Day one - 15th March 2017
8.15 - 9.00 Registration and coffee
9.00 - 9.05 Chair’s opening remarks
9.05 - 9.20 Welcome from the Guardian
9.20 - 9.50 Keynote address: Is technology distorting the truth?
Increasing numbers of readers are discovering news through social media. But in this new age of distribution, is our worldview becoming distorted? How can readers assess trust and authority in a platform age?
9.50 - 10.45 Panel debate: Monetising news in an era of distributed media
In a challenging advertising environment, publishers are pursuing new revenue streams, including membership models and native advertising. In this session, hear how innovative media owners are monetising content and building meaningful relationships with readers.
10.45 - 11.15 Networking break, startup pitches and tech demonstrations
11.15 - 11.30 Fireside chat: Is adblocking the best thing to happen to advertising?
Adblocking appears to be reaching epidemic proportions. A recent report, for example, forecasts almost 15m UK users will have switched on ad blockers by next year. But do adblockers represent the end for the advertising sector or a chance for reinvention?
11.30 - 11.55 Ad tech, trust and transparency
11.55 - 12.50 Breakout sessions
Delegates choose from one of the following breakout options:
Breakout session one
Panel debate: Transparent vlogging
Brands are increasingly turning to vloggers to engage younger audiences, but a series of vlogs without correct labelling has thrown a spotlight on regulating this content. How should vlogs be regulated? And how can vloggers retain authenticity while embarking on commercial ad deals?
Breakout session two
Case studies: The new rules of brand building
In the past, brands relied on shouting generic slogans to cut through with consumers. In 2016, these slogans have become largely meaningless. Consumers demand experience over empty promises. Hear how leading companies are adapting to the new rules of brand building.
Breakout session three
Masterclass: Data protection 101
Barely a week goes by without a high-profile data breach hitting the headlines. In this masterclass, hear what steps companies must take to safeguard their data.
12.50 - 13.50 Networking lunch
13.50 - 14.15 Fireside chat: Ad fraud, bots and bits - cleaning up the digital wild west
The increase in digital ad spend has been accompanied by a rise in ad fraud. It’s estimated to be costing the industry £12.7m with reportedly more than 50% of display campaigns never being seen by a single human being. Why is the industry failing to combat this threat and what needs to be done to defeat it?
14.15 - 15.05 Panel debate: Rebuilding the client/agency relationship
Advertising fraud, concerns with ad viewability coupled with the recent scandal over agency rebates and kickbacks is damaging the relationship between media agencies and clients. What can be done to repair the relationship? Do new agency models hold the answer?
15.05 - 15.35 Refreshment break and tech zone demonstrations
15.35 - 16.30 Breakout session
Delegates choose from one of the following breakout options:
Breakout session one
Panel debate: Have brands lost faith in hyper-targeted ads?
In 2016, P&G announced that it would be moving away from targeted Facebook ads to focus on mass reach instead. How should brands balance consumer targeting with reach? Do consumers find hyper-targeting a turn-off?
Breakout session two
Case studies: Ad funded content
The rise of adblocking and ad fraud mean many brands are turning to new forms of ad funded content such as documentaries to reach and engage consumers. In this session, hear how leading brands, publishers and agencies are working together to deliver outstanding content.
Masterclass: Everything you need to know about Snapchat marketing but were afraid to ask
Snapchat now has 150m active users globally, with 60m active users in the US and Canada. How can brands be part of the conversation on this ever-growing platform? Find out in this masterclass.
16.30 - 17.15 Interactive session: Brands, PR gaffes and trust
Social media and a 24/7 rolling news cycle means companies are only a click away from mistakes that can damage their reputations. In this interactive session, hear how our panel of experts would deal with each potential PR disaster.
17.15 - 17.45 Closing keynote session
17.45 - 17.50 Chair’s closing remarks
Day two - 16th March 2017
8.15 - 9.00 Registration and coffee
9.00 - 9.05 Chair’s opening remarks
9.05 - 9.30 Keynote address: The rise of robots - AI, ethics, trust and tech development
As the world becomes increasingly automated, we need regulation to improve trust in robotics and artificial intelligence. But what should the regulatory framework look like? With tech developing so quickly, will the tech outdate the regulation?
9.30 - 10.20 Panel debate: Is media still a destination career?
The media sector has a diversity problem. Data from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) reveals that 13% of employees and 8% of senior managers are from BAME (black and minority ethnic) backgrounds. Does the lack of diversity mean that young people no longer view the media industry as a destination career? Can people from any background flourish in the media sector? What needs to be done to improve diversity and ensure the future of the industry?
10.20 - 10.45 Keynote interview
10.45 - 11.15 Refreshment break, startup pitches and tech demonstrations
11.15 - 12.05 Breakout sessions
Delegates choose from one of the following breakout options:
Breakout session one
Panel debate: AI, journalism and trust
The Associated Press (AP) now publishes about 3,000 articles a quarter generated by algorithm, rather than by journalists and that figure is set to grow. Is AI a threat or an opportunity for journalism?
Breakout session two
Case studies: From brands to clubs - the rise of subscription brands
With brand loyalty no longer a given, companies need to work harder than ever to build meaningful relationships with consumers. In this session, hear how leading businesses are using membership and subscription models to build brand loyalty.
Breakout session three
Masterclass: Making partnerships work
In the current media environment, partnerships are more important than ever. In this masterclass, hear how to successfully build a partnership that delivers results.
12.05 - 12.30 Keynote interview
12.30 - 13.20 Closing session
Speaking out: what we really want from the industry
In this closing session, hear young media professionals discuss their career aspirations, what they want from the industry and how it can rebuild trust.
13.20 - 13.25 Chair’s closing remarks
13.25 - 14.30 Networking lunch
14.30 Event ends
