-Diverse and compelling agenda addresses ways to accelerate growth in complex digital world-
TORONTO, Jan. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Institute of Communication Agencies (ICA) (www.icacanada.ca) is pleased to unveil its line-up for Canada's largest and most anticipated annual advertising and communications event, entitled FFWD Advertising and Marketing Week (2015 schedule at: www.advertisingweek.ca) running January 26 – 30, 2015 in Toronto. The week's compelling agenda of more than 40 diverse events, with 20 per cent more programming -- addressing issues such as the role of the Internet, the most influential global brands, big data, programmatic and analytics, social media, education, from start-ups to tech giants, and from design to sports marketing – and emphasizes the notion that the industry continues to be in a state of radical change in a complex digital world; to capitalize on this disruption, marketers and communicators must transition and innovate in order to accelerate growth. Since its 2009 launch, FFWD Advertising and Marketing Week has grown into the country's largest and most diverse annual gathering of advertising, marketing and media leaders attracting more than 6,000 attendees each January to multiple events and inspiring thought leadership presentations. The event showcases the world's best while offering a forum to highlight new ideas, key business drivers and spark industry debate.
"The ICA's mission is to champion creativity and embrace and drive change, and FFWD provides valuable insight about ways to accelerate growth in a complex digital world," explained Gillian Graham, CEO, Institute of Communication Agencies. "FFWD offers an opportunity for attendees to gain perspective on the global business opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and is a must-attend for Canada's business community."
A varied and absorbing roster of talent and content
The week's highlights feature international keynote speakers beginning with renowned author and digital critic, Andrew Keen with the Canadian premiere of his latest book, The Internet is NOT the Answer in debate with Mitch Joel of Montreal's Twist Image and moderated by journalist, Mathew Ingram for the opening luncheon. Ad icon, Shelly Lazarus, Chairman Emeritus of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, conducts an onstage Q&A at the closing luncheon. Olympic champions, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir will leave the rink to make a presentation entitled, "Let your story be your brand."
An expanded speaker series includes carefully curated content ranging from Ipsos' much-anticipated Brand Influence study, to a new study from Deloitte entitled "Relationship Reset: Changing Needs of CMOs and Marketers," to thought leadership seminars, panel presentations and conferences presented by industry leaders Yahoo, Twitter, Google, Canada Post, Interbrand, Comscore, SapientNitro, Partnership Group, Mintel, Bell Media, Toronto Star, Applied Arts, Notable, Sharethrough, Visible Measures, The Exchange Lab and the CMDC, among others.
The Morning Masters Series showcases compelling presentations from esteemed education luminaries from the business schools at Dalhousie, Queen's, Ivey and Schulich; Next Generation Day is designed to foster students and young communication executives as the next wave of business leaders.
Popular events such as the Globe & Mail Cannes reel screening, the Microsoft Breakfast, Marketing Hall of Legends awards and the Ad Ball Gala by Yahoo! round out the calendar and promise to entertain. Tickets for all events are limited, and now on sale. For more information, schedules, speakers, sponsors and tickets visit www.advertisingweek.ca.
"I'm excited about the content that FFWD has to offer this year," added Laurie Young, managing director, O&M and Chair of FFWD Advertising and Marketing Week 2015. "We have handcrafted a world-class roster of speakers and content relevant to the Canadian industry, and in a world where content is king, FFWD will undoubtedly deliver."
About the ICA
The Institute of Communication Agencies is the professional business association which represents Canada's communication and advertising agencies. The ICA's mission is to champion commercial creativity, amplify the industry's economic impact, and to embrace and drive change. As such, the ICA promotes thought leadership, higher standards and best practices. It serves as the largest source of information, advice, education and training for Canada's communication and advertising industry. ICA's member agencies and subsidiaries account for over 75 per cent of all national advertising in Canada, with an economic impact worth more than $29 billion annually. FFWD Marketing and Advertising Week is spearheaded by the ICA in conjunction with the associations, agencies, advertisers, suppliers and public service partners in the communications industry. More information about the ICA and its initiatives can be found at www.icacanada.ca or on Twitter @adweekcdn or @icacanada #FFWD2015.
SOURCE Institute of Communication Agencies
Video with caption: "Video: FFWD Advertising and Marketing Week 2014 Highlights". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20150119_C8053_VIDEO_EN_10305.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20150119_C8053_VIDEO_EN_10305.jpg&order=1&jdd=20150119&cnum=C8053
Image with caption: "FFWD Advertising and Marketing Week 2015 (CNW Group/Institute of Communication Agencies)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150119_C8053_PHOTO_EN_10306.jpg
Image with caption: "Institute of Communication Agencies (CNW Group/Institute of Communication Agencies)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150119_C8053_PHOTO_EN_10307.jpg
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