Earlier this month, the NZ Marketing Association hosted its annual Digital Day Out conference at the Aotea Centre in downtown Auckland. We last attended several years ago, and it was good to be back. The event brought together over 500 marketing professionals from around NZ, ready to explore the latest trends, topics, channels, and technologies reshaping our industry.
#DDO2024 featured influential international keynotes, groundbreaking digital marketing campaigns, and top-notch local case studies. The sessions covered the year's most talked-about topics, from AI's impact on marketing to emerging social media trends, the evolution of search technology, and the latest AI tools and techniques. It was an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.
In a day of fantastic speakers and panel sessions, it is hard to single out any one speaker. However, a couple of key learnings that we took away from the day included a very informative presentation by Jenny Haggard, Global Brand Strategy and Thought Leadership Lead at Spotify. In a day devoted to emerging trends and technology, some tried and true marketing principles still apply, including:
Audience: Identify unique traits and behaviours, such as parents' preference for punk and heavy metal.
Brand: Highlight unique qualities and the problems your brand solves, embracing the idea that "everything you want is on the other side of fear."
Culture: Define internal values, especially with the rise of AI, emphasising people. Spotify values innovation, sincerity, passion, collaboration, and playfulness.
The final spot of the day is a tough one to fill; however, Mike Felix from Dentsu had one of the best “end of day” presentations we have seen for some time. Mike shared the reality of brands living in a “backlash world”. This is highlighted by the fact that customers now have the ability to instantly and publicly pass judgment on a brand. In a very entertaining and engaging presentation, Mike shared a few tips on how to help navigate this, including not only knowing your customers but considering what they think your intentions are to them – are you there to help them or help yourself? Then, flip it around, take a look at your organisation, and ask yourself – what are your honest intentions towards your customers?
Digital Day Out 2024 offered valuable insights into the latest digital marketing trends and technologies. It reinforced the importance of understanding our audience, staying true to our brand values, and navigating the complexities of today's marketing landscape with sincerity and innovation. The added benefit was the opportunity to mix and mingle with NZ marketers and take a day out from the office to learn and grow as a marketer. The knowledge and connections gained from this event will help us stay ahead in the dynamic world of digital marketing.