Pinch Me! It’s the Northwoods Marketing Conference ✨

From Dream to Reality: Planning the Northwoods Marketing Summit

When we started North of Eight Design & Marketing back in 2019, we had a vision. We wanted to build an agency that actually got what it was like to run a business in the Northwoods. We wanted to be the kind of partner we wished we’d had – straightforward, authentic, and genuinely invested in our community’s success.

But there was always something bigger we wanted to do.

For years, Kassie and I have talked about hosting an event for our community. Not some stuffy corporate conference with corporate jargon and empty promises. We wanted something real. Something practical. Something that brought local business owners together to learn, connect, and grow. We wanted to create the kind of event that actually mattered.

Well, April 16th, we’re finally making it happen.

The Northwoods Marketing Summit is coming to Siren, and honestly? I’m still a little overwhelmed.

Not in a bad way. In the best way possible.

The Support Has Been Incredible

When we started reaching out to potential sponsors, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We’re a small agency in a small community, and we were asking for support for something we’d never done before. But the response? It’s been humbling.

From the Burnett County Development Association to Northwest Regional Planning Commission, every single sponsor believes in what we’re trying to do. They get it. They understand that investing in our community’s business growth is investing in all of us.

• Burnett County Tourism Coalition
• Hargrove Travel
• Northwoods Santa
• St. Croix Casinos
• Webb Lake Mens Club
• Burnett County Development Association
• Danbury Area Chamber of Commerce
• Jensen Sundquist Insurance Agency
• Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative
• Superior Spray Foam
• Boone Docks Marine
• Entrepreneur Fund
• Northwest Regional Planning Commission

And the registrations? We’ve been blown away. In just the last two weeks, we’ve seen an incredible surge of people signing up. Business owners from across the Northwoods are ready to level up their marketing game, and they’re ready to do it together.

What You’re Going to Experience

This isn’t your typical marketing conference. We’ve put together a jam-packed 4-hour summit that covers the stuff that actually matters:

• Google Business Profiles & SEO 
• Social media strategies that work for real businesses
• PR and community engagement insights from leaders who’ve been in the trenches
• Real success stories from a local business owner, Chaz Heinz from Madsen Pest Management
• A live Q&A panel with award-winning marketing professionals and people who’ve actually been in your shoes

And because this is the Northwoods, we’re bringing the Wisconsin flair. Great speakers, genuine connections, and a community vibe that actually feels good.

Two Giveaways That Could Change Your Business

During happy hour, we’re giving away two things that could genuinely impact your business:

1. A $5,000 custom website (courtesy of North of Eight Design & Marketing)
2. A 3-night vacation package (courtesy of Hargrove Travel)

No purchase necessary. Just show up, learn something, and maybe get lucky.

Why This Matters

Here’s the thing: Kassie and I didn’t start North of Eight to be just another agency. We started it because we believe in this community. We believe in the business owners who are out here, juggling a million things, trying to grow without losing their minds. We believe that great marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. And we believe that when we lift each other up, we all succeed.

The Northwoods Marketing Summit is our way of saying thank you to this community and giving back in a way that actually helps.

April 16th. Noon to 5pm. Zhashagiins Event Center in Siren.

If you haven’t registered yet, early bird pricing ends March 31st. Come learn, connect, and celebrate what we’re building together in the Northwoods.

See you there.

-E