Chicago skyline

OHO U Digital Marketing Bootcamp: Chicago

Thursday, August 13, 2026
Guinness Open Gate Brewery, West Loop 
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Free to attend

Higher education marketing is changing fast—and AI is accelerating the pace. Join the OHO team in-person for a day of fresh research, actionable strategies, and an interactive workshop exclusively for higher education marketers.

Reaching Today’s Prospective Student

Jason Smith
Jason Smith, OHO Founder & Managing Director

Explore the latest research shaping enrollment marketing, digital engagement, and the evolving expectations of prospective students. Jason will share what OHO is seeing across hundreds of higher education institutions and the trends that are likely to define the next few years.

For over 25 years, Jason has led a team of strategists, designers, UX researchers, marketers, and developers who help colleges and universities solve complex digital challenges—from launching major websites to driving enrollment through digital marketing. A former designer and creative director, Jason brings a deep appreciation for how storytelling, design, and technology can work together to reach the right audiences and move institutions forward. He’s worked with 37 of the top 100 U.S. colleges and universities, guiding leaders through projects that clarify their goals, connect with users, and elevate their digital presence. Endlessly curious and always inventing, Jason is currently digging deep into how to increase AI visibility for colleges and universities so that they can reach prospective students.

Meeting the AI Content Challenge

Mike Powers, Content Strategist
Dr. Mike Powers, Senior Digital Strategist

Learn practical approaches for creating content that performs in AI-powered search experiences while continuing to support traditional SEO and user needs.

Dr. Mike Powers has more than two decades of experience in higher education. A former English professor, he's since worked as a writer, a front-end web developer, a digital and content strategist, and a social media strategist, among other roles. He's also an award-winning speaker. Mike loves using his experience to help OHO clients solve their content puzzles. 
 

Inside OHO's AI Visibility Scorecard

Carrie Hopkins
Dr. Carrie Hopkins, Principal Strategist

Take a deeper look at OHO's research on AI in the college search process and learn how large language models represent colleges and universities. We'll explore common patterns, opportunities, and practical steps you can take to improve visibility and accuracy.

Plus...discover the strategies and tactics higher education institutions are using to reach prospective students more effectively in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

Carrie brings over a decade of experience in higher education and enrollment marketing, both in-house at various institutions and on the agency side, offering a unique perspective on creating the most impactful client-agency partnerships. Specializing in lead generation for graduate and online programs, she brings a passion and curiosity for non-traditional students to her work. Her doctoral research focused on predictors of quantitative course success to inform marketers on identifying students most likely to complete programs, thereby increasing tuition revenue for the institution. Carrie seeks to help OHO and its partners create long-lasting and strategic relationships to ultimately serve more learners.

Workshop: AI Visibility Live!

During this collaborative session, we'll evaluate how AI platforms describe participating colleges and universities in real time. Together, we'll compare responses across platforms, assess their accuracy, identify gaps and misinformation, and discuss actionable strategies to improve your institution's AI presence.

You'll leave with practical ideas you can take back to your campus immediately.

Register early to save your spot. We can't wait to see you in Chicago!

Reserve your spot - space is limited!

Schedule for the Day

Coffee & Networking

Early arrivals can enjoy some refreshments and time to connect with their peers.

Introductions & Keynote

We'll take some time for introductions and hear from OHO's founder and managing director, Jason Smith.

Lunch

Enjoy a complimentary lunch and get to know other attendees from other schools in and around Chicago.

Talks & Workshops

We'll learn from OHO's expert strategists and spend some time applying insights we've gained in small breakout groups.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery exterior

About the Venue

Our Chicago OHO U Digital Marketing Bootcamp will be hosted at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago's West Loop, 901 W Kinzie Street – convenient to both the Blue Line (Grand and Milwaukee) and Green Line (Morgan and Lake).

Cherrelle and Rachel at cocktail hour

Join Us for Cocktail Hour at 4 pm

All attendees are invited to stay at the venue for complimentary drinks following the event. Members from the OHO team will be available to answer questions, expand on topics discussed, or chat about the any marketing challenges on your mind.