MAICON brings together top visionaries and experts in the field of AI during a three-day conference packed with actionable sessions and networking events—all to position you as the change agent your organization (and career) needs. In this ongoing speaker series, we’re featuring these extraordinary leaders, with forward-looking predictions, actionable tips you can use today, and a preview of their MAICON 2025 sessions.
Brian Brinkman has always been a self-dubbed “technology nerd.”
As the Founding Partner of Stream Creative, a full-service marketing and sales agency based in Milwaukee, Brian has long been driven by a passion for innovation and a relentless pursuit of efficiency.
A true early adopter, Brian dove headfirst into the world of AI as soon as tools began hitting the market. Stream Creative quickly became one of the first agency partners with Jasper.ai, and under Brian’s operational leadership, began experimenting with platforms like MAKE.com, Midjourney, and Google AI Studio to automate and streamline client workflows.
His forward-thinking approach to AI integration has not only transformed how Stream Creative operates—it’s also caught the attention of industry giants. Google recognized Brian’s cutting-edge work by featuring him in their Economic Impact Report, inviting him to Washington, D.C. for a small business summit to discuss AI with members of Congress, and showcasing his expertise in Google’s AI Certification Training videos.
Keep reading for more on what you can expect from Brian at MAICON, actionable tips from his own experiences, and how to follow along with his journey.
Session Preview: AI + Automation That Works For You
Relying on one AI tool for support? It’s not just you, and you might be missing out. In this session, Brian will teach you how to combine your AI and automation systems to improve your business efficiency.
From content creation, research, to personalized outreach, Brian has developed automations that transform business efficiency and overall impact.
It might sound complicated, but you don’t need a tech background to do it. Brian built these systems using no-code, easy-to-use tools. Don’t miss Brian’s session to see how you can connect several tools to get the output you want and need.
Lesson Learned: AI Is More Accessible Than You Think
When marketers hear about powerful new AI tools, the first thought is often, “What’s this going to cost me?” But according to Brian Brinkman, it’s not about budget—it’s about mindset.
“You can get so much value from free and low-cost AI tools if you’re just willing to learn,” he shares.
In reality, many AI platforms offer robust functionality at little to no cost. And the best part? You don’t need a tech background to make them work for you. A curious mindset and a few YouTube tutorials can go a long way.
There’s a massive amount of free content out there:
“You can really go far in your career with free resources and tutorials.”
Looking Ahead: Problem Solvers Will Lead the Future of Work
The job market is shifting, and fast. According to Brian, future career success won’t hinge on knowing how to code or mastering one specific tool. Instead, it will come down to two things: problem-solving and knowing how to apply the right technologies to get the job done.
“Being able to solve business problems is the real value,” he said. “If you have expertise in connecting systems, for example, that is going to be huge for your career.”
It’s not about building everything from scratch. It’s about knowing how to think strategically, guide AI tools effectively, and deliver results that matter.
Links We Like
Google’s Economic Impact Report (Wisconsin)
In Google’s report, Stream Creative is a featured business. Download the full story to see how Stream leverages Google Ads, Gemini and NotebookLM for both internal processes and clients.
Google Career Certificates: See where Brian was featured in a few of Google’s Career Certificates.
- Use Gemini for Creative Critique
- Get Up to Speed with New Clients & Industries with AI
- Use Gemini to Quickly Follow Up After Meetings
Stream Creative on Capitol Hill (LinkedIn)
In Brian’s post, see Brian’s key points from Day 2 at Google’s Business Summit in Washington, D.C. These include issues that impact local businesses, like ADA Compliance.
Brian’s Session at MAICON
Optimize Your Organization with AI + Automation: Streamlining Business Processes
In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying competitive means adopting smarter, faster solutions to everyday challenges. This session dives deep into how businesses can harness the true power of AI by automating workflows across multiple platforms, making tasks more efficient, scalable, and impactful.
We'll explore real-world examples of how one business is using AI and automation to streamline its operations. From automating content creation to personalization at scale, AI can handle time-consuming tasks, freeing your team to focus on high-value work. Discover how to turn AI into your business’s secret weapon for smarter, more efficient operations.
Key Takeaways:
- Combine AI with automation for seamless, multi-platform workflows
- Leverage AI tools for content creation, research, and personalized outreach
- Explore integrations that transform business efficiency and output
- This session is perfect for business professionals looking for simple, no-code tools to start implementing AI.
Keep Up with Brian (and AI)
Want to keep learning from Brian and stay ahead of the curve with AI? Here’s where to follow along:
- Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
- Explore the Stream Creative website.
- Discover Experience Inbound, hosted by Stream Creative.
Plus, meet Brian’s new business StreamAutomation.ai, a new AI automation agency.
Join Us at MAICON 2025
Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference (MAICON) was created for marketing leaders and practitioners seeking to drive the next frontier of digital marketing transformation within their organizations.
We’re excited to host our 5th annual MAICON—Marketing AI Conference—at this pivotal point for our industry. Join us from October 14 to 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, and use the special code SPEAKERSERIES100 at checkout to receive $100 off your registration!
