GatherUp's AmpUp 2026 Conference: Building Reputation in AI Search with Build-Manage-Defend Strategy

GatherUp hosted a 2026 conference featuring insights from its CEO Michael Yules on how AI now evaluates local business reputation through multi-platform sentiment and owner behavior rather than just review counts and ratings. The event included speakers like former Google Director Brad Wetherall, who shared that 88% of informational queries now trigger Google AI Overviews and 60% of searches result in zero clicks, plus a former FTC Senior Attorney who explained the 2024 consumer review rule's civil penalty provisions. Agency leaders discussed frameworks for selling review defense services and identifying fraud using pattern analysis and network mapping, positioning reputation management as essential for both traditional and AI-driven visibility.