This event is sold out! If you would like to be put on the waiting list in case a space becomes available, please contact info@littleandloud.co.nz

Tech Meets Talent: Navigating AI in Comms & Marketing

AI has taken the world by storm, and it’s hard to know if we should be cowering or celebrating. As AI evolves, so do the challenges. How do we balance AI-generated content with authenticity, creativity, ethics and all the things that make us special as humans. In marketing and comms - how do we make AI work for us, without devaluing what we do?

Come along to our next professional development event on 12 March to find out.

Date: Wednesday 12 March 2025

Time: 1pm - 3pm

Location: Focal Point Cinema, Palmerston North

Cost: $15 per person.

Registration is essential. Last year, our events sold out, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Speakers

Our key speaker is Mike Manson, CEO of the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM), who will discuss the future of AI in our industry and offer valuable insights on what’s to come.

Following Mike’s talk, we will be joined by Jemma, from Jemma Cheer Design Company, and Jono Galuszka from Horizons Regional Council who will join Mike in a panel discussion about how AI is impacting the creative side of marketing and communications.

About Mike

Mike has over 40 years of experience in local government, with a focus on IT management business development and customer services. A passionate advocate for AI, he's been involved with the development of one of the first AI policies for local government in the world - which was so great, they rolled it out across councils in the UK. Mike has spent an incredible amount of time sharing his insights on AI, leading webinars and presentations on the topic around the world. There's no better person to talk us through this ever-evolving landscape and what the future might hold for us as communications and marketing professionals.

About our panel guests

Jemma Cheer

Jemma is the founder of JCDC, a graphic design studio in Palmerston North. With a strong focus on collaboration, Jemma has worked with a diverse range of organisations across Aotearoa, blending creative design with a deep understanding of each client's vision. On the topic of AI in design, Jemma says "AI is fun as a creative snack. Being able to generate a photo-realistic illustration of a golden goose running on top of a clock that is also a hamster wheel on a plain blue-sky background is pretty neat! But something about doing things the 'hard' way still gets me running to the studio each day to nut it out."

Jono Galuszka

With over 11 years as a senior reporter for Stuff Manawatū and now Acting Media & Communications Co-Manager at Horizons Regional Council, it's safe to say Jono knows a thing or two about comms. Recently he's been putting AI to work - refining media interview training, testing messaging for key focus groups across our rohe and turned AI into an investigative journalist to prep freshwater scientists with curly questions they may get asked about water quality testing. Jono’s also been involved in rolling out Horizons' new AI policy, so he’s got plenty of insights on how AI is changing the way we work.

Why do we hold these events?

We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and that there aren’t enough opportunities for local comms and marketing people to connect and develop new skills outside of expensive formal training or on-the-job experience. We donate our time to organise and promote these not-for-profit events, and our speakers generously donate their time, experience and intellectual property to make these events possible.