Global conferences, like Advertising Week, are more important to our industry than ever before as our agencies and our clients stare into the face of consumer segmentation, evolving pricing models and economic uncertainty. We need a space to come together and share great ideas and inspiration that are bigger than all of us.
Rarely do conferences provide a global stage where substantive conversations happen, fostering a kind of thoughtful that attracts discussions that cut through the usual social media “hot takes,” trades the snark for serious dialogue, and transcends click-bait headlines. The breadth and depth of thought leadership from our industry’s influencers offer everyone something that is sure to resonate.
As for me, I’m looking forward to hearing from those influencers who will bring a positive outlook, offering real solutions and some much needed real talk. It’ll be great to see the minds behind some of the amazing work that continues to define the industry--even in this age of disruption. As I looked across the myriad panels, talks and workshops, important themes emerged, from improving diversity and inclusion to brand experiences to create meaningful relationships with consumers.
For example, Tiffany Edwards, Engagement & Inclusion Director Droga5, will host a workshop titled “Beyond Diversity Talk” on turning intentions into Actions, now. Tiffany promises to help us turn talk “intention into actions.” This is exactly what the industry needs now. Less talk, more action. More solutions and no better way than offering those who are blazing the trail to give them the mic.
I’m also curious to hear what Chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson Chef and Mastercard Raja Rajamannar have to say on the topic of building and delivering brand experiences that drive growth and connect with consumers. Their talk, Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About: Building Brand Experiences that Matter, offers solutions how to connect with consumers by pushing the boundaries of brands into unchartered territories to make connections that matter.
Speaking of connections, I’m excited to watch a fireside chat with Huge’s own Global CEO Pete Stein in conversation with CMO of Brooks Running Melanie Allen on the topic of drive deeper more meaningful relationships across the brand experience. Link, here. Brooks has an incredible customer base, rooted in the performance of their running shoe.
While all of these talks have myriad POVs and topics - they’re united in their effort to serve something bigger that’s happening during the week: the creation of a space where the future of advertising--and even the idea of advertising itself--can be examined, argued, and where disparate points of views are all recognized and examined--something that our industry needs now more than ever
