How Brands Make It Personal: A Timely Tech Briefing
Thursday, April 16, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
placeManhattan

The emails that seem like they’re speaking directly to you. A tailored brand experience that makes you take notice. The messaging that doesn’t feel like marketing.

Join UJA’s Entertainment, Tech and Lifestyle for a panel discussion with Jonathan Hyman, co-founder and chief technology officer at Braze, Peter Szarka, head of analytics at Acxiom, and David Wells, Industry Principal, Media, Entertainment & Advertising at Snowflake, moderated by Julie Perlish, a senior strategy executive. They'll delve into how companies today are using data and technology to meet customers where they are. Go behind the scenes of modern consumer engagement strategies dedicated to building loyalty in a digital landscape that evolves each day.

You’ll also discover how UJA connects people to the work we do — turning values into impact that changes lives around the world. 

Featuring

Jonathan Hyman

Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Braze

Jonathan Hyman oversees all of Braze’s technical systems[SL2.1], infrastructure, technical operations, security, and engineering teams. Prior to Braze, he served as lead engineer at Bridgewater Associates. In a previous life, Jon played guitar in a heavy metal band. He now enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. 

Peter Szarka

Head of Analytics, Acxiom (Omnicom Group)

Peter leads the Strategy & Analytics organization at Acxiom (part of Omnicom Group), comprised of Lead Consultant, Data Enablement, Data Science, Business Intelligence & Data Visualization and Business Development teams. He brings over two decades of leadership in analytics delivery, consulting, and business development across advertiser, media, adtech, and agency environments and is known for driving measurable growth through innovative analytics, audience targeting, identity solutions, marketing measurement, and optimization. Prior to Acxiom, Peter was responsible for global business development at Claritas, securing major partnerships in CTV, premium video, and in-game advertising....

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David Wells

David Wells

Industry Principal, Media, Entertainment & Advertising at Snowflake

David leads Advertising and Marketing Technology within the Advertising, Media, Communications, and Entertainment (ACME) Industry at Snowflake. He oversees go-to-market (GTM) and strategy for the subvertical which is the second largest on Snowflake and which includes activation platforms, customer data platforms, media networks, and measurement solutions. David's nearly two decades in the industry includes leadership positions at Acxiom and LiveRamp. He has an M.F.A. in Filmmaking from the American Film Institute and a B.A. In English/Philosophy from Santa Clara University.

Moderator

Julie Perlish

Julie Perlish

Senior Insights and Strategy Executive

Julie Perlish is a senior insights and strategy leader with a career built at the intersection of insights, marketing, and commercial growth across some of the most recognized organizations in sports and media: ESPN, the NFL, and Paramount.

At ESPN, Julie founded the Advertiser Analytics function at a moment when partners were demanding proof of performance beyond traditional ratings. She built the KPIs, benchmarks, and ROI frameworks that directly expanded ESPN's sponsor portfolio, shaped deal points, and established the company as an industry leader in cross-platform measurement.

At the NFL, as vice president of Consumer Insights and Research, Julie led the League's fan insights...

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Leadership

Marketing, Media & Tech

Chairs
Alex Gordon • Jon Kurland • Michael Rosen • Jason Schulweis • Lori York

Chairs
Tara Danels • Jordan Megibow

Chairs
Alex Gordon • Jon Kurland • Michael Rosen • Jason Schulweis • Lori York

contact us

Questions? Get in touch.
Jordana Green-Laurent

212.836.1422