content marketing world 2014 to draw the top communications pros, kevin spacey

More than 2,500 people from 50 countries are expected to descend on Cleveland September 8-11 for the Content Marketing World 2014 conference. Professionals in marketing, communications, social media and public relations are coming to learn what’s new in the industry, socialize and network.  

“Those people attending are marketers in enterprises that create and distribute content to attract and retain customers,” explains event organizer Joe Pulizzi, founder the Content Marketing Institute. “Over half of the attendees come from the brand side, with the rest of the delegates coming from agencies, media companies and technology providers.”

Representatives from 36 of the Fortune 100 will attend, 10 in the Fortune 15. “The event targets the largest marketers from the leading brands around the world, so we not only attract Fortune 100 companies, but the majority of delegates come from at least the Fortune 5000 size,” says Pulizzi. “CMW is now the largest event in the content marketing industry.”

It makes sense the conference takes place in Cleveland, says Pulizzi. “The talent in the Northeast Ohio region for content creators is amazing,” he says, “Most people don't realize this, but for many decades, this area has been home to some of the best business publishing on the planet, In addition to that, ‘content marketing,’ as a term, might first have been used in Cleveland.”

While the main events, with speakers and workshops, take place at the Cleveland Convention Center, the opening reception on Monday, September 8 is an Ohio City pub crawl. CMW has rented out Market Garden BreweryBar Cento and Great Lakes Brewery. Tuesday night wraps up with ContentFest, a music festival with 10 local food trucks and bands at Jacobs Pavilion.

Pulizzi is excited to host the leaders in content marketing. “The over 175 speakers at the event come from around the world and are truly the leading experts in the field,” he says. “In addition, it's nice to show off Cleveland. In 2013, 75 percent of the attendees had never been to Cleveland.”

The keynote closing speaker is actor Kevin Spacey, currently starting in the Netflix hit, House of Cards. “Mr. Spacey is going to talk about how House of Cards has transformed the content business,” says Pulizzi. “He will share his thoughts on what enterprise marketers need to be doing to make sure their stories are told well, and how they can be found by engaged consumers.”

The economic impact for Cleveland is estimated to be $2.5 million, with a block of 4,000 room nights in downtown hotels already sold. Registration for the conference is still open.

Karin Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice

About the Author: Karin Connelly Rice

Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 20 years she has reported on the local business community for publications such as Inside Business and Cleveland Magazine. She was editor of the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood and was a reporter and photographer for the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water she enjoys telling the stories of Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing the business and research climate in Cleveland.
Karin Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice

About the Author: Karin Connelly Rice

Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 20 years she has reported on the local business community for publications such as Inside Business and Cleveland Magazine. She was editor of the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood and was a reporter and photographer for the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water she enjoys telling the stories of Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing the business and research climate in Cleveland.