Olympian and Tech Founder Ayden Owens to Lead Community-Driven Marketing Workshop for Local Business
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kaylie Malenius, Director of Brand and Communications
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
217.359.1791
Olympian and Tech Founder Ayden Owens to Lead Community-Driven Marketing Workshop for Local Businesses
Champaign, IL (January 21, 2026) — Local businesses are invited to explore a new approach to modern marketing during The New Word of Mouth: A Community-Driven Marketing Workshop for Local Businesses, taking place Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at EnterpriseWorks, part of Research Park, located at 60 Hazelwood Dr. in Champaign. Registration is now open at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/898745597
The workshop will be led by Ayden Owens, a 2024 Paris Olympian, Founder and CEO of DapUp, Inc., and a nationally recognized athlete and entrepreneur. Owens will introduce a new model of word-of-mouth marketing that allows businesses to build, measure and scale trust-driven growth using real voices from their own communities.
During the session, attendees will learn how to turn customers, community members and local athletes into authentic advocates who drive visibility and sales without relying solely on expensive traditional advertising. The workshop is designed to provide practical tools and insights that local businesses can apply immediately to strengthen relationships and expand their reach.
Owens is the founder of DapUp, a marketing platform that transforms word-of-mouth into a measurable growth channel. DapUp enables businesses to create and manage end-to-end advocacy campaigns powered by trusted community voices, helping brands grow through authenticity and connection.
In addition to his work in marketing technology, Owens is a highly accomplished track and field athlete. A former Division I student-athlete, he is a four-time NCAA Champion, the 2025 World Championship silver medalist and currently ranks second in the world in his event. He also serves as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Illinois and remains actively engaged in the local community.
Owens holds an MBA, a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. He is also the author of Race of My Own and works full time as an entrepreneur helping local businesses adopt modern strategies for growth, visibility and community engagement.
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The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce was the 2014 and 2021 Illinois Chamber of the Year. Its nearly 1,000 members employ over 60,000 people.
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Kaylie Malenius Director of Brand and Communications
- January 22, 2026
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