chris Todd. “These events provide helpful advice, and as importantly, provide a venue to showcase the amazing professionals and work being done across the Twin Cities!”

The Digital Way Finder isn’t just an event; it’s a way for digital professionals to get in touch with one another and build a narrative of collaboration and support. We all have more to learn about different facets of the industry, so why not join us for a scintillating conversation, yummy snacks, and networking? But before you head off to purchase your tickets, why not get a snapshot of what to expect by reading a bit more about our honored panelists?

Tickets For Digital Way Finder

John Arnold – Celarity

John is the Director of Operations and Partner at Celarity, a recruiting and staffing agency that’s placed more than 4,000 marketing and creative professionals at more than 500 local companies in full-time, freelance and contract roles. John has more than 9+years experience in marketing, recruiting, and company operations. 

Erica Hanna – Puke Rainbows

Erica is a six time Emmy-award winning Creative “Preditor” (Producer/Shooter/Director/Writer/Editor), speaker, and consultant. After spending 9 years in the creative department at WCCO-TV, she was brought on board at BringMeTheNews.com at the Director of Digital where she helped quadruple website traffic in just 10 months with a re-vamped social strategy. Now her company, Puke Rainbows, specializes in video content, strategy, and also in leading workshops for businesses looking to improve their video game. She’s had the chance to work with folks like Ellen DeGeneres, Lizz Winstead (Creator of the Daily Show) and Prince, loves karaoke, sarcasm, and is an expert at losing her keys. In her spare time she concentrates  efforts on raising funds for the non-profit @charitywater through social media. To date, she has raised $30,000 for water wells in Africa. Erica is also the 2014, 2015, 2016 Top Twitter Personality in Minneapolis. 

Lynne Leaf – Merrill Corporation

Lynne is the Vice President, Digital Marketing at Merrill Corporation. Lynne joined Merrill in 2014 as the Director of Digital Marketing. Lynne has responsibility Merrill’s digital marketing strategy with a global focus on B2B digital programs including SEO, Paid Search, Display, and Social Media. Her team is also responsible for Merrillcorp.com support, optimization and development. Prior to joining Merrill, Lynne has held digital marketing leadership positions at Land O’Lakes, Inc., and MoneyGram International. Additionally, Lynne dabbled on the agency side at BI Worldwide very early in her career. Lynne holds an MBA in Marketing Management from the University of St. Thomas, and a BA in Political Science from Hamline University. 

Chris Prokopanko – Cargill

Chris is the Strategy and Analysis Advisor for Cargill, a corporation that brings food, agricultural, financial and industrial products to people who need them all around the world. Chris has more than 11+ of experience in IT, management, and career development.

The panel will be moderated by Spyder Trap Senior Client Strategist, Jon Lenz. Registration is now open, with tickets available on Eventbrite. A limited number of free tickets are available for students and current job seekers, so act now before they’re gone.

We hope to see you in our space for this one-of-a-kind event! Email if you have any questions about the event, the panelists, or ticket information.