Last week, our team had the privilege of attending Campaign Convene: Marketing Evolved, a premier industry event held in the heart of New York at Convene. With an agenda spanning entertainment, politics, the creator economy, media, and AI, the conference delivered a full-spectrum view of the forces shaping marketing and advertising in the years ahead.
Key Takeaways from the Event:
Outlook 2030: The Future of Marketing
One of the most thought-provoking discussions was Outlook 2030: Preparing for the Next Half-Decade of Marketing, featuring industry leaders like Doug Melville (Jodie AI), Alison Pepper (4As), and Donna Sharp (MediaLink). They delved into the impact of evolving regulations, shifting consumer behaviors, and the unpredictability of future policies. The consensus? Agility will be the defining trait of successful brands navigating privacy laws, antitrust concerns, and market shifts in the coming years.
AI’s Growing Divide: Leaders vs. Laggards
While AI is no longer just a buzzword, its adoption is far from uniform. Experts such as Craig Elimeliah (Code and Theory), Alex Underwood (Reddit), and Evelyn Webster (SoulCycle) pointed out that 2025 will be a defining year—brands that fully integrate AI into their strategies will take the lead, while those that hesitate risk falling behind.
Blending Tradition with Innovation: The ‘SNL50’ Case Study
Josh Feldman from NBCUniversal demonstrated how brands can engage audiences without disrupting the creative integrity of legendary cultural platforms. The SNL50 session explored effective brand partnerships, proving that strategic collaborations can enhance, rather than dilute, iconic content.
Consumers: More Than Viewers, They Are Participants
A standout theme of the day was the shift from passive viewership to active engagement. Consumers are no longer just watching—they remix, interact, and shop in real time. Brands are partnering with creators (like Whalar), harnessing AI, and tapping into platforms such as GIPHY to drive immediate action and deepening audience connections.
Thanks to the Campaign Convene team for an insightful and inspiring day. Events like these shape the future of our industry, and we’re excited to see how these trends unfold in the coming years.