Campaign US held its inaugural I&C conference on Feb 28 at the Dream Hotel in New York City. The half day conference’s mission was to bring the focus back to diversity in the advertising world. The conference highlighted topics of inclusivity and creativity in the ad industry to keep these conversations going, and honored the work that defies these stereotypes.
In a room of about a 100 people, advertising agencies leaders and creatives gathered to celebrate the disruptors and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in today’s world.
Marc Strachan, VP of corporate relations and constituent affairs at Diageo North America, served as chairman of the event and delivered the keynote address, “Let it Burn: A Candid Discussion of the Past, Present, and Future of Ad Culture.”
Here are some of the best quotes from the day:
” We are here to make noise and make it harder to do nothing.” Doug Quenqua– Editor in Chief- Campaign US
“Change doesn’t happen without a catalyst…You need to burn down the hurdles.” Marc Strachan, VP of corporate relations and constituent affairs at Diageo North America
“I’m tired of being the pioneer. It’s hard,” Marc Strachan on being the only diverse guy in the room.
“Only 8% of people on the internet actually ‘comment’ and 70% of their comments are negative.” Danielle Tiedt, VP Marketing YouTube
“Without an inclusive culture, diversity efforts fail because the workplace can still be hostile.” Susan Lee, Warby Parker VP, Head of People
“If you’re a leader, you need to help build that culture, and culture is hard to maintain.” Pete Johnson, SVP/Creative Director Nickelodeon Creative Advertising
“Diversity has to be baked into the DNA of our business. If it isn’t baked in, we are not going to be successful.” Brad Jakeman, PepsiCo President
“I don’t only want to know what the company makes but what makes the company.” Brad Jakeman, PepsiCo President
“The only thing that is new about total market is who gets to cash that check.” Mark Robinson Senior Vice President at Carol H Williams Advertising
“For me it’s less about responding to the climate and more about responding to customers.” Latraviette Smith-Wilson– Sundial Brands, Senior Vice President, Communications.
