Sessions will include: contributions from the Mayor and Leader of Manchester City Council, keynotes on the political and economic outlook, the importance of investing in talent, announcing the latest All In actions, how AI will impact advertising and contributions from major advertisers and businesses in the region.
The event will be followed by a networking drinks reception.
12:15 Registration and Light Lunch
13:00 Welcome from our Host
Gamal Fahnbulleh, Broadcaster and Journalist
13:05 Welcome from the Mayor
The Rt Hon Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
13:10 Keynote Address
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council
13:20 The Economic & Political Outlook
Exploring the upcoming trends in the UK media and tech markets and how political events are impacting the sector, followed by audience Q&A
Ian Whittaker, Founder and Managing Director, Liberty Sky Advisors
13:45 Warburtons: From Bolton Business to UK’s Biggest Bakery Brand
An exclusive interview with the Chairman of Warburtons on his journey to the top, working with Hollywood’s A-List and growing the largest bakery business in the UK
- Jonathan Warburton, Chairman, Warburtons
- Gamal Fahnbulleh, Broadcaster and Journalist
14:15 Raising the Ceiling: How to Make a Career in Advertising Accessible for All
Many children are leaving school unaware of creativity as a career option. In this session we will hear how leading companies have partnered with non-profit programmes to educate and inspire school students and make them aware of the many opportunities that exist in the creative industries
- Jason Spencer, Business Development Director, ITV
- Sarah Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi London
- Pete Coates, Managing Director, Omnicom Media Group, Newcastle
14:45 Refreshment Break
15:15 All In: Announcing the Next Three Actions
All In is the industry-wide initiative to ensure that everyone working in UK advertising feels they belong. Following the results of the 2nd All In Census in which 19,000 people took part; this session will discuss the next three areas of focus which will form part of the ongoing All In Action Plan
- Ete Davies, Chief Operating Officer, EMEA, Dentsu Creative
- John McGeough, Commercial Operations Director, Global
- Danny Josephs, Managing Director, MFUSE
- Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Commercial Director & Inclusion Lead, Advertising Association
15:45 AI’s Impact on Advertising
This session will lift the lid on the government’s National AL Strategy and look at the impact of AI on jobs and training, plus we will hear from a leading agency on the importance of upskilling young talent with the necessary tools to embrace the new technology.
- Miles Beckwith, Assistant Director, Professional and Business Services, Department for Business and Trade
- Paul Cooper, Chief Operating Officer – North Group, EssenceMediacom UK
16:15 The North West’s Role as a World Class Creative Hub
What are the key components to a thriving advertising industry in the North West and what challenges and opportunities is it facing? Join this session to hear different perspectives from across the advertising ecosystem
- Imogen Tazzyman, Executive Creative Director, McCann Manchester
- Ewan Douglas, Head of Sales & Business Development, Channel 4
- Alixe Lobato, Creative Director, Flying Duck Studio Lab
- Steve Davies, Chief Executive, APA
16:45 Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association
16:50 Networking Reception
17:45 End of Event
