Corey Evans - Live From the SocialEast Vault

Recorded live at SocialEast 2025 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features guest host Odum Idika, Host of Unconventional Mindset and Founder of Piixel Studio, in conversation with Corey Evans, Director of Brand and Advertising at ATCO and former marketing leader at WestJet.

Corey shares a behind-the-scenes look at one of Canada’s most iconic marketing moments, the WestJet Christmas Miracle, and what it took to execute a high-risk experiential campaign that generated over 35 million organic views. From stepping in as Santa to navigating real-time uncertainty during a live activation, he explains why putting the audience experience first, and the brand second, was key to its success.

The conversation explores what experiential marketing really means today, why authentic human moments outperform polished ads, and how marketers of any size can create meaningful connections by deeply understanding their audience. Corey also reflects on the rise of creator-led marketing, real-time brand participation, and the importance of adaptability in an increasingly noisy content landscape.

Tickets to SocialEast 2026 are on sale now. Be part of conversations like this, live and in person.

Follow Corey on LinkedIn, and learn more about ATCO at atco.com.

Follow guest host Odum Idika on LinkedIn and listen to his podcast Unconventional Mindset.

Thanks to our Editors and Producers at Atlantic Live Stream.

This episode was recorded live at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel during SocialEast 2025, Atlantic Canada’s largest marketing conference, bringing together over 600 professionals for two days of actionable insights, expert speakers, and high-value networking.

SocialEast is part of the SocialNext series, Canada’s leading platform for marketing conferences, media, and community.