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Where to Find Us: Manaferra’s 2025 Conference Tour
Great conversations spark great ideas. That’s why we’re hitting the road in 2025 to connect with forward-thinking higher ed marketers at four key industry events. Here’s where you can find us:
Portland, Maine is calling! We’re thrilled to be part of the eduWeb Summit, where our CEO will take the stage to share proven strategies for maximizing enrollment through SEO and digital marketing. Stop by our booth to:
Program-specific SEO strategies that drive real results
How AI search is revolutionizing program discovery
Real results from our AI-powered content optimization
Fall brings us to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for an intensive deep dive into digital innovation. Our CEO will be presenting insights on data-driven SEO enrollment strategies.
The AMA Symposium’s focus on strategic marketing and institutional reputation couldn’t be more timely. We’re bringing fresh insights from our recent campaigns and ready to discuss:
We’re wrapping up our tour in Boston, where MEMS tackles adult student recruitment, online education, and student success. Find us ready to share:
Next-level strategies for online program visibility
Our predictions for SEO trends in 2026
Smart ways to measure enrollment marketing ROI
Let’s Connect
Each of these conferences brings unique perspectives on where higher ed marketing is headed. Whether you’re wrestling with program visibility challenges or exploring new digital strategies, we’d love to connect.
Planning to attend? Drop us a line to schedule a meeting. We’re always up for coffee and conversations about what’s next in enrollment marketing. ☕
Highlights from the 2024 AMA Symposium for the Higher Education
As first-time AMA attendees, we were filled with curiosity and anticipation. Over the course of two packed days, we explored cutting-edge strategies, from leveraging AI to rethinking student engagement, all while connecting with over 1,800 professionals who share a passion for shaping the future of higher ed.
Here’s a recap of our top moments and key takeaways:
Experiencing the City of Las Vegas
Our visit to The Sphere in Las Vegas was nothing short of inspiring. There, we watched Postcard From Earth, a sci-fi journey that transported us far into the future, where humanity’s descendants look back on Earth’s beauty and fragility from far away in the cosmos.
The breathtaking visuals and compelling narrative made us feel like we were floating between time and space. More than a spectacle, it was a thought-provoking experience, leaving us with a renewed sense of responsibility to care for our planet. It was a powerful way to set the tone for the conference: reflecting on the present and preparing for the future.
The Strip was buzzing, as always, and we couldn’t help but try our luck at a few casinos (five, to be precise). Against all odds (and some questionable decisions), we walked away as winners—though just barely. But honestly, it wasn’t the slot machines or blackjack tables that won us over. It was the city itself: a whirlwind of energy, color, and surprises waiting around every neon-lit corner.
A Warm Welcome to the AMA Symposium
Walking into the conference felt like stepping into a buzzing hive of energy. Over 1,800 higher ed pros under one roof, all ready to exchange ideas, share stories, and talk about the future of education. It was bigger than we expected, and it didn’t disappoint.
Have you ever walked into a room and thought, “Yeah, these are my people”? That’s exactly how it felt. We bumped into familiar faces, met a bunch of new ones, and even had a few of those “Wait, don’t I know you from somewhere?” moments that make you laugh. The sessions weren’t just useful—they got us thinking in new ways, sparking ideas we couldn’t wait to bring back and try out.
Vendors, partners, and clients we work with were all there, creating an incredible space to deepen relationships and forge new ones. This wasn’t just another conference. It was a chance to roll up our sleeves, make connections, and get inspired about the big picture. Honestly, it felt like a reunion, a brainstorm, and a pep rally all rolled into one.
Day 1:
The conference kicked off with a bang as Jamie Ceman and Nicholas Ladany took the stage to share the audacious story of rebranding their institution. They didn’t just tweak a logo or revamp a tagline—they reimagined everything.
From overhauling curriculum design to weaving AI into the academic curriculum, they laid out a bold blueprint for building a university entirely from scratch. Their ultimate mission? To create a truly student-first institution. It was inspiring, visionary, and, yes, a bit intimidating—but it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students take center stage.
Then came Steve Robbins, who delivered a mind-blowing session on the neuroscience of inclusion. He broke down the science behind belonging, revealing that it’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s hardwired into our biology. Robbins expertly blended research with actionable insights, showing how to cultivate spaces where everyone feels valued and can succeed. It was one of those talks that sticks with you long after the applause ends.
Kathleen Mabley, Anna McBrayer, Randi Ungar, and William Hajjar emphasized the importance of defining your institution’s value proposition, aligning strategic goals with KPIs, and leveraging both qualitative and quantitative data to understand and serve your students better. As someone deeply invested in performance measurement, their insights on end-to-end ROI tracking really resonated. (I’ll save my deeper thoughts on that for another post!)
The day wrapped up with Rohit Bhargava’s keynote on being a non-obvious thinker. His message was clear: in a world filled with noise, the ability to see what others miss is your biggest competitive advantage. His session reminded us of the importance of creativity, empathy, and curiosity in solving the complex challenges that higher ed faces today.
Day 2:
The second day brought even more valuable insights.Steven Ruttfrom ACU and Chris Roberts of CloudControlMedia kicked things off by sharing how their partnership drove a 23% increase in enrollment at ACU. Their secret? Goal alignment, data-driven decision-making, and open lines of communication. It was a powerful reminder that the heart of higher ed marketing success lies in teamwork and trust.
Christy Davis of Marigold followed with a refreshing mantra for student messaging: “Less is more.” She championed concise, brand-consistent communication to help universities cut through the clutter and truly connect with students.
One of the most impactful talks came from Justin Vogt of Fuseideas, who presented findings from The State of the American College Student study. He emphasized the importance of addressing both financial and emotional wellness in university messaging to build trust with prospective students. A lesson we can’t afford to ignore.
Wrapping up the day, Shelly Heinrich andTeresa Mannix from Georgetown University shared their inspiring story of launching an Executive MBA program in Dubai. Their success—filling the first class in just two months—was rooted in cultural sensitivity and forming strategic local partnerships, a testament to the power of strategic, empathetic marketing.
Building and Strengthening Connections
One of the most exciting moments was sitting down with Brian Piper to record a podcast episode on the impact of AI in SEO and higher ed marketing. It’s not every day you get to dive deep into such forward-thinking topics with someone who shares your passion. We discussed how AI is transforming search and why higher ed institutions must adapt to meet students where they are. Stay tuned for the full episode—it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Another highlight was connecting in person with Bart Caylor and Troy Singer, two individuals whose thought leadership in higher ed marketing has long inspired us. Our conversations not only reinforced our admiration but also sparked exciting new ideas. We’re eager to see how these exchanges shape future collaborations.
Let’s not forget our dinner and late-night chats with our friendsRaffi and Erjon from Eri Design. We talked about life, business, and the shared challenges of growing a company in the higher ed space. It’s rare to find people who align so closely with your vision, and we’re excited to see where this shared journey takes us in the future.
Looking Ahead
This year’s AMA Symposium wasn’t just a conference; it was a catalyst for change. The insights we gained and the connections we made will undoubtedly shape our strategies moving forward at Manaferra.
In fact, we’re so inspired that we’re jumping in headfirst as sponsors of next year’s AMA conference! Find us at the exhibition hall in National Harbor, MD, where we’ll be ready to spark even more conversations, connections, and, of course, big ideas.
The event was a bold reminder that higher ed isn’t without its challenges, but the chances to innovate and grow? They’re endless. As marketers, we have the power—and the responsibility—to lead the way through change.
A massive thank you to the brilliant speakers, energizing attendees, and the AMA team for crafting an unforgettable experience. Here’s to the future—see you next year!
Manaferra Wins “Best Use of Search” award at Global Search Awards
Following our double shortlist nomination for the Global Search Awards 2021, we are super thrilled to announce that we walked home (or rather stayed home) with one prestigious award.
Winning is not everything, but we can’t deny that this award was actually sort of a nice feather in our cap. It also comes hot on the heels of our recent shortlist for two awards from the European Search Awards, which further adds to this tally. After all, it brings huge validation to our team and puts another official stamp of approval from certified experts in the industry.
A reminder of what Manaferra has been nominated for:
Best Small SEO Agency
Best use of Search – Third Sector (Higher Education)
Here’s what our Co-founder and SEO director had to say about the win:
“Following an exceptional year of growth for Manaferra, the award we’ve earned is another firm confirmation that we’re headed in the right direction. Amidst a fluctuating search landscape and aggressive pipeline goals, the campaign was really impressive, yielding 1,423% increase in organic leads and +447% in organic traffic. We all felt this was a fantastic standout entry and very well-deserving of this win.”
Granit Doshlaku, Co-Founder, SEO Director
Manaferra
Taking place annually, the Global Search Awards is a celebration of the leading agencies and campaigns in SEO, PPC, and content marketing. The awards are highly competitive and highlight industry leaders who are actively exhibiting outstanding growth while offering superior digital strategies to their clients. The panel, consisting of renowned industry experts, selected all entries based on a rigorous two-step process and several aspects of the marketing campaign.
“I was completely swept off my feet when I saw Manaferra’s name on the screen, announcing the winner in the Best Use of Search- Third Sector category. In moments like this, we come to realize that our hard work and sleepless nights are just a small price to pay for such a recognition and prestigious competition. We are incredibly proud of the work we have been able to do for our clients and the outstanding outcomes we have achieved.”
Faton Sopa, Co-Founder & CEO
Manaferra
Congratulations to all Global Search Awards winners! You can rewatch the live-streamed ceremony here, including all the winner announcements and full shortlist here and here.
Manaferra Shortlisted for Two Global Search Awards
We are proud to announce that, once again, Manaferra, a US & Kosovo based SEO Agency, is shortlisted for two awards by the leading s Global Search Awards.
Global Search Awards is the leading series of international search marketing awards that celebrates search agencies who are transforming businesses through innovative engaging campaigns that stand out from the crowd; innovative and cutting-edge software and people who have triumphed across diverse digital landscapes.
We are proud to be shortlisted for
Best Small SEO Agency
Best Use of Search – Third Sector
This is the second time that Manaferra has been nominated this year (the first one being European Search Awards).
It’s a pleasure and an honor to be among the finalists that are judged by the leading minds of search marketing under rigorous criteria.
“Following an exceptional year of growth for Manaferra, the award we’ve earned is another firm confirmation that we’re headed in the right direction. Amidst a fluctuating search landscape and aggressive pipeline goals, the campaign was really impressive, yielding 1,423% increase in organic leads and +447% in organic traffic. We all felt this was a fantastic standout entry and very well-deserving of this win.”
Granit Doshlaku, Co-Founder, SEO Director
Manaferra
We are thrilled to see that our hard work, which positioned many of our clients as industry experts and helped them gain authority, drive organic traffic, and generate leads, is being recognized for the second time in a row.
As a small SEO agency, leading the local market, seeing such results that come from a place of professionalism, dedication, and persistence is a big motivator.
As proof of how far an effective SEO & Content strategy and forward-thinking methods can take, we have our client University of the Potomac, which has seen exponential growth in organic traffic and Leads. Not only is their blog an example of top-notch content, but this has been rewarded with steady organic growth (reaching over 1,400% yearly growth).
“Being recognized for what we do as an agency as well as the work the team has produced was the best case scenario we could have hoped for. We know how hard it is to just be nominated for Global Search Awards. The best part is the boost it’s given to the team as well the drive to share the passions that our company culture is all about.”
Dardan Shehu, Content Marketing Associate
Manaferra
The Global Search Awards shortlist was announced Friday 4th June 2021, with the expert panel of judges having examined a number of aspects including creativity and implementation, budget, results and strategy involved in submitted campaigns.
The winners of each category will be announced at the Global Search Awards virtual award ceremony on Tuesday, 13th July 2021, at 7 pm BST.
