Ideas and innovative thinking are key to how brands connect with consumers in the next era of media, and making sure that advertising works better for people.

From the power of language, the future of sports fandom and provocative storytelling, GroupM agencies EssenceMediacom, Mindshare, and Wavemaker have curated an immersive afternoon of inspiration and creativity at WPP House.

Join us for three punchy and thought-provoking sessions, plus special guests and unmissable music performances from acclaimed Australian artists, followed by networking drinks.

Speakers and performances to be announced shortly – watch this space!

For an invite to this session contact Rosie Baker rosie.baker@groupm.com

SESSION OUTLINES

Mindshare: Words that change the world

Languages are our most potent cultural connectors and for over 65,000 years First Languages have connected us with our past, our present and helped us imagine our future. With many of these languages now endangered, engaging today’s youth is critical in ensuring Indigenous Languages continue to enrich, inspire and transform us for the next 65,000+ years.

This session shares the ground-breaking work of The Indigenous Literacy Foundation to empower young people and Community through Language, song and story. It will challenge the audience to expand their perspectives on the power of Language and provoke them to think about what more they could be doing to increase their understanding and connection to First Languages.

SPEAKERS

Ben Bower, CEO, Indigenous Literacy Foundation

Wiradjuri man Ben Bowen is the first Aboriginal CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Ben joined ILF in October 2021, and is continuing to focus on collaborating with remote Community members and platforming Community knowledge and skills.

Tictac Moore, Indigenous Literacy Foundation, Programs Manager

Tictac (Dianne Moore) is a proud Tiwi woman from Milikapiti on the Tiwi Islands. Tictac joined ILF in 2021 and is currently Programs Manager. She has a background in education having worked in schools for 14 years before joining the ILF.

Natalie Ahmat, Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Presenter - NITV News and NITV News: Nula

A proud Mudburra (Wave Hill, Northern Territory) and Wagadagum (Mabuiag Island, Torres Straits) First Nations woman, Natalie Ahmat currently presents NITV News, Australia’s only dedicated Indigenous television news bulletin, and Nula – NITV’s weekly news in review program. She’s also a regular contributor on NITV’s current affairs program, “The Point”. Natalie has fronted NITV’s special coverage of a number of significant Indigenous events, including Garma from north east Arnhem Land, the Uluru First Nations Constitutional Convention, and the National NAIDOC Awards. She has won several awards for her work, including a Chancellor’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Canberra in 2022, Journalist of the Year at the 2015 Multicultural and Indigenous Media Awards and the 2012 Deadly for Community Broadcaster of the Year.
Her on-air profile has given Natalie the opportunity to give back to community through a range of voluntary roles. She is the Co-Chair of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a member of Cricket Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Committee (NATSICAC) and a past member of the Walkleys Judging Board. She is also a proud Ambassador for Neighbour Day and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

DOBBY – Artist

DOBBY is a rapper, composer, producer and drummer. He proudly identifies as a Filipino and Aboriginal musician, whose family is from Murrawarri and Ngemba lands (Weilmoringle, Brewarrina NSW). DOBBY is a multi-instrumentalist who is increasingly being known for bouncing between piano, drums, & drum pads, with his unique signature ‘drapping’ (rapping & drumming at the same time).

For an invite to this session contact Oliver Hallstrom oliver.hallstrom@mindshareworld.com

EssenceMediacom: Fan Z: Understanding the Future of Sports Fandom

This session explores the evolutionary changes in how the next generation of fans not only consume Sport but show their passion for it.

From wanting more immersive, integrated experiences to following the lives of athletes – We’ll reflect on what it takes for brands to play an active role in the future of fandom.

Speakers to be announced.

For an invite to this session contact Emma Swiney, emma.swiney@essencemediacom.com

Wavemaker: Provocative Storytelling - The future of brand marketing is storytelling.

Musicians and songwriters are the best storytellers in the world. What can they teach us about marketing?

We have a fireside chat with a singer/songwriter (blended with an intimate performance) to dissect how they tell stories and have told stories through their music and biggest hit.

SPEAKERS

Guy Sebastian, Singer, Songwriter, Producer & Voice Coach & Mentor

Larry Emder, TV Presenter, Seven Network

For an invite to this session contact Lucy Bardakjian, sxsw@wmglobal.com