# Event Details - **Event Name**: AMA Boston - Getting Your First Customers: The Startup Marketing Playbook - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 08:00 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: Join AMA Boston for a candid panel conversation on what really works in early-stage marketingAbout this EventEvery startup faces it: no brand recognition, no case studies, no marketing budget to speak of and a runway that demands customers now. So how do the companies that make it actually land those first crucial deals?Join AMA Boston for a candid panel conversation on what really works in early-stage marketing, from founder-led selling and scrappy demand generation to knowing when (and how) to build a real marketing engine. Whether you're launching a startup, joining one, or advising founders, you'll leave with a practical playbook for going from zero to traction.Topics will include:Finding and validating your first customers when nobody knows youFounder-led marketing vs. hiring your first marketer: timing and trade-offsDemand generation that works on a budgetHow to build a brand, work with influencers, and grow revenueOur panelists have lived this from both sides of the growth curve:Leah Itzkovich is Head of Marketing at mabl, the Boston-based leader in AI-powered test automation, where she has risen through the demand generation ranks — from account-based marketing specialist through marketing programs leadership to head of demand gen — building pipeline for a high-growth SaaS startup at every stage. Known for driving measurable, ROI-obsessed marketing, her team has pursued an ambitious 15:1 pipeline ROI goal, and she brings a practitioner's view of what actually converts when every dollar counts.Menaka Thillaiampalam is Chief Marketing Officer of Hitachi Digital Services, where she drives strategic marketing including building a revenue-generating function and establishing the brand as a future-tech leader. She previously served as CMO of Lionbridge and Banking Circle Group, with marketing leadership roles at Amazon Web Services, LinkedIn, Accenture, and Dell Technologies. She is a member of the Forbes Communications Council, Co-President of the Boston Chapter of the CMO Collaborative, and recipient of the 2022 OnCon Icon Marketer of the Year Award. Menaka knows what it takes to build marketing functions from the ground up — and how early customer acquisition choices shape everything that follows.Brian Alves is a Senior Marketing Leader and AI-driven marketing strategist who turns creative ideas into measurable results. As a co-founder of MarketingNerds.ai, he empowers small business owners with AI-powered marketing solutions. With nearly two decades of experience in digital marketing, video production, and media buying, he describes himself as a "Generative AI video architect" who breaks the rules that hold growth back. He is a "Shark Tank survivor" and has managed over $600 million in ad spend throughout his careerThe conversation will be moderated by Christina Inge, EdD — founder, startup mentor, and marketing educator. She is the founder of Thoughtlight, a judge and mentor for MassChallenge, and leads the Spark Incubator at Brandeis University, where she guides new ventures from first idea to first customers. Christina also created and teaches the AI in Marketing microcertificate at Harvard Division of Continuing Education and is the author of two marketing analytics and AI books.Platinum Sponsor:We extend our sincere gratitude to our Platinum Sponsor, Brick Marketing, for their generous sponsorship. Your partnership is truly appreciated and instrumental to our success.For more information, click here. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/928b6d50-a54a-11f1-8345-8160f1306c66-rimg-w1200-h232-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg About the American Marketing Association (AMA) Boston:The American Marketing Association (AMA) Boston is the networking and educational hub for New England marketers. Our mission is to build a community of marketers who can share experiences, learn about the latest marketing trends, and build a powerful professional network. AMA Boston empowers its members with the knowledge andresources they need to be leaders in their careers and organizations. Learn more at https://www.amaboston.org.-----Any questions? Please reach out to us at ! https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/929be810-a54a-11f1-8345-8160f1306c66-rimg-w1200-h300-dc486848-gmir.png https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/92ad2620-a54a-11f1-8345-8160f1306c66-rimg-w1200-h586-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/cambridge/ama-boston-getting-your-first-customers-the-startup-marketing-playbook/100001998493805771 - **Event Categories**: fitness, Art, Photography, literary-art - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 2 hours - Location: 245 Main St - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 7.18, max: 23.18, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Cambridge - **state**: MA - **country**: United States - **location**: 245 Main St - **lat**: 42.3625589 - **long**: -71.08474489999999 - **full address**: 245 Main St, 245 Main Street, Cambridge, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: AMA Boston - Getting Your First Customers: The Startup Marketing Playbook - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/633c884831db3b185f888358ce2f60348eae458a47f221afed185c62470abb3c-rimg-w1200-h600-dc085868-gmir.jpg?v=1787468425 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is AMA Boston - Getting Your First Customers: The Startup Marketing Playbook being held? - **A:** AMA Boston - Getting Your First Customers: The Startup Marketing Playbook takes place on Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 08:00 pm at 245 Main St, 245 Main Street, Cambridge, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing AMA Boston - Getting Your First Customers: The Startup Marketing Playbook? - **A:** AMA Boston - Getting Your First Customers: The Startup Marketing Playbook is organized by AMA Boston. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** AMA Boston - Getting Your First Customers: The Startup Marketing Playbook is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Cambridge, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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We have a long history of providing value to our members by giving access to critically important information and valuable contacts to not only help boost careers and build businesses, but also deliver exceptional customer experiences. With about 500 members, AMA Boston is the 4th largest chapter in the world and continues to be the number one resource for marketing professionals throughout the greater Boston area.For more information on AMA Boston Events, job listings, and more, sign-up for our newletter below:Contact Usemail: hello@amaboston.orgphone: 781-647-7555" } ] } ] ```