With a marketplace in constant flux, brand leaders are looking to Advertising Week as the place to separate signal from noise, reconnect with peers, and walk away with insights that will actually move the needle.
BRANDS + MARKETERS
Presented by
DMEXCO has undergone an identity change in recent years, from Cologne’s answer to Cannes Lions with all the global hubbub it attracts, to a European-focused, business-first conference.
This era won’t be defined by commercial breaks or rented space alongside this new wave of entertainment — it will be about helping co-create it.
AW SHORTS – BRANDS + MARKETERS
Misinformation isn’t just a problem for users anymore — it’s a branding crisis. As media platforms scale back moderation, advertisers are being forced into the role of risk manager—whether they like it or not.
Before your brand ever said a word, it could have dropped a beat. Not just any beat — the beat.
We still call it social media, but the way people use these platforms today has nothing to do with being social.
From creative and strategy to experiential and digital, here’s how key voices from across the industry are interpreting the latest findings, and what they believe marketers must prioritise to navigate the road ahead.
Whether it’s a last-second game winner, a viral TikTok trend, or a breakout Twitch stream, the path to relevance is no longer about reach alone. It’s about resonance.
During Converge @ Cannes, a group of brand, media, and advocacy leaders broke down why abandoning the LGBTQ+ community is not just a moral failure—it’s a catastrophic business decision.
What role do brands play in shaping those emotions to begin with?
The content arms race isn’t going away. But if brands want to thrive—not just survive—it’s time to rethink the systems behind the stories.
Whether it’s through purpose-aligned storytelling, wellness-infused activations, or simply giving people permission to breathe, the most resonant brand experiences this year felt human.
Experiential marketing, at its best, is not a standalone tactic. It’s a strategic pillar that shapes perception, deepens engagement and fuels brand storytelling across every channel.
As social media drives more of our culture, risk-taking will become a necessity that brands can’t afford to ignore.
With a cautious but optimistic approach, marketers can not only withstand the perfect storm; they can chart a path through it. Growth is still possible, even in the unpredictable economy of 2025 and beyond.
