How Atlanta Became a Marketing, Music, and Sports Powerhouse

Episode notes

In this episode of Adspeak by ADWEEK , host Will Lee sits down with Tony Ressler, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Ares Management Corporation, and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, a Grammy-Winning Artist, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist, for a fast-moving conversation on culture, community, and the business mechanics behind Atlanta’s rise. What You'll Learn: How to identify and leverage your city's unique creative assets Why diversification across entertainment, tech, and philanthropy protects long-term brand value How to transform real estate into a brand catalyst The strategic importance of non-core revenue streams in sports venues Why community investment and brand building are inseparable business strategies About the Guests: Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is a Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur, and cultural innovator with over 25 years of industry experience spanning music, film, and technology. Known for defining Atlanta's cultural landscape through his influence on hip-hop, film production, and emerging trends, Ludacris has successfully diversified his portfolio into philanthropy, brand partnerships, and tech startups focused on the next generation.