In a fragmented media landscape where consumer attention is fleeting, building a brand that lasts means going beyond campaigns: it means creating worlds that audiences want to live in. In this session, American Haiku founder and CCO Thom Glover joins Global Director, Lifestyle & Entertainment Marketing at New Balance, Tom Henshaw, to share how they’re reinventing what it means to be a brand in culture today.
Over half of Gen Z now identifies as neurodivergent. Research shows that neurodiverse teams foster greater innovation, generate higher revenue, and build deeper cultural relevance. For brands, the message is clear: embracing cognitive diversity as a core creative principle is key to driving the next wave of culture, creativity, and commerce.
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring experts, brand leaders and agency innovators who are redefining the future through inclusive creativity.
Connection today is built in the moments that matter-across screens, shelves, and shared culture. This conversation explores how brands are creating emotionally resonant, consistent experiences that inspire trust and loyalty, meeting consumers where they are-from retail shelves to digital screens.
How do you reach 1 in 2 American adults while maintaining an authentic connection? Jason Taylor, CRO of Gannett’s USA TODAY NETWORK, explores how combining national scale with hyperlocal trust creates competitive advantage. Discover how AI-powered personalization, transparent measurement, and award-winning journalism transform digital advertising-where trusted publishers become brands’ most valuable partners and performance meets purpose.
The journey to a new home begins with a dream. It’s a deeply aspirational process of consumers imagining their future. It’s a blank canvas where they define who they are and how they want to live. How do brands become part of this intensely personal journey? This session explores how to build an emotional connection with consumers and earn a place in this journey-from the first spark of inspiration on a digital mood board to unpacking the last moving box.
With roots tracing back to an initial investment of $500 back in 1982, Vera Bradley has long been known for its iconic patterns and deeply loyal fanbase. But in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape, how does a heritage brand evolve to remain relevant and still resonate with its original generation of fandom perennially?
What does it truly mean for a brand to show up authentically in today’s media landscape? This session explores how agencies and brands are navigating new terrain with a more discerning consumer base – one that seeks genuine storytelling and real-world resonance. From finding the right brand ambassadors to crafting campaigns that feel natural rather than staged or overly produced, we’ll unpack what it takes to build trust and connect with audiences through modern advertising channels.