
Episode #217
What Wilmington Business Leaders Need to Know About Spark ILM
Wilmington’s business expo has been rebuilt around something more valuable than vendor booths: practical ideas, better conversations, and real business growth. Matthew Coleman explains why the WilmingtonBiz Expo became Spark ILM—and what Wilmington’s business leaders can expect on October 1. Matthew is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wilmington Media + Marketing, home of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. He joins Tyler Yaw and Chris Kellum to discuss his path from radio advertising to marketing leadership, the principles that guide his decisions, and the role local media can play in strengthening an entire community. We break down Spark ILM’s new content-first format, including its economic outlook keynote lunch, 18 workshops across six learning paths, and the Best Places to Work celebration. Matthew also shares how Wilmington businesses are adopting AI, what makes community events successful, and which regional stories deserve our attention. SPARK ILM 2026 October 1 | 11:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Wilmington Convention Center Tickets and details: https://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/eventDetails?eventID=245 Explore the Greater Wilmington Business Journal: https://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/ If you care about Wilmington’s growth, local leadership, and the people building the Cape Fear region, subscribe to Whiskey & Wisdom and share this episode with someone invested in our community. CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Matthew Coleman 01:23 Why We Changed the Intro 02:13 The Candy Break 03:29 Matthew’s Marketing Career 07:43 Goals, Flexibility & Principles 11:16 What Is Spark ILM? 13:28 Event Format & Learning Paths 14:01 Best Places to Work 19:25 Tickets & Event Planning 20:45 AI Workshops & Practical Tools 23:26 Wilmington Leaders Panel 24:31 Humanizing Local Politics 25:48 Defining a Successful Event 28:31 Build Your Own Learning Path 29:47 The Power Breakfast Series 34:44 How to Get Involved With WilmingtonBiz 39:10 Wilmington Business Stories to Watch 41:36 Success, Principles & Leadership 42:49 Advice to His Younger Self 45:09 Where to Follow Matthew

