Campaign US wants to bring the focus back to diversity in the advertising world.
As a result, On Feb. 28, 2017, Campaign will present its first I&C conference. The conference will be a one-day event focused on inclusivity and creativity in the ad industry to keep these conversations going, and then to honor the work that defies these stereotypes.
“There’s so much talk about diversity of talent–and that’s a hugely important conversation,” explained Douglas Quenqua, Editor in Chief, Campaign US. “But we wanted to hold up creative teams that are also thinking about diversity in the work.”
“Advertising has a responsibility to show people the world as it is, not as they wish it were,” he added. “Our I&C Disruptors are proving that great advertising can break stereotypes and include under-represented people and still sell tons of stuff.”
Marc Strachan, VP of corporate relations and constituent affairs at Diageo North America, will serve as chairman of the event and will deliver the keynote address, “Let it Burn: A Candid Discussion of the Past, Present, and Future of Ad Culture.”
Other topics of discussion include “Are Quotas the Way Forward,” in which we’ll take a fresh look at HP’s, General Mill’s and Verizon’s new diversity requirements for agencies, and “Withstanding the Backlash: How to Stay Brave in the Face of Intolerance,” in which we explore strategies for brands that endure criticism for representing progressive values.
The afternoon will feature I&C Disruptors awards, which is dedicated to advertising that breaks racial and gender stereotypes, challenges outdated clichés and prominently features underrepresented people. The brands and their creative teams will be the recipients of the honor.
So why is Campaign US making diversity a priority?
Quenqua explained, “The same reason everyone else is. It’s absurd how far behind the times the advertising industry is, so the reporters who cover it need to keep the pressure up. Though to be fair, I don’t know anyone in the industry who isn’t already pretty embarrassed by it.”
Campaign and DIVERGE have partnered on this event to amplify the discussion around inclusion in creative advertising.
“DIVERGE is an essential voice in the growing diversity conversation in the ad industry, Quenqua stated. “To have their support for our first I&C event helps signal how urgent this issue has become. We’re thrilled to have them aboard.”
As for what attendees can expect:
“Attendees can look forward to a lot of frank, possibly uncomfortable conversation. I think there will be coffee, too,” Quenqua added.
To find out more or register, click here.
