Quinnipiac University and Verndale demonstrate How AI agents can make every story work harder. Sep 16, 2026, 10:06 ET The AI-enabled model improves content article optimization by 90% and AI readiness by 25%. BOSTON, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ - Quinnipiac University and Verndale are highlighting an AI-enabled content operating model that helps the university's digital content marketing team turn existing QU.edu stories into more reusable, discoverable digital experiences that showcase the breadth and credibility of the university. At Opticon 2026, Lisa Scrofani, Director of Product Strategy at Quinnipiac University, and Doug Yoder, Technical Director at Verndale and an Optimizely MVP, shared how they built and deployed AI agents to surface hidden content and optimize pages for both visitors and AI search, resulting in: * 33% improvement in content messaging recall for readers and a 75% improvement in user experience through proof points that enable scanning and better retention * 90% increase in content article optimization and 91 minutes of additional compounded productivity per week for marketers * 25% improvement in AI readiness, supported by structured content and stronger authority signals "Content must be unique to us and move the needle to ensure we're visible in an AI-search-first world," said Lisa. "Marketers need AI that's consistent, easy to use, and in systems they're already in and that's what we're accomplishing with our AI agents." Working together, Quinnipiac and Verndale started with use cases that were structured, repeatable, and scalable enough for Optimizely's Agent Platform, Mark (formerly known as Opal). This approach was well-suited for AI and let the university focus its AI investment rather than attempt to automate every marketing task at once. The agent workflows help with: * Creating article highlight (TL;DR) summaries from long-form stories * Extracting faculty media mentions into reusable blocks to build credibility * Surfacing testimonials hidden in news articles and stories for reuse across the sites * Building photo galleries more timely to create more engaging experiences for users The workflows connect Quinnipiac Today, Mark, and Optimizely CMS, treating AI agents as an extension of the marketing team. AI agents manage structured work, while people focus on strategy, creativity, and final approval. "In our experience, some of the most impactful applications are operational. Think about the work your marketing team performs every week across content QA, CMS updates, or metadata. Those are all structured decisions that you make repeatedly," said Doug. "We weren't looking for AI to be creative. We were looking for AI to consistently handle structured work so the marketing team could focus on the decisions that matter." This project builds on Verndale's previous work for QU.edu, where the agency supported a digital transformation spanning research, design, development, and measurement, leveraging Optimizely technology. The collaboration follows Quinnipiac's recognition in 2025 for Optimizely's Immersive Experience Award for pushing the boundaries of content management and creating digital experiences that engage and inspire audiences. Read the full case study story, How AI Changed the Digital Content Marketing Operating Model for Quinnipiac University, which also illustrates a framework for building AI Agent workflows. About Verndale Verndale is a digital experience agency that helps organizations across industries design, build, and optimize complex digital ecosystems. As a Premier Platinum Optimizely partner, Verndale specializes in CMS, AI-enabled workflows and agents, and experimentation. The company is also certified in Optimizely's Agent Platform, Mark. With over 60 Optimizely certifications, multiple Partner of the Year awards (2019, 2021, 2023), and the 2024 Customer Choice Partner for North America, Verndale delivers measurable value through strategy, design, development, data, and digital marketing. Learn more at www.verndale.com. SOURCE Verndale Corporation

Verndale acquires Homestead Studio, expanding full-funnel D2C growth capabilities. Mar 12, 2026, 11:37 ET BOSTON, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Verndale, a leading digital experience and technology company, today announced the acquisition of Homestead Studio, a premier D2C acquisition and retention agency and Klaviyo Master Elite Partner. Homestead will operate as part of Verndale's DTC and commerce practice. The move accelerates Verndale's strategy to deliver end-to-end digital growth solutions - extending beyond platform implementation and product experience into lifecycle marketing, advertising, paid media, social, CRM strategy, and revenue optimization. Homestead is recognized for driving measurable growth for ecommerce brands through lifecycle strategy, email and SMS marketing, segmentation and personalization, automation architecture, and performance optimization. As a 2025 Klaviyo Americas Agency Partner of the Year, Homestead brings deep Klaviyo expertise and a strong track record of increasing customer lifetime value and retention-driven revenue. "Modern D2C brands need a full-funnel growth engine," said Chris Pisapia, CEO of Verndale. "With Homestead, we add award-winning acquisition and retention expertise to our commerce and product capabilities, creating a connected platform that supports brands across the entire customer journey." The acquisition, alongside Verndale's recent acquisition of Vaan Group, forms an integrated D2C growth platform and enhances Verndale's ability to support the full commerce lifecycle - from platform strategy and experience design to acquisition, activation, retention, and ongoing optimization. "At Homestead, we've always believed sustainable growth requires ownership of the entire funnel - acquisition without retention is a leaky bucket, and retention without efficient acquisition doesn't scale," said Riley Trotter, Homestead Studio CEO. "By joining Verndale, we're able to connect performance-driven acquisition with best-in-class retention marketing and commerce expertise. That allows us to help brands scale customer acquisition efficiently, maximize lifetime value, and build durable growth models for modern D2C businesses." The Homestead acquisition reflects Verndale's investment in building a next-generation digital experience platform, combining product, UX, engineering, data, and marketing capabilities into a single, accountable partner for brands navigating the evolving DTC and ecommerce landscape. Garros Group was the strategic and financial advisor to Homestead Studio in this transaction. About Verndale Verndale is a customer experience company that guides ambitious brands to growth through next-generation connected experiences shaped by strategy, creativity, technology, and data. Learn more at Verndale.com. About Homestead Studio Homestead Studio is a growth agency specializing in acquisition and retention services, crafting customized solutions for D2C brands for sustainable and profitable growth. Homestead Studio is a Klaviyo Master Elite partner and was 2025 Klaviyo Agency Partner of the Year, Americas. Learn more at HomesteadStudio.co. SOURCE Verndale Corporation