Australia’s biggest agency chiefs, CMOs, pitch doctors and analysts are set to dissect the impact of artificial intelligence on the advertising industry.
’AI: Winners and Losers in Adland’ will analyse the implications of AI on critical areas such as client fees, workflows, jobs, media buying and investment in a single stream, half-day conference on June 26.
Just one week to go! Register here.
AdNews publisher Assia Benmedjdoub said the program has been curated to provide delegates with hard-hitting, tangible insights from the advertising frontline.
”Now is the time for real conversations into one of the most transformative shifts our industry has ever faced. The conference will open with a presentation into the AI arms race before forensically diving into the implications on adland from experts in each field.”
The event will take place at The Eveleigh, Sydney from 1pm.
The full agenda is below.
1.00pm: Registration and networking
1.30pm: AdNews Welcome
1.35pm: INTRODUCTION: Inside the AI arms race
Dentsu Creative Australia and Aotearoa head of creative technology James Bush
Artificial intelligence has emerged as the next competitive frontier for the media, marketing and advertising industry. With OpenAI’s valuation now exceeding US$80 billion and the combined market capitalisation of key players like Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon surpassing US$8 trillion, this presentation delves into the complex landscape and future roadmap from an advertising lens. It will spotlight the major stakeholders driving the current AI revolution, alongside the ideas and technologies that could significantly impact the industry.
1.55pm: WORKFORCE FORECAST: Is your job or agency on the cutting block?
Forrester Principal Analyst Xiaofeng Wang
The increased presence of automation and generative AI as part of agency workflows and marketing deliverables is transforming the labour market. Forrester predicts that by 2030, nearly one-third of ad agency jobs will be at risk of automation with 7.5% of roles already lost to AI. Using a unique forecasting methodology for advertising agencies and related services, this presentation will provide Australian advertising professionals with detailed insights from the international frontline to inform their decision-making today.
2.15pm AGENCY PANEL: Inside the investment engine room
GroupM ANZ CEO Aimee Buchanan, OMG Australia CEO Peter Horgan, UM CEO Anathea Ruys and Publicis Groupe ANZ Chief Creative Officer Dave Bowman
Global network agencies are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars each year into AI, technology and automation investment. With 90% of media and over half of creative processes tipped to be touched by AI in 2032, agencies are directly shaping the future through a proprietary strategy. This panel will delve into where R&D dollars are being funnelled now, where efficiencies are being delivered and how the structure, roles and responsibilities of agencies and professionals will change over the next 2-5 years.
2.50pm Networking break
3.35pm: AI + AGENCY FEES: A race to the bottom?
TrinityP3 Managing Director Darren Woolley
While much of industry discussion around AI has been focused on opportunities and impact on employment, one area that has been overlooked is its potential to upend fee structures. Considering agencies have relied on a cost-based model based on resource hours, overhead and profit margins, the rise of AI automation and generative AI may have a significant impact on rates. This session will unpack how AI will change how agencies are paid for their services – and the flow on effect to pitch cycles.
4.00pm Case Study: The CMO and The Agency
‘The Human Touch: Why Critical Thinkers And Creators Will Succeed In The World Of AI’
Woolworths MarketPlus CMO Ryan Gracie and Ryvalmedia Head of Product and Innovation Jonathan Henshaw
In an era where AI is dominating the marketing landscape, the crucial question of “why” behind consumer behaviour is being lost. This session exposes the danger of this trend, where businesses risk drowning in a “sea of sameness” pushed by AI-driven decisions and strategies. With real-world examples and case studies, Woolworths Market Plus CMO Ryan Gracie and Ryvalmedia Head of Product and Innovation Jonathan Henshaw reveal how they have leveraged AI not as a replacement, but as a catalyst for deeper collaboration and strategic growth.
4.25pm Indies Showdown: Ops in the age of AI
This Is Flow chief strategy officer Catherine Rushton, Sparro data science specialist Jordan Taylor
Independent advertising agencies have long leveraged their streamlined structures and nimble operations to swiftly respond to evolving market dynamics and client demands. But how should they structure their operations and teams to capitalise on the age of AI? Australia’s fastest growing independent agencies throw open their operational playbook, revealing the structures, programs and workflow processes created to successfully navigate this new disruptive era.
4.50pm Networking drinks
6.00pm Event concludes
Can't get enough AI? The conference will include three five-minute AI pitch sessions from partners Meta, Mamamia and Blis.
Thank you to our supporting partners: Blis, Mamamia, Meta, Ryvalmedia. Associate partners: nexxen, Quantcast. And friend of AdNews: IMAA.
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