9:00am Registration and Networking

9:30am AdNews Welcome

9:35am Economic outlook: WA, what’s the road ahead?  

Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) Senior Economist Danika Adams.

Western Australia’s economy is entering a pivotal phase, shaped by a combination of strengths and challenges unique to the region. While the state’s resource sector, growing infrastructure projects and resilient business community remain key drivers of growth, there are risks and opportunities for businesses across various industries. This session will offer critical analysis and insights essential for adland professionals to navigate the year ahead, informing strategies and ideas through a broader macroeconomic lens.  

10:00am The effective edge: It’s time to measure up  

Kantar Managing Partner Consulting Division Mark Kennedy.

Delivering effective marketing is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities that Australian businesses – and indeed those across the world – are facing today. As companies feel the economic squeeze, a clear capability gap in measuring and proving effectiveness is having significant impact on confidence in the marketing function. This presentation looks at how reframing its commercial focus will go a long way to ensuing that marketing can reclaim its rightful place at the board table and partner with the C-Suite to drive overall performance. 

10:25am PANEL: CMOs Uncut: Inside the Engine Room 

BankWest General Manager Customer, Marketing and Communications Jodene Murphy,  The University of Western Australia Chief Marketing Officer Haylee Felton and Pentanet Chief Experience Officer Nikki Atack. Moderated by Nine Managing Director Clive Bingwa.

How do commercially-minded CMOs and marketing professionals navigate changes to the economic, regulatory and advertising landscape? This panel takes audiences inside Western Australia’s leading consumer brands, revealing how decision-makers are resetting marketing priorities and seizing new opportunities amid these shifting demands. Expect candid insights, real-world case studies and a look at the strategies shaping the next wave of marketing leadership. 

10:55am Networking break

11:25am FIRESIDE: The future of advertising, is it already here?  

Accenture Song ANZ Managing Director Media APAC Melissa Fein, Managing Director Media Sam Geer and Managing Director Media Strategy Chris Colter.

The agency model as we know it is being upended. In this session, Melissa Fein, Sam Geer and Chris Colter discuss their future vision for advertising as seismic shifts take place within the agency world. From the integration of creativity, technology and media to the rise of artificial intelligence and future-facing media solutions, agencies can no longer rely on outdated methods. This conversation will go behind the scenes of one of Australia’s biggest media and marketing stories of the year, with insights into which operating models and value propositions will emerge as the most competitive.  

11:55am Hello From The Other Side: Lessons from an Ex-Agency Chief 

Kitchen Warehouse Chief Customer Officer Simon Lamplough.

Gain a unique perspective as a former agency chief turned client-side executive unpacks the realities behind C-suite decisions. This session will explore the challenges, lessons and surprises encountered when transitioning from agency life to brand-side leadership, offering valuable insights into what agencies must understand to foster stronger, more effective partnerships. The candid discussion will also provide actionable takeaways for agencies looking to enhance collaboration, drive results and build lasting client outcomes.  

12:20pm PANEL: Agencies and the secret to commercial success 

SI Global Director Australia Julia Vargiu, Marketforce Chief Executive Officer Adam Marshall and Audience360 Commercial Director Nikki Staveley.

What does it take for agencies to achieve and sustain commercial success in today’s competitive landscape? This panel brings together Perth’s oldest advertising agency, M&A experts and suppliers to explore strategies for growth, resilience and scalability. The session will include insights into successful business models, effective client relationships and key financial considerations, including mergers and acquisitions that can propel agencies to new heights. 

1:00pm Event Finishes