Marketing Evenings VAN: Beyond the Game, Where Sport Becomes Culture

"I would say find your authentic voice of what your style is or what makes you unique. Especially with AI, I feel like, what can AI not replicate?"

 

- Jessie Sohpaul on the need for a distinct personal style in the era of artificial intelligence

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  Jeff Aylen

  Director of Marketing & Brand

  

  Jeff Aylen is the Director of Marketing & Brand at Vancouver Whitecaps FC, where he oversees creative strategy, brand storytelling, campaign execution, and retail initiatives. With over a decade of experience in international sports marketing, he has developed campaigns that connect deeply with community and culture on and off the pitch. Previous roles include positions at Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, Toronto Wolfpack, and the International Ski Federation. He also holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Administration and Technology from AISTS in Lausanne, Switzerland.

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  Jessie Sohpaul

  Artist

  

  Jessie Sohpaul is an artist and designer whose work explores identity and belonging through visual storytelling. Drawing from his background as a first-generation Punjabi raised in Vancouver, he blends South Asian motifs with contemporary design to create bold, narrative-driven visual work. His practice navigates the tension between tradition and reinvention, bridging the inherited with the imagined. His interdisciplinary approach spans art, design, and public space, often reinterpreting traditional symbols through a modern lens to explore how heritage and place intersect. Jessie has collaborated with organizations such as the NBA, FIFA, Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Canucks, Staple NYC, City of Vancouver, City of Surrey, TransLink, and YVR. His work has been exhibited in Vancouver, Toronto, Oakland, Los Angeles, and New York City, and featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, and CBC.

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  Carson Ting

  Founder & Artist

  

  Carson Ting is an artist and the founder of Billion Buns, recognized for his vibrant and whimsical style. He also leads Chairman Ting, an award-winning art and design studio that has collaborated with global brands such as Adidas, FIFA, Nike, Microsoft, Starbucks, OFF-WHITE, NBA, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, adidas Originals, and Snoop Dogg’s 19 Crimes wine. His work combines fluid, organic linework with playful, character-driven shapes, resulting in a distinct and recognizable visual language. Carson began his career as an advertising art director in Toronto, where he created award-winning campaigns for brands including Nike Jordan, Sony, Lexus, and Science World. Beyond his commercial work, Carson is expanding his practice into fine arts to build a deeper personal body of work. All of his creative production is executed through his studio, Chairman Ting. He is also deeply committed to mentoring emerging artists, supporting the creative community, and sharing his experience. Carson serves on Capilano University’s Advisory Committee and teaches as a non-regular instructor at the IDEA School of Design, where he specializes in mural illustration and art direction.