I am Different

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  • Leadership & Growth

  • Michelle FroahGlobal Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, SVP of Corporate SolutionsETS
  • Sophie DevonshireCEOThe Marketing Society

  Changemakers: Challenge is a call to action for marketers to not only adapt, but to lead and drive the change that is needed in today’s world. This year’s theme is CHALLENGE – something we all face, from professional to personal. But challenge isn’t just an obstacle – it’s an opportunity. We’ll dive deep into the stories of those who have answered the challenge to change. You’ll discover fresh viewpoints, creative concepts and thinking that will help you excel, create positive impact and ignite your full potential.

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  Thu 10/9 • 5:30AM EDT30minIn person

• Uncomfortable Conversation. The Next Era of the CMO

  Scale Up Lounge

  • Leadership & Growth

  • Nandini NandakumarGlobal Marketing Director, SmirnoffDiageo
  • Zach PeikonManaging DirectorHeller
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  Is it Time to Redefine the Role? The remit of the modern marketing leader is expanding rapidly – and so are the expectations from boards, CEOs, and teams. Once seen primarily as brand stewards and storytellers, today’s CMOs are being called to do much more: drive innovation, shape customer experience, unlock new revenue streams, and lead with data-driven foresight.

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  Thu 10/9 • 6:00AM EDT30minIn person

• Respect as a Strategic Growth Driver

  Scale Up Lounge

  • Leadership & Growth

  • Dovilƒó BuinickaitƒóVP Human ResourcesAdform
  • Lana McGilvrayFounder and CEOPurpose Worldwide and Co-Chair of ANA Council for Brand Purpose
  • Lola BakareInclusive Marketing Strategist at be/co and Author of Responsible Marketing: How To Create An Authentic & Inclusive Marketing Strategybe/co

  Respect isn’t just a “soft skill”, it’s a powerful business advantage. When organizations intentionally cultivate respect, they create an environment where ideas are exchanged freely, collaboration deepens, and innovation thrives. Leaders who model respect help teams navigate conflict constructively, reduce turnover, and build trust across all levels of the company. This session explores how respect, when woven into strategy, becomes a true catalyst for sustainable growth.

  Thu 10/9 • 10:40AM EDT30minIn person

• The AD Club NY Young Pro Conversations With: AI and the Human Touch Edition

  Scale Up Lounge

  • Leadership & Growth

  • Khari MotayneVice PresidentCMI Media Group
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  AI and the Human Touch: A Candid Career Conversation

  AI is rewriting the rules of advertising and media-but what does it mean for your career? In this 30-minute fireside chat, an exceptional young professional sits down with an industry leader to talk openly about how AI is reshaping creativity, the skills that matter most, and the ethical choices leaders can’t ignore. Expect real talk, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on thriving in an AI-driven world.

  Thu 10/9 • 9:10AM EDT1hourIn person

• Seeing Gen Z: Closing the gap between visibility and authenticity

  Scale Up Lounge

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  • Jo ShoesmithVP Global Chief Creative OfficerAmazon
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  Gen Z is the most visible generation in advertising today, appearing in 93% of U.S. ads and 78% of U.K. ads. But despite their presence on screen, their stories often lack depth and relevance. Current portrayals focus heavily on friendship, family, and sport, while critical topics like mental health, self-image, and financial pressure are rarely shown. This is not a case of underrepresentation, but of misrepresentation.

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• Creators, Culture, and the AI Challenge

  Scale Up Lounge

  • Leadership & Growth

  • Jarren BarbozaCreator
  • Marina IngvarssonCreator
  • Suresh RajChief Growth OfficerM+C Saatchi

  The rise of the creator economy has reshaped how ideas spread, how communities form, and how culture is made. Now, with AI accelerating creativity and changing the rules of engagement, both creators and brands face a new challenge: how to stay authentic, relevant, and trusted in a world of infinite content.

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  Thu 10/9 • 7:20AM EDT25minIn person