Digital Scene - KC: VML

DIGITAL SCENE KC: VML

Join KC IMAGINE on July 10th for an exciting networking event at Kansas City's own global powerhouse in brand experience and technology: VML. Immerse yourself in the inspiring and dynamic atmosphere of this innovative agency, deeply rooted in the city's vibrant creative scene.

VML's status as a global powerhouse in brand experience and technology stems from several key factors:

• Global Reach and Scale: VML boasts an expansive network with over 30,000 employees across more than 60 markets worldwide.
• Comprehensive Service Offering: VML integrates brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth.
• Award-Winning Innovation and Creativity: VML is consistently recognized for its innovative and impactful work. The agency has received numerous accolades from prestigious organizations such as Cannes Lions, The Drum, Forrester, Gartner, and Campaign.
• Strong Client Portfolio: VML partners with some of the world's most recognizable brands, including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's.

Connect with KC area digital media professionals in a casual, happy hour event while you learn more about what’s going on at VML’s international headquarters.

• Enjoy free food and drink
• Network with other KC area digital media professionals and digital media educators
• Meet members of VML’s talented staff
• Learn how VML’s wide-ranging expertise in brand experience and technology, its consistent recognition for creative excellence, and its strength of partnership has brought international acclaim

Who Can Attend?

Digital media professionals and digital media educators. (Sorry, no students under 21 as beer & wine will be served).

This event is free, but you must REGISTER to attend.

Guest Experts

Eric Beane serves as the Chief Analytics & Data Officer at VML, where he founded the analytics department over 19 years ago. With more than 27 years of experience in digital analytics, media performance, and data strategy, Eric leads a team of insight analysts and data scientists who help clients optimize their online presence through actionable insights.

Eric's expertise has contributed to award-winning work, including multiple Cannes Lions and Effie Awards. His superpower lies in translating data into insights that deliver better business outcomes and deliver significant results across major clients like Colgate, Ford, PepsiCo, Intuit, and Intel.

Andrew Mirakian is an accomplished design director and a founding member of Brand Design at VML. With nearly two decades of experience, Andrew has helped shaped some of the largest brands in the world. As a design lead, Andrew regularly oversees project teams of brand designers while interfacing with client teams across the VML North American network. With each project, Andrew approaches the work openly, with a collaborative spirit and a results-driven mindset — helping brands tell their story through thoughtfully crafted design that solves a problem and establishes a holistic vision.

Colleen Patty is an Account Supervisor at VML, leading high performing, cross-functional teams who deliver impactful communications solutions, meeting target audiences where they are at and driving results. As a strategic partner and the first call clients make, she cultivates strong relationships, obtains and monetizes a deep understanding of clients’ business objectives, and translates those insights into measurable executions.

Panela Leung is a skilled technical analyst at VML, bringing clarity and structure to complex digital initiatives for global brands. Panela plays a key role in bridging the gap between business strategy and technical execution—translating stakeholder needs into actionable requirements, defining data workflows, and supporting scalable system integrations. She partners closely with cross-functional teams across the VML network, ensuring alignment and transparency at every stage of delivery. With each engagement, Panela brings a calm, collaborative approach and a passion for education and people-centered environments—empowering teams to move forward with confidence and helping brands build solutions that work.

Beth Noser is an Associate Director of Technology. She drives digital strategy and solution delivery for high-impact brands. With a portfolio that includes T-Mobile, Hill’s Pet, Head for the Cure, Tennessee Tourism, and ConAgra, Beth thrives at the intersection of business goals and technical execution. She excels in turning complex requirements into user-centric digital experiences, leading cross-functional teams, and translating vision into actionable roadmaps. Beth is known for her strategic thinking, stakeholder alignment, and ability to bring clarity and momentum to fast-paced initiatives.

Chris Wallen is a Managing Director of Customer Experience Strategy at VML. He guides cross-functional VML and client teams in understanding and improving the entire customer journey, turning pain points into opportunities for brands like Google, Sherwin Williams, and most recently, as the Experience Product Owner for Wendy's FreshAi drive-thru platform. Chris translates client and customer goals into effective customer experience strategies and products. He is certified as a Scrum Master, Product Owner, and in Human-Centered Design (HCD) by the LUMA Institute. He is also deeply committed to higher education, working with students, advising universities on curriculum design, and co-leading VML's Customer Experience University Program

About Our Host

VML is a leading brand experience and technology company headquartered in Kansas City. This vibrant office serves as a cornerstone of VML's extensive international network, bringing together a diverse team of talented professionals across various disciplines, including advertising, marketing, technology, and consulting. Situated within Kansas City's dynamic creative ecosystem, VML's presence contributes significantly to the region's reputation as a center for innovation and digital excellence. The agency's work from this location spans a wide range of global and national clients, reflecting its capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions and impactful campaigns from the heart of the Midwest.

This event is part of the DIGITAL SCENE KC series.