IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising)

"AI isn't the enemy, or advertising’s one-shot saviour. But it is a force multiplier. If you have strong ideas, clear values, and sharp people, AI can help you deliver all of that faster, better and at scale. But if you're fuzzy on what makes you valuable, it’ll just accelerate the slide into sameness." Anything is Possible's Sam Fenton-Elstone explains why the agencies that thrive won’t be the ones that adopted AI the fastest. They’ll be the ones that use it with intent. To reduce friction, to unlock thinking, to get closer to meaningful work. Read his full piece: https://lnkd.in/e3yT5aWZ

Natalie Bell, CEO at MG OMD will be joining the IPA Talent & Diversity Conference for a panel on driving LGBTQIA+ equity in the workplace. Natalie has been with MG OMD for 16 years, and CEO for the past 3 years. She began her career in magazine publishing, and then spent half of her career at MG OMD in digital marketing roles. Natalie is well respected for her people-first leadership approach, with the agency listed in Campaign’s Best Places to Work for 5 years, and in Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023. Natalie has been recognised as the top UK Media Leader in Campaign’s review of the year in both 2021 and 2022, and awarded Mediaweek's Media Leader of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. She is a proud WACL member, sits on the Advertising Association Front Foot Board and is responsible for MG OMD’s 3-year partnership with the Media Trust’s Communicating Climate Programme. Join Natalie and the rest of the panellists at next week's conference and be a part of this vital conversation.

Isabelle Bale MIPA, Strategy Director at M&C Saatchi World Services will be joining the IPA Talent & Diversity Conference for a panel on driving LGBTQIA+ equity in the workplace. Isabelle helps organisations create culture, influence behaviour, and change attitudes while working on some of the world's most important and pressing challenges. Focusing on the psychological impact of communication and the environments within which it is consumed. Over the last decade and a half, she sat somewhere between creative, strategist and technologist and covered everything from video production to PR, behavioural change to brand strategy and global content planning to the metaverse. Join Isabelle and the rest of the panellists at next week's conference and be a part of this vital conversation.

Last week's IPA #BellwetherReport saw UK companies revise their total marketing budgets down in the opening quarter of 2025, marking the first overall decline in four years. Key findings include: - Despite a decrease in overall marketing budgets in Q1 2025, marketing executives expect greater funding for the overall 2025/26 financial period - Direct marketing emerged as a standout performer, with the net balance of revisions rising to +9.0% - Events and sales promotions also saw upward revisions in budgets, reflecting a reallocation of spending amid a substantial rise in uncertainty and broader economic risk - Companies show diminished confidence in their financial outlooks, both at the firm and industry levels For the full findings: https://ow.ly/zSz450VFhNL

At next week's IPA Talent & Diversity Conference, Thinkbox Head of Marketing and CEO of Outvertising, Chris Dunne, will chair a session on driving LGBTQIA+ equity in the workplace. Chris’s career in the media and marketing industry spans 20 years and several high-profile marketing roles at media companies including Global, Guardian Media Group and DMG Media. When appointed as CEO at Outvertising, Chris had this to say; “I’m looking forward to working with all sides of our industry, to celebrate brilliant and effective LGBTQIA+ inclusive campaigns. And, at a time when the queer community is facing a rise in discrimination and hate crime, to inspire brands and agencies to produce more of this type of work more often.” Join Chris and the rest of the panellists at the IPA Talent & Diversity Conference and be a part of this vital conversation.

As a young actor, David Harewood OBE was sectioned under the Mental Health Act following a psychotic breakdown brought on in part by the racism he suffered. In the years since, David has spoken openly about how this battle has helped make him the person, activist and mental health campaigner he is today. His keynote at the IPA Talent & Diversity Conference on Wednesday 30 April will set the stage for an engaging exploration of talent and diversity in the advertising industry and how, at its best, advertising has the unique power to unite. Discover the full agenda and secure your place: https://lnkd.in/epXk4WT6

Fancy a taste of the IPA Talent & Diversity Conference before you book your ticket? You’re in luck, we have just the thing! The full 2024 Conference is available to watch online now: https://ow.ly/gaOV50Vy9OO

"This is about everyone who touches creative. From media to research to strategy and production. It may not be in everyone’s job description, but it’s certainly everyone’s responsibility." Launching her agenda as IPA President, BBH London's Karen Martin called on the industry to celebrate human creativity, train the next generation of creatives, attract more diverse creative talent and reward creative excellence. For full details on Karen's agenda to reaffirm the power of creativity and celebrate the immense value it brings to business success, the economy and British culture: https://ow.ly/4frQ50Vy9Ep

DEI has been a huge topic so far in 2025, and the theme for this year’s IPA Talent & Diversity Conference is 'Unity' as we seek to move away from divisive, polarising arguments relating to talent and diversity and instead, centre conversations around tangible actions we can take to move everyone forward. Join us for the half-day, hybrid conference where experts (from both inside and outside of our industry) share tried and tested solutions, take part in thought-provoking debates and reveal insight into how to do things better. For the full agenda, and to secure your space: https://lnkd.in/ey3P2396

We’re thrilled to have acclaimed actor, screenwriter, author and most recently The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer winner Meera Syal CBE join us at the the IPA Talent & Diversity Conference for a fireside chat with McCann & McCann Worldgroup’s Harjot Singh. Together they will explore Meera's thoughts on creativity, persistent societal inequalities and lessons from her unique journey into the creative industries. Join us to experience the power of unity on Wednesday 30 April - both in-person and virtual tickets are available: https://lnkd.in/ey3P2396