My Code’s Post

I know everyone is thinking… not another Cannes recap!!!  But I can’t resist.  You know why?  After several years of attending the festival of creativity and watching it evolve, I want to reflect on why we go, what we gain and how we accelerate our efforts in one jam-packed week. We go because we learn what’s top of mind for the industry and there's no denying that AI continues to be ubiquitous. Whether directly addressed on panels or subtly (or not so subtly) woven into discussions, it's clear that AI is fundamentally shaping the future of marketing. From its potential to personalize experiences to its power to analyze data and inform strategies, AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a force demanding our attention—for better or for worse. We gain perspective by learning from others and doing better than we did before. Thankfully, the conversation around inclusion looks to be moving beyond a trend. Brands are recognizing not only the moral imperative of inclusive marketing, but also the vast business opportunities it unlocks. By speaking to diverse audiences at scale, brands can forge deeper connections and foster genuine loyalty. This shift towards inclusive storytelling is not just the right thing to do, it's a recipe for success. We accelerate our efforts by spending time with the industry influencers that push creative and media boundaries. We reconnect with past colleagues and meet new people that enlighten and energize us. We brainstorm, we dream and we create. And we do it all in the spirit of moving creativity forward. So now that I sit square back in reality, I want to continue to ride the momentum and spirit of the creative conference that never fails to disappoint and make sure to stay focused to deliver on those brainstorms! Looking forward to joining everyone again next year! Thank you to everyone who made my Cannes, one for the books! Louisa Wong, Jo Kinsella, Simon Sikorski, Brian Radin, Kevin Arrix, DJ Martin, Clark Chaine. Jeanine Guzman, MS, Jamie Madge, James Straker. Nicki Masterson, Sheryl Daija, Lana McGilvray, Brent Poer, David Levy. Brittany Slattery, Gena Schirer. Orlando Reece, Joe Marchese, Christie Marchese, Chris Shively, Maureen Murphy, Hilary Batsel. Marinn Jackson, Carol Phillips Hutchinson, Carly Goodwin, Molly Finnerty. Marla Newman, Kelly Ann Thorgramson, Gayle Troberman, Julie Thompson, Lisle Friedman, Caroline McCarthy, Laurel Rossi, Shelley Zalis, Talia Bender Small, Shannon Pruitt, Caroline Dettman. Ed Davis, Laurie Keith, and anyone else I may have missed! #CannesLions2024 #AI #Marketing #Advertising #Insights

🎭 **Leveraging Social Proof to Fortify Trust** 🎭 In the digital theater of business, social proof is your most compelling actor. It's the genuine applause from an audience that sways newcomers and critics alike. Here's how to make social proof the cornerstone of your trust-building strategy: 1. **Showcase Real Stories**: Client testimonials are the narrative of your success. Feature them where they shine the brightest. 🌟 2. **Ratings That Resonate**: A high star rating is a beacon for wary travelers in the digital landscape. Illuminate your brand's path with the glow of positive ratings. ⭐ 3. **Badges of Honor**: Accreditation, endorsements, and awards are your brand's medals of trust. Wear them with pride. 🏅 4. **User-Generated Content**: Encourage your community to tell their story. Their content is a mirror reflecting the true image of your brand. 📸 Leverage these elements of social proof to build a bastion of trust. When prospects see others have walked the path and found value, they're more likely to follow. Let's make your social proof so robust that trust is the only logical conclusion. #SocialProof #ClientTestimonials #BrandTrust #UserGeneratedContent

Take your event creative team to the next level. Since the pandemic the #MeetingsAndEvents industry has had an influx of new talent. We need to be fostering our new creative team members to think like their senior counterparts and to deliver on the same level. Tenured professionals need to share the nectar of expertise, enabling fresh faced team members to navigate strategic opportunities independently. By allowing these team members behind the Wizard of Oz curtain in our minds - to see how to think creatively - they become scalable and creative becomes consistent. By instilling a creative process from entry level to the most senior creative, you can ensure the entire team will level up and grow to provide better creative that hits the strategic mark for clients more often. To the seasoned creatives out there: what methods do you employ to cultivate standout creativity? Share your process and insights—we're eager to hear about your expertise! #FosteringCreative #DesignTrends #ChiefCreativeOfficer #CreativeCoaching #InspiringCreative #EventProfs #DesignThinkingProcess #Innovation #EventInnovation #CreativeProcess

What truly defines a remarkable visitor program? We believe it's about more than just information – it's about immersion, engagement, and leaving a lasting impact. But how do we achieve this? By understanding the importance of making content relevant, tailoring programs based on the context and visitors' interests, and ensuring cultural relevance. It's about crafting experiences that resonate deeply with your audience, sparking curiosity, forging meaningful connections, and honouring cultural diversity. #VisitorEngagement #ImmersiveExperiences #DesignInnovation #MosaicStrategies #Programs

Reflecting on Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2024: Here’s what we’re implementing into our strategy at Juice. 1. The power of creativity. Creativity extends beyond the creative idea and the ad campaign itself. The creative approach to how these ideas were brought to life through innovative media distribution in addition to traditional channels was energizing. 2. Focusing on sustainability. Building a creative and media approach that allows for sustained growth is critical. 3. Accelerating through digital transformation. Any channel can now be a lead channel. Great campaigns can start on social and end in a Super Bowl commercial activation. 4. Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's simple. Diversity drives better outcomes in every possible way. What are you adding to your strategy post-Cannes? 👇 #CannesLions2024 #JuiceMedia

Often in corporate culture, we tend to veer towards control, and convenience. But blindly doing that with creative communications can be massively harmful to the brand. A positioning that can be anything is convenient for a brand team, in the short term, since it would lend itself well to everything they're doing. But that grows no moss, and gives little direction to the next people. Similarly, it's easy to pepper the ad with the elements you want, so that you're sure the audience sees them, but every ad is a relationship between symbols and meaning. If you overload the symbols, the ad won't have any meaning. A strategy needs sacrifice. A creative needs possibility. And therefore how an agency handles divergence and convergence in its ranks makes all the difference in the world.

Our brilliant VP and Head of Strategy Allan Blair is in the spotlight as he shares his thoughts with Creativebrief on the importance of cultural context in marketing 🙌 He says: “Our focus and expertise on Platforms and Culture (PAC) is vital to what we do. It underscores the importance of the nuances of different platforms and the conversations happening on them. We study the real conversations people are having around your brand, your competitors, and your category and then combine it with our knowledge of how the platforms, their features and algorithms can influence those conversations.” Make sure you check out the article and learn more about how we approach culture at VaynerMedia EMEA https://lnkd.in/ej9e2P59

In a world overflowing with information, cutting through the noise requires more than just clever words. It demands a deep understanding of human connection. Authenticity is the cornerstone of lasting relationships, whether it's between a brand and its audience or between a storyteller and their craft. We don't just create content; we cultivate conversations. By infusing every piece with genuine emotion and relatable experiences, we build trust and loyalty. To truly connect with audiences, we must go beyond surface-level interactions and forge deeper emotional bonds. This means understanding their values, aspirations, and challenges. By aligning our brand messaging with these core human needs, we create a sense of belonging and relevance. It's about telling stories that resonate on a personal level, making audiences feel seen and heard. In today's digital age, transparency is paramount. Consumers are savvy and can spot inauthenticity from a mile away. By embracing vulnerability and sharing our own stories, we create a sense of authenticity that builds trust. It's not about perfection, but about human connection. Let's create content that is not only engaging but also meaningful. 

The Power of Authenticity in Branding: A Game Changer for 2025 We are almost in 2025, and the landscape of public relations and branding is undergoing a seismic shift. Companies are recognizing that in a world saturated with noise and competition, authenticity is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Leading brands are prioritizing genuine storytelling and transparency to forge deeper connections with their audiences. Research shows that consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that demonstrate honesty and integrity, valuing relationships built on trust over mere transactions. According to a recent study by Stackla, 79% of people say user-generated content highly impacts their purchasing decisions, emphasizing the importance of real stories from real people. Authenticity differentiates brands in a crowded market, enabling them to stand out and resonate with consumers seeking meaningful connections. By sharing authentic narratives and being transparent about their journeys, brands not only foster loyalty but also encourage advocacy among their customers. Moving forward, businesses that embrace this authenticity will not only survive but thrive. Consumers are more discerning than ever, genuine storytelling is the key to building lasting relationships and driving growth. The future belongs to those who dare to be real—let’s champion authenticity in all our communications! #Authenticity #BrandStorytelling #Transparency #PublicRelations #ConsumerTrust #MarketingTrends #BrandDifferentiation #2025Trends #Trust #GenuineConnections

Thinking of IABC colleagues at the World Conference 2024 in Chicago. A little FOMO, yes. Sending energy and creative best wishes. "As communication professionals, we have remarkable stories to share, that highlight how communication can transform and reimagine. Communication creates discovery, possibility, opportunity and so much more." In our recent article, we call on our industry peeps to step into an even greater sense of possibility ~ and responsibility ~ in their role: #MoreFromMedia ~ A Call to Return to the Sacred Art of Storytelling.