Kate Virzi is the Director of Sales & Client Success at Marketing4ECPs, a digital marketing agency that helps eye care professionals grow their practices. With over 15 years of experience in sales, advertising, and client strategy, Kate has extensive expertise in helping businesses grow. She leads initiatives focused on driving patient acquisition, strengthening brands, and increasing revenue across North America. Dedicated to building long-term, value-driven relationships, she works closely with clients to create strategies that deliver measurable results.

In this episode…

The pace of change in marketing and technology keeps accelerating, and what worked a year ago is already dated. As we enter 2026, which shifts actually matter and which ones are just noise?

Kim Carson believes that the biggest trends heading into 2026 revolve around smarter use of AI, more intentional communication with patients, and a renewed focus on trust. Drawing from her experience as a marketing strategist, she points to AI tools that reduce friction, from booking appointments to personalized outreach, while still keeping the human connection intact. The takeaway is clear: practices that combine innovation with consistency will be the ones that stand out and grow sustainably.

In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson and Kate Virzi discuss key trends to pay attention to as practices prepare for 2026. They explore how AI is reshaping marketing workflows, why email and audience segmentation still matter, and how local SEO continues to drive patient discovery. Kim and Kate also talk about creative tactics, like standing out in unexpected marketing channels, to build trust and visibility in the year ahead.