American Physical Society & IYQ
Two Missions. One Strategic Marketing Partner.
From accelerating membership growth to amplifying a global scientific movement, Levitate helped connect strategy, people, and purpose to drive meaningful results.
The Opportunity
Big Ambitions Require Connected Thinking
The American Physical Society (APS) is a leading scientific membership organization advancing physics and supporting a global community of scientists.
With ambitious membership goals and an expanding role in global science communications, APS needed marketing strategy that could connect teams, align priorities, and translate big-picture objectives into meaningful action.
Levitate partnered with APS across marketing, communications, and membership to strengthen strategic alignment, improve member engagement, and establish a more intentional approach to growth.
Separately, Levitate supported communications for the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), a global UNESCO initiative celebrating 100 years of quantum mechanics and expanding public awareness of quantum science.
Two distinct engagements. One consistent philosophy: marketing works best when people, strategy, and execution move together.
The Work
Strategy That Moves Beyond the Marketing Department
Cross-Functional Marketing Strategy
Brought marketing, membership, communications, and public engagement teams together around shared priorities, clearer objectives, and a coordinated approach to organizational growth.
Membership Growth & Engagement
Helped develop and guide strategies to strengthen acquisition, engagement, and the member experience, contributing to significant membership growth.
Marketing Leadership & Alignment
Introduced strategic planning and cross-department collaboration that helped shift marketing from a service function toward a more integrated organizational growth partner.
Global Communications & Storytelling
Supported IYQ through integrated communications across digital channels, media relations, partnerships, events, and audience engagement, helping make complex science more accessible to audiences worldwide.
The Impact
Measurable Growth & Global Reach
14,000+
Member Growth
APS achieved significant membership growth over approximately one year, supported by a more intentional, coordinated approach to membership marketing.
Worldwide
Global Scientific Engagement
The International Year of Quantum connected scientists, institutions, industry partners, and the public through a worldwide celebration of quantum science.
100
Quantum Voices
The Quantum 100 initiative spotlighted 100 individuals shaping the field, bringing human stories to the forefront of scientific discovery.
Aligned
Stronger Strategic Alignment
Cross-functional collaboration helped establish a more connected approach to marketing, membership, and communications.
Brianne Wheeler, CEO & Founder, Levitate Marketing, with Cortney Bougher, Director of Membership, APS, at ASAE MMC+Tech 2026
From Client Work to Industry Conversation
Sharing the Lessons Beyond APS.
The strategic work with APS also became the foundation for an industry speaking engagement at ASAE's Marketing, Membership & Communications Conference + Tech in May 2026.
The session explored how breaking down departmental silos and connecting marketing with organizational priorities can create stronger member experiences and measurable growth.
Because great marketing strategy doesn't need to live in a departmental plan. It can move the entire organization forward.
Levitate Marketing · Official IYQ Strategic Partner ↗
Global Impact, Human Stories
International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
As part of the broader IYQ initiative, the Quantum 100 campaign brought the people behind quantum science into the spotlight.
The initiative attracted more than 400 nominations from around the world and ultimately showcased 100 individuals across disciplines, career stages, and geographies.
Developed and delivered by IYQ's collaborating teams and partners, including Think Feel Do and Gather Voices, the campaign illustrates the power of coordinated global communications.
400+
Nominations from around the world
37,000+
Visits to the digital exhibition
38,500
LinkedIn impressions
500+
New LinkedIn followers
Results of the broader IYQ Quantum 100 campaign, demonstrating the reach of accessible, human-centered scientific storytelling.