2026 CORE THEMES:
- Media as the Engine of Business Growth -
Learn how to reposition media spend from a cost center to a critical growth investment. Explore data-backed strategies to justify bold budgets to the C-Suite, balance brand building with performance, and drive measurable commercial success in a turbulent economy.
- Redrawing the Media Map -
Discover how to build integrated strategies that combine the scale of mass media with the authenticity of new communities to own cultural moments and drive sales.
- The AI-Driven Future of Planning -
Dive into the seismic shift from a search culture to an answer culture. Explore how AI is rewriting the rules of brand discoverability and media planning, and learn how to optimise your strategy to ensure visibility in an algorithmic age.
- The Future of Partnerships and Talent -
Gain insights into the evolving relationship between brands, agencies, and media owners. Leverage new collaboration models, from independent agility to network scale, to build multidisciplinary teams capable of delivering integrated creativity and effectiveness.
- Responsibility, Trust, and the Ethics of Attention -
Examine the commercial and ethical consequences of investment choices. Move beyond compliance to conscience by supporting quality journalism, managing the attention economy responsibly, and building a trusted media ecosystem that delivers long-term value.
- Reuniting Media and Creativity -
Challenge the recent industry trend of prioritising media placement over creative execution. Explore the critical question: can media work without compelling creative? Learn how to reintegrate channel strategy with high-impact storytelling to ensure your message is as powerful as your targeting.
