This fall, I’m teaching a class at the University of Michigan: Storytelling in the Age of AI. It’s a crash course in how AI is reshaping the way we communicate across marketing, media, and personal branding.

We’ll get hands-on with tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Midjourney, break down real-world examples from industries like travel and healthcare, and explore what it means to stay human in a world of machine-generated content. Whether you're into creative writing, digital strategy, or just want to understand how to stand out in the AI era, this workshop is designed to give you practical skills and a fresh lens on storytelling.

No previous AI experience needed. Just bring your curiosity.

This year will be an interesting one with all that is going on. I love being the host of this event because it brings so much value to the audience who is trying to navigate through all of these choices. Should it be easier? Yes. But it isn’t and that is why we do this one.

Eric Hultgren will be presenting on AI, branding on social, creating content at scale and how you can keep connection with your audience high and the chance for burnout low.

Eric Hultgren will be presenting on the trends and what to expect when marketing in 2026

Youth participating will cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Students in our program explore career paths and post-secondary options through workplace tours, guest speakers, and project-based learning. The program is organized into multiple components, each focusing on building different skills. Eric Hultgren will be presenting on his career, what he learned from when he got it wrong and why he feels his best years are ahead of him at this point.

Hosted by the Flint & Genesee Young Professionals, this fourth annual event has grown from a simple luncheon into a dynamic, half-day experience filled with insight, energy, and intentional connection. This year, we’re taking it to the streets—literally—with breakout sessions hosted in unique venues throughout downtown Flint, turning the city into your conference campus. Eric Hultgren will be talking about personal branding in the age of AI and how to keep burn out at bay.

Celebrating Excellence in Northeast Ohio’s Workplaces

Join us for an inspiring celebration of the organizations that define Northeast Ohio’s vibrant work culture. Now in its 16th year, the Top Workplaces Awards honor the region’s standout companies, spotlighting those who prioritize their people, embody exceptional leadership, and value their teams.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® program identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment

My fifth year as the host for this incredible event. I would love to see you there!

I will be the MC for the day and this year’s keynote is Bill McKendry from Haven  “He gets Us” campaign. This national campaign included a Super bowl ad and impressive exposure. The second speaker is Erin Templer who is an author and speaking on A.I.

Marketers and influencers exploit this cognitive limitation to capture attention. Yet developing an irresistible brand transcends a given platform, building lasting communities that follow you across any media channels.

The key concepts we'll explore:

• The human brain's inherent meaning-making nature

• Primitive versus sophisticated engagement strategies

• The gap between media evolution and cognitive processing

• Building platform-independent brand communities

It is an honor to speak to the athletes at the University of Michigan about building a brand in the era of NIL.

I will be introducing Elizabeth Wright and diving into how you can build better synergy with your teams for 2025.

Navigate the complexities of Medicare with ease at 'The Guide to Medicare & Golden Retirement,' a must-attend, free virtual event designed to illuminate the path to a secure and informed retirement. This comprehensive webinar hosted by Eric Hultgren brings together esteemed experts in the Medicare field, ready to demystify the world of traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and the latest updates for the 2025 enrollment period. Whether you're nearing retirement or looking to optimize your current Medicare coverage, our panelists will provide invaluable insights into selecting the plan that best fits your health needs and lifestyle. From the comfort of your home, join us for an enlightening discussion that promises to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make well-informed decisions for a golden retirement. Don't miss this opportunity to take charge of your health care planning and ensure a secure, fulfilling future.

Navigate the complexities of Medicare with ease at 'The Guide to Medicare & Golden Retirement,' a must-attend, free virtual event designed to illuminate the path to a secure and informed retirement. This comprehensive webinar hosted by Eric Hultgren brings together esteemed experts in the Medicare field, ready to demystify the world of traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and the latest updates for the 2025 enrollment period. Whether you're nearing retirement or looking to optimize your current Medicare coverage, our panelists will provide invaluable insights into selecting the plan that best fits your health needs and lifestyle. From the comfort of your home, join us for an enlightening discussion that promises to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make well-informed decisions for a golden retirement. Don't miss this opportunity to take charge of your health care planning and ensure a secure, fulfilling future.

Eric will have a 15 min presentation about the trends in the travel space and you can sign up HERE

A brand is more than a logo or color scheme. It’s more than a tagline, slogan, or marketing campaign. And it’s much more than any advertising campaign, single product or graphics design feature. A brand is a promise to the consumer that they can count on you to deliver EVERY time on that promise. Join Eric Hultgren, director of brand strategy + social media for MLive, as he talks about how you move from your name to a brand and deliver on that promise.

SIGN UP

Eric is the host for a conversation about neurodiversity in the workplace.

Have you ever been in a room with an elected official and realized they don't understand the value of planning? Planners routinely interact with a wide variety of state and local officials, but many report feeling like their elected leaders do not understand or value the expertise planners provide.

That's why APA is launching "It Takes a Planner," an effort aimed at building the influence of planners among state and local elected and appointed officials. It takes a planner to bring long-term vision, data-driven insight, and expert guidance to the decision-making table. Here's how we can make sure planners have a more permanent seat.

Join Eric for a transformative journey at 'Moving Flint Forward,' a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the General Motors and Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, dedicated to propelling the heart and soul of Flint's neighborhoods into a vibrant future. This pioneering Small Business Grant Program, generously funded by GM, is not just a beacon of hope; it's a robust engine driving the city's revitalization. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this class is your golden ticket to building a brand that resonates deeply with your audience, ensuring your voice is not just heard, but remembered. Embark on this journey with us to make an indelible mark on Flint's renaissance, elevating your business while contributing to the greater good of the community."

Get ready to celebrate excellence at the Cleveland edition of Top Workplaces, the premier event recognizing the most outstanding places to work in this vibrant city. This prestigious gathering shines a spotlight on organizations that go above and beyond to create a positive, supportive, and dynamic work environment, as voted by the people who know them best—their employees. As we honor these exceptional workplaces, we not only acknowledge their contribution to the local economy and community but also inspire other companies to follow in their footsteps.

As the proud host for the fourth consecutive year, I am thrilled to invite you to the Michigan Lymphoma and Leukemia Society Gala, a beacon of hope and solidarity in the fight against blood cancers. This event has not only been a cornerstone of support for those affected by lymphoma and leukemia in Michigan but has also illuminated the path towards groundbreaking research and life-saving treatments.

I am excited to delve into the latest consumer sentiment insights from the readers of MLive, offering a unique window into the evolving preferences and behaviors of Michigan's travelers. This rich data not only reflects the current trends shaping our industry but also serves as a crucial guide for travel partners looking to navigate the complexities of the tourism landscape in 2024. Armed with this knowledge, we have the unprecedented opportunity to tailor our offerings, ensuring they resonate deeply with our audience's desires for authenticity, sustainability, and immersive experiences. By leveraging these insights, we can make informed decisions that not only elevate the traveler's journey but also contribute to the sustainable growth of Michigan's tourism sector.

It is the spring session of my class on storytelling for social media with my dear friend Dr. Marcus Collins. at the legendary Ross School of Business

Eric’s first talk in Flint for 2024 will focus on what is trending in social media, how to stay on top of technology, how AI fits into your workflow, and how you better serve your customers

Sign up here

Another West Michigan Bourbon Society tasting event at the Alto Bar and this line-up is incredible. See you there.

I am doing a guest lecture for Social Media in Organizations talking about how to stay up on the latest platforms and the changes to those platforms in order to continue to connect with an audience.