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.
Since its inception over 40 years ago, MAC Cosmetics has stood for All Ages, All Races, All Genders. And similarly, e.l.f. Beauty stands with every eye, lip, and face, supporting individual expression, empowerment, and human rights. These aren’t simply taglines, but a way of doing business. These two massive beauty brands are trailblazers in inclusivity, and they aren’t changing anytime soon.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
A huge challenge in modern advertising is truly understanding your audience beyond static data. Join Jeremy Smallwood, SVP of Experience at Vurvey, for a strategic conversation about how the company’s People Model‚Ñ¢ (Large Persona Model or LPM) and Populations technology are helping brands “bring their audiences to life.”
Jeremy will share how Vurvey is redefining audience insight through human-centered AI, giving marketers a deeper, more dynamic way to connect with real people – not just data points.
Generative AI allows agencies and advertisers to amplify their creative vision like never before. In this session, industry experts will discuss how agencies can leverage generative AI in their daily workflows to maximize results, and how they can become leaders in the space while building toward the future.
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.
Join digital stars Chingu Amiga, Paco de Miguel, and Nico Botero from “Los Chicaneros”, alongside Pati Giemza (CEO of StayOnSocial, a leading talent management agency for creators in LATAM), for a dynamic conversation on creating content that speaks to the heart of Latin America and captivates the Hispanic market in the U.S. Discover how their cultural authenticity, bold storytelling, and savvy content strategies are breaking borders, building loyal communities, and inspiring cross-cultural connections.
In today’s volatile economic climate marked by inflation, rising interest rates, and tariffs, consumer behaviors are rapidly evolving. Shoppers are seeking more value, and they’re increasingly selective about where they spend their money. Learn how these leading brands attract customers, drive sales, and build long-lasting loyalty, and how you can too.
