Rivergate Marketing Presents: “From Search to Discovery: How System Integrators Stay Visible in an AI-Driven World” at the 2026 CSIA Conference

Rivergate Marketing returns to the third annual CSIA Marketing Workshop, “100% Authentic: SI Marketers Share Real Stories, Real Results,” on Tuesday, June 5, 2026.

CSIA brings together experienced marketers from across the system integrator community for a one-day workshop focused on practical ideas, fresh perspective, and real-world strategies. Attendees leave with actionable insights and clear plans they can apply immediately.

Rivergate Marketing works exclusively with system integrators and industrial automation firms. The team understands how technical buyers evaluate partners, how long sales cycles impact marketing, and why visibility often breaks down between initial interest and project engagement. This session reflects the same strategies used to help integrators improve visibility, generate qualified opportunities, and strengthen long-term growth.

Who This Session Is For

• System integrators responsible for marketing with limited internal resources
• Teams relying heavily on referrals but looking to create more consistent inbound visibility
• Firms trying to understand how AI search is changing website traffic and lead quality
• Leadership teams evaluating how to modernize marketing without increasing overhead

About Rivergate’s presentation:

Many integrators are seeing fewer direct website visits, less predictable lead flow, and more reliance on referrals they cannot track.

The way buyers find system integrators is changing. Not gradually, but fundamentally. AI-powered search tools are reshaping how prospects research vendors, compare capabilities, and build their shortlist.

In this session, Rivergate Marketing shares what integrators need to understand about visibility today and how to adapt without chasing trends or abandoning proven marketing fundamentals. The discussion will clarify how AI search differs from traditional search, address common misunderstandings, and explain why AI-driven referral traffic is becoming an important source of high-quality website visits.

Built for lean marketing teams and “marketing islands,” this session focuses on practical, usable insight. Attendees will gain a clearer picture of how their organization is showing up today and receive a straightforward checklist to help prioritize next steps for the coming year.

Why System Integrators Work with Rivergate Marketing

• Exclusive focus on system integrators and industrial automation
• Deep understanding of technical sales processes and long project cycles
• Experience working with CSIA members and industry partners
• Proven track record of improving visibility and generating qualified opportunities

“Marketing Math: Cracking the KPI Code for Growth”

Christine McQuilkin will participate in this panel session alongside marketing leaders from across the system integrator community, focusing on which metrics actually matter.

This interactive session brings together industry marketers and system integrators to discuss which metrics actually matter. The conversation will focus on how firms are measuring performance in a way that supports real business outcomes, with input from both panelists and attendees.

Moderated by Kimberly Shirk of Huffman Engineering, the session is designed to be a practical, peer-driven discussion.

About the presenters:

This presentation is grounded in direct experience working with system integrators across North America, supporting both growth-focused firms and established CSIA members.

Georgia Whalen is the founder and president of Rivergate Marketing, a digital marketing agency focused on system integrators. She leads a team dedicated to helping firms improve visibility, generate qualified opportunities, and compete more effectively. Georgia has served as co-chair of the CSIA Marketing Committee since 2016.

Christine McQuilkin is vice president at Rivergate Marketing. She brings an engineering background to industrial B2B marketing, helping clients build brands grounded in technical credibility. She works closely with system integrators to develop and implement marketing strategies aligned with business goals. She has also served as a member of the CSIA Marketing Committee since 2018.

Lauren Maranda is Creative Manager at Rivergate Marketing, where she combines graphic design expertise with marketing strategy and project execution. She works closely with system integrator clients to develop clear, effective content that supports visibility and growth. She brings a diverse background in design and marketing, allowing her to approach projects with both creativity and structure. Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia & Graphic Design from Champlain College.

Brittany Smist is a digital marketing manager at Rivergate Marketing. She focuses on clear, effective storytelling across visual and written content, supporting marketing programs built on trust, clarity, and strong customer experience. She brings experience in business development strategy, account management, analytics, and graphic design.

If your team is evaluating how to improve visibility, generate more consistent opportunities, or better understand how AI is influencing buyer behavior, Rivergate Marketing is always open to a conversation. Connect with our team during the CSIA conference or reach out directly to continue the discussion.