Leaders from tourism, city government, media and the creative community explore how Portland's past influences its path forward.

Portland has always reinvented itself. From its progressive culture and creative boom in the early 2000s to the economic and social challenges that surfaced during the COVID era, the city’s identity continues to evolve. What comes next, and who will shape the story? In this NextNW panel, leaders from tourism, city government, media, and the creative community will explore how Portland’s past influences its path forward. Panelists will discuss the city’s reputation, opportunities for renewal, and the role of storytelling, marketing, and civic leadership in shaping public perception. For advertising, marketing, and creative professionals, the conversation will offer insight into how Portland can attract visitors, inspire new residents, and draw businesses back to a city that has long thrived on innovation, creativity, and community.

Creativity has always been the lifeblood of great brands, campaigns, and culture. But as AI tools reshape how ideas are generated, produced, and distributed, many creative professionals are asking a fundamental question: what does truly great creative work look like in an AI-influenced world? Join NextNW for a candid conversation with leading creative directors Steve Sandstrom of Sandstrom Partners, Patrick Hoopes of Drake Cooper, Alicia Mickes of Magic: The Gathering, and Alexis Young of Definitely Real. Together, they will explore how top creatives define breakthrough ideas, how the creative process is evolving, and where human insight still leads the way. This panel will unpack real-world agency and brand experiences while offering a practical perspective for marketers, designers, writers, and strategists navigating creativity in the next era of advertising and marketing.

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Moderator

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‍Kent Lewis - NextNW Executive Director

Kent is a digital OG and passionate entrepreneur who regularly speaks, is frequently quoted by industry media, and writes for publications including Inc., The Business Journals, and SmartBrief. In 1999, he founded pdxMindShare, Portland’s premier professional networking group and online career community, to help facilitate professional connections and education.

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‍Panelists

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‍Marcus Hibdon - Travel Portland Vice President of Communications and International Tourism

As Vice President of Communications and International Tourism at Travel Portland, Marcus Hibdon helps tell Portland’s story to the world. With a background in journalism and years spent navigating media, reputation, and tourism recovery, he brings valuable insight into how marketing, storytelling, and public perception shape the future of an iconic city.

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Shaniqua Henry-Davis: Communications Director, City of Portland

Shaniqua Henry-Davis brings a public-sector perspective to the conversation, with a background in communications, policy, and issue-driven campaigns. Her work in Portland gives her a valuable lens on how city leadership, public narrative, and community priorities all shape the identity and reputation of an iconic city.

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‍David Cress - Freelance Media Producer, Portlandia

As a producer of Portlandia, David Cress helped bring one of Portland’s most recognizable cultural exports to life. His career in film and television, along with his long-standing support of Oregon’s creative community, gives him a valuable lens on how storytelling, media, and pop culture can shape the reputation of an iconic city.

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‍Ryan Buchanan - Chairman at Thesis, Co-Founder of The Script, and Co-Founder of We Believe in Portland

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As Founder and Chairman of Thesis, Ryan Buchanan has spent more than 20 years helping brands navigate growth, culture, and change. His work across marketing, community leadership, and Portland-focused initiatives gives him a compelling lens on how cities build reputation, inspire belief, and tell a story people want to be part of

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