Held at the Villach Campus, the event offered a full day of learning, networking and inspiration. It brought together experts, entrepreneurs, lecturers and students from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for digital marketing and communication. 

The goal of the Inspiration Day was clear from the outset: to create a space where the latest developments in digital marketing could be discussed, challenged and experienced first-hand. Through keynote speeches and interactive sessions the day succeeded in bridging the gap between theory and practice, between the classroom and the fast-moving reality of the digital business world. 

From the early morning registration and coffee networking to the last applause of the afternoon, the atmosphere was defined by curiosity and openness. The event not only showcased the relevance and innovation of FH Kärnten’s International Digital Marketing and Sales program but also positioned it as a hub for dialogue and future-oriented thinking in the digital field. 

A Diverse and Inspiring Lineup of Speakers 

The day featured an impressive lineup of national and international speakers, each bringing a unique perspective to current topics and challenges in digital marketing. 

The morning began with a joint keynote by Sabine Friesser and Andy Starr, titled “Your Unfair Advantage.” Friesser, managing partner of Level C, and Starr, co-founder of Level C and a renowned strategist, challenged the audience to rethink competitive positioning and value creation in the age of digital saturation. Their engaging talk combined strategic insight with storytelling and set an ambitious tone for the rest of the day. 

Following this powerful opening, Andreas Pöllinger, known as Innovation Commander at The Faculty, delivered an energetic and provocative session on “Why companies, agencies & consultants fail at marketing (and how to fix it).” His frank discussion of common pitfalls and his call for courage, experimentation and genuine customer understanding resonated strongly with attendees. 

Before lunch, Roland Scharf, digital marketing consultant and trainer, took the stage with “The future of search and discovery: How SEO and SEA are evolving beyond keywords.” Scharf provided a deep dive into the changing landscape of search behavior, touching on AI-driven algorithms, user intent and the blending of organic and paid visibility. His examples and practical tips provided students with valuable takeaways for their ongoing coursework and professional development. 

The afternoon sessions began with Bernhard Guetz, program director of Digital Marketing & Sales at FH Kärnten and managing director of Guetz Consulting. His session, “Engage Smarter: AI for Social Media Content and Customer Feedback,” demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be used not to replace human creativity, but to enhance strategic decision-making and audience engagement. Guetz illustrated his points with real-world tools, sparking lively discussions about the benefits and limits of AI in marketing. 

Next, Manuel Antonitsch, lead B2B strategist at Via Digital, presented “Turning Audiences into Conversions: Successful Social Advertising.” He shared best practices for social ad campaigns, audience segmentation and conversion tracking, offering attendees a structured approach to managing paid media budgets more effectively. His practical insights bridged strategic planning with measurable impact. 

A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation by Nicole Trapp, marketing and innovation expert at wuapaa GmbH. Her talk, “Unpolished. Unfiltered. Unstoppable. That’s EGC (Employee Generated Content),” focused on the growing trend of authenticity and storytelling within organizations. Trapp explored how companies can empower employees to become credible brand ambassadors, emphasizing that “people trust people more than ads.” Her relatable and humorous examples from corporate life made the session both entertaining and memorable. 

Finally, Matija Kampus, managing director of wuapaa and experienced content strategist, closed the event with “Email Marketing Does NOT Suck.” In a world obsessed with social media, Kampus reminded the audience of the enduring value of email marketing as a direct, measurable and conversion-driven communication channel. He showed how smart automation, personalization and creative storytelling can turn emails into powerful assets for customer retention and brand loyalty. 

Lively Exchange and Lasting Impressions 

Throughout the day, the audience actively engaged with the speakers, asking insightful questions and debating real-world scenarios. The networking breaks and informal lunch session further encouraged meaningful conversations and connections. The balance of academic reflection and business pragmatism gave the event a unique dynamic, one that many participants described as “energizing” or “surprisingly practical.” 

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciated the opportunity to meet leading experts and to gain direct exposure to the global marketing scene. Professionals valued the mix of established and emerging voices and the exchange of concrete methods and best practices. The speakers themselves praised the enthusiasm of the participants and the professional organization of the event, highlighting the high level of engagement throughout the sessions. 

An Event that Sets the Stage for the Future 

In addition to its educational impact, the International Digital Marketing Inspiration Day was also a showcase of FH Kärnten’s growing reputation in the field of digital business and innovation. It reflected the university’s commitment to combining academic excellence with practical experience, a philosophy deeply embedded in the Digital Marketing and Sales program. 

As organizer Bernhard Guetz summarized in his closing remarks, “Our goal was not just to host another conference, but to create a platform for inspiration and connection. Judging by the feedback and the energy in the room, we have achieved that…and more.” 

Given the success of the first edition, the university has already announced that the event will return in 2026. Plans are underway to expand the format with additional breakout sessions, interactive workshops and even more international speakers. The next edition aims to deepen the exchange between students and the industry, offering even greater opportunities for collaboration and mentoring. 

A New Tradition Begins 

The inaugural International Digital Marketing Inspiration Day demonstrated that FH Kärnten is not only preparing students for the future of marketing, it is actively shaping it. By creating a space where academic rigor meets creative exploration, the event has set a new benchmark for how universities can engage with industry and community. 

As the audience left the campus that evening, full of ideas, contacts and renewed motivation. One sentiment was clear: this was only the beginning. The success of 2025 has laid a strong foundation for what promises to become an annual highlight in the digital marketing calendar. 

The future of the International Digital Marketing Inspiration Day is bright, and 2026 is already calling!