The Uprising

The Uprising

“Honestly, the best marketing event I've ever been to.

Mathew Sweezy, Salesforce

“Hands down one of the best business investments I've made.

Kristel Valaydon, KV Comms

“Nothing compares to the transformative experience I found at The Uprising.

Nisha Gaind, Creaghan-McConnell

“It's impossible to leave the Uprising without new insights, actionable ideas, and friends.

Jason Dressel, History Factory

“I knew I'd learn a lot, but I didn't know I'd also walk away with 30 new friends.

Ruth Hartt, Clayton Christensen Institute

“The Uprising is where innovation is born, friendships are kindled, and you depart not just recharged but transformed.

Lauren Colbert, Filament

“The Uprising is an experience in its own category.

Dan Nestle, LIXIL

“One of the most fulfilling events of my career.

Keith Reynold Jennings, Jackson Healthcare

Now accepting registration for The Uprising May 6-9, 2025!

Hurry. Just 16 Tickets Remaining!

It’s time to re-imagine marketing. Together.

Traditional classes and conferences aren’t preparing marketing leaders for the unprecedented changes in the business world. While most events provide tips and tricks to iterate on “what is,” The Uprising is an intimate, private marketing retreat focused on the concepts and skills leaders need to conquer what is next.

The Uprising is the first step toward building an ongoing community of marketing leaders prepared to excel in a world of rapid change. I’m bringing together 30 extraordinary people (like you) in a collaborative learning environment to create breakthrough insights on subjects including (tentative list):

  • Balancing AI + automation with new consumer realities
  • Purpose-based marketing strategy
  • Loyalty through “belonging” and community
  • Reaching unreachable customers
  • New marketing measurement considerations
  • Remaining relevant in a world of rapid change
  • Exploring the meaning of emerging technologies
  • Rational new views of content, social media, influence, and engagement

The format of the event is not traditional lectures and panel discussions. All participants will have the ability to contribute their own expertise to vital discussions, led by our expert facilitators. This is a co-created meeting of diverse thought leaders preparing for change, not a college classroom.

It’s hard to explain this event without experiencing it! So here is a little video I put together to explain the three reasons why this is distinct!

Here is my promise. You will leave this event one step ahead of the competition because you’ll receive insights and ideas you’ll find nowhere else.

Every marketing rebellion starts with an Uprising. Become part of our movement.

The Uprising Team

Every participant plays a role in The Uprising, but the conversations will be led by Mark Schaefer and renowned experts. Past facilitators have included authors, esteemed academics, and leaders from companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and HP. The facilitators for the May session include Ann Handley and Andy Crestodina.

  • Digital marketing pioneer, writer, and speaker Ann Handley inspires marketers to create magic that gets real-world results. The legendary co-founder of ClickZ and Marketing Profs partner is a WSJ bestselling author and was named the most inspiring marketer in the world in 2024.

  • Mark Schaefer was named the second-most inspirational marketer in the world behind Ann Handley but does not hold that against her. He is the bestselling author of 11 books, including the first book on influence marketing and the number one book on personal branding. Both his blog and podcast are regarded as among the top authoritative sources for marketing innovation.

  • Andy Crestodina is the CMO and Co-Founder at Orbit Media Studios. He has been at the forefront of digital marketing innovation for over two decades. With a deep-seated passion for SEO, analytics, AI and website optimization, Andy is highly regarded as a leading expert in the marketing field. He is the author of “Content Chemistry.”

The Venue

When I refer to The Uprising as a “retreat,” I mean retreat!

Yes, we will learn, we will build community, we will connect deeply. But we’ll also breathe fresh air and relax in a comfortable lodge surrounded by gardens, ponds, forests, and hiking trails. We’ll celebrate new business friendships with fine dining and fun surprises along the way.

RT Lodge is nestled in a story-book setting in Maryville, TN, 15 minutes from the Knoxville Airport. The enrollment fee of $3,950 is a great value because it is inclusive, covering everything except your personal travel to the retreat.

The Lodge is filled with overstuffed sofas, soft-leather club chairs, beautiful fabrics, antiques, and local artifacts from the nearby Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of areas where groups can gather, private corners for intimate discussions, and lovely gardens for contemplation and reflection.

Take a nature hike. Hop on a bike. Read in a garden. Share a drink with new friends. Make s’mores after dinner by the fire pit. Challenge me to ping pong or a game of corn hole. This is all part of your Uprising retreat experience.

The Community

The Uprising is an event of co-created ideas, meaningful small group discussions, relaxed contemplation, intimate networking, and personal interactions with top marketing thought leaders.

Many have described The Uprising as “transformational” due to the generosity, personal support, and inspiration they receive throughout this immersive experience.

We will focus on:

  • 1Forward-thinking, actionable new ideas based on real-world business needs.
  • 2Personal interaction with Mark Schaefer and other renowned thought leaders.
  • 3Opportunity for on-going learning on the future of marketing.
  • 4A chance to get away, relax, and re-energize with new ideas.

Is The Uprising right for you?

“The Uprising is a truly unique and potentially life changing experience.” – Nicole Rowland

Some people have told me they feel nervous about registering for The Uprising. They may be wondering if they have enough experience, or if they will have anything to add to discussions led by accomplished marketing thought leaders.

Everyone who comes to this retreat is valued, supported, and absolutely immersed in the community. Diversity of thought, heritage, experience, and age is essential and celebrated.

If you have a passion to learn, grow, and help us figure out what’s next in the world of marketing, you’re ready for The Uprising. Everyone belongs, and is accepted here.

Here are reflections first-time participants posted on LinkedIn about their experiences:

Investment

“Easily one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my career.” – Kristel Valaydon

The cost of The Uprising is $3,950 which includes the programming, all meals, snacks, refreshments, wi-fi, lodging, and entertainment. In other words, once you arrive at the retreat, everything is covered.

“Best event I’ve attended. I easily received ten times the value from what I paid to attend The Uprising.” — Megan Conley, CEO of Social Tribe

To get a feel for The Uprising experience, check out our photo gallery!

Participants should prepare for this schedule:

Tuesday, May 06: Please arrive at RT Lodge (15 minutes from the Knoxville Airport) and settle in before our 6 p.m. welcome dinner. Check-in as early as 3 p.m. to enjoy the grounds and meet me and the other retreat leaders before The Uprising officially begins.

Wednesday, May 07: Mountain breakfast followed by a day of discussion, discovery, and insight. Expect a gourmet lunch and dinner, evening entertainment, a surprise guest speaker, discussions by the open-air fire pit, and outdoor games. We’ve built in time for reflection and fun. You might want to take a hike, a bike ride, or just sit quietly in a garden.

Thursday, May 08: Plan for a full day of mind-blowing discussions followed by a “graduation celebration” and evening fun — including a private concert!

Friday, May 09: Breakfast is included before your departure for home. For those planning to stay an extra day or two to explore Knoxville and the Smoky Mountain region, we can help with insider tips for an enjoyable stay.

Join us!

You can become part of The Uprising by registering now for one of the extremely limited openings. Before you go to the next step, I hope you can agree on three things:

• This is not an event where you can float in and out. You are a co-creator of a true community experience. Your presence is integral to the event. I hope you will be fully present for the entire retreat, which means arrival by 6 p.m. Monday, May 06 and departure no earlier than the morning of Friday, May 09.

• Although you will have plenty of personal time, I hope you’ll prepare for this immersive retreat by putting aside external business calls and distractions to the best of your ability.

• We want to set a tone of respect, positivity, professionalism, and encouragement. All are welcome with an open mind and an open heart.

RETURN POLICY: Tickets are fully refundable up until 60 days before the event. One-half of the price will be refunded up to 30 days before the event. Ticket holders may transfer or sell their spot to another person as an option.

MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTION

If you would like to make convenient monthly payments instead of a lump sum registration fee, please contact Mark Schaefer directly via email at [email protected]. We’ll happily work out a convenient payment plan especially for you!

There are currently 16 registrations left for the May 2025 edition of The Uprising retreat.

Click below to pay in full and reserve your spot in this exclusive event!


Uprising May 6th - 9th, 2025
$3,950.00

The Marketing Companion Podcast

Why not tune into the world’s most entertaining marketing podcast!

View details

Let's plot a strategy together

Want to solve big marketing problems for a little bit of money? Sign up for an hour of Mark’s time and put your business on the fast-track.

View details