SocialNext: Toronto: Full Schedule

A detailed view of the opportunities to deliver thought leadership within the B2B and B2C space. Driven by data and insights from the B2Bi.

Who should attend?
Digital Marketers, and Team Leaders

Speakers

Sean McConnell

Sr. National Agency Development Lead, Canada, LinkedIn

Friday April 25, 2025 8:50am - 9:15am EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

9:00am EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

9:15am EDT

The Alchemy of Effectiveness: A Focus on Canada

Friday April 25, 2025 9:15am - 9:40am EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Explore how Canadian agencies are driving marketing effectiveness with data from the 2024 Effie competition. Learn how campaign inputs like media spend and strategy translate into business results like brand growth and customer acquisition. Gain actionable insights to elevate your marketing efforts for long-term success.

Who should attend?
Executives and Team Leaders

#MarketingEffectiveness #FocusOnCanada #AlchemyOfEffectiveness

Speakers

Paul Tedesco

Volunteer Chair, Marketing Effectiveness Council, Institute of Canadian Agencies

Paul has over 25 years of experience in building some of Canada's leading CRM, digital, data, and analytics agencies. With a focus on guiding customers through their journey to engagement and conversion, Paul leverages his extensive expertise in data-driven marketing and sales enablement... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 9:15am - 9:40am EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

9:30am EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

9:40am EDT

Cockroaching It Out: A Founders Guide to Survival in 2025

Friday April 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:05am EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

A story of business building, marketing, survival, and what community really means in 2025.

Who should attend?
Executives, Community Managers, Managers, Team Leaders, Digital Marketers, Social Media Managers, and Communications Experts

Speakers

Sarah Stockdale

Founder, Growclass

Sarah Stockdale is the Founder of Growclass, an award-winning Growth Marketing Certification and large, global community of Founders and Marketers. Before founding Growclass Sarah led growth teams for Tilt (acq by Airbnb) and Wave (acq in one of the largest Canadian exits of all time... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:05am EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

10:00am EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

10:05am EDT

Adapting to the AI-Driven Search Revolution

Friday April 25, 2025 10:05am - 10:30am EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

As the search continues to evolve with the rise of AI search, expanding social platforms, and shifting user behaviour, the reliance on traditional tactics to improve brand visibility and ranking is insufficient. It's becoming increasingly critical to interpret context, sentiment, and conversation within social platforms, communities to form content strategies suited for AI Search. In this presentation, the NP Digital team will delve into the changing landscape of search and share actionable strategies for thriving in this new ecosystem.

Learn how to adapt your content approach to maximize online visibility, drive meaningful traffic, and ensure your brand remains front and center in an AI-first world. Whether you're navigating AI-enhanced search, leveraging social growth, or aligning with emerging trends, this session will equip your team with the insights and tactics needed to stay ahead.

Who should attend?
Executives, Team Leaders, Managers, Digital Marketers

Speakers

Basil Hatto

SVP Product, NP Digital

Basil Hatto currently serves as NP Digital’s Senior Vice President of Product and Growth at NP Digital, where he spearheads agile product innovation using data and analytics to identify areas of monetization for Canadian clients. With over two decades of diverse leadership experience... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:05am - 10:30am EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

10:30am EDT

Networking Break sponsored by Cove

Friday April 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT

Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Thank you to Cove for sponsor our first networking break! Cove is a Canadian beverage company specializing in all-natural, zero-sugar sodas infused with probiotics. Their products are designed to promote gut health while delivering refreshing flavors, making it easier for consumers to "trust their gut."

Cheers to great connections and healthy sodas!

Sponsors

Cove

Cove is a Canadian beverage company specializing in all-natural, zero-sugar sodas infused with probiotics. Their products are designed to promote gut health while delivering refreshing flavors, making it easier for consumers to "trust their gut."

Friday April 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Coffee/Networking

10:30am EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

11:00am EDT

Values Marketing to a Society Divided

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Marketing around social causes and issues was once part of every marketers content toolkit. In today’s divided society, attaching your brand to a social issue has become a risk many companies are not willing to take. This presentation will look at how we can still do values marketing and make it brand safe.

Who should attend?
Managers

#SocialJustice #RiskMitigation #PrideMarketing

Speakers

Jessica Fralick

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Zeno Group

Jessica is a Senior Vice President and Canadian head of Corporate Affairs for Zeno Group - a global integrated communications agency. She is an award winning strategist and communicator who has helped some of the worlds biggest brands mitigate the risks of marketing including adidas... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Breakout 1

11:00am EDT

Inbox Intelligence: From Spammy to Savvy—What Actually Works in Email Marketing Today

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Your emails aren’t being ignored—they’re getting filtered, overlooked, or mistimed. This no-fluff session breaks down what truly works in email marketing today, covering deliverability, content, and automation. Expect practical strategies and real-world examples that get emails opened, clicked, and converting.

Who should attend?
Executives, Team Leaders, Digital Marketers, Managers, Social Media Managers, Communications Experts, & Community Managers

Speakers

Geoffrey Blanc

General Manager, Cyberimpact

Geoffrey Blanc brings over 18 years of digital leadership, with deep expertise in e-commerce and ERP integration. As General Manager of Cyberimpact, he now leads one of Canada’s leading email marketing platforms, trusted by thousands of organizations. Under his strategic direction... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Breakout 2

11:00am EDT

Moments Matter More

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

TikTok continues to be the go-to destination for experiencing and participating in the world’s biggest cultural moments. Learn why moments matter more on TikTok, and how brands can turn cultural events into lasting connections.

Who should attend?
Executives, Digital Marketers, Social Media Managers, Communications Experts, and Community Managers

Speakers

Kristin Izumi

Brand Partnerships, Global Business Solutions, TikTok Canada

Kristin Izumi is an award-winning brand strategist with 15 years of experience helping the world’s leading brands connect with culture through content. Her career spans nearly every industry from luxury and retail to travel and finance. Today, she helps brands make meaningful moves... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

11:00am EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

11:25am EDT

Transition

Friday April 25, 2025 11:25am - 11:35am EDT

Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Friday April 25, 2025 11:25am - 11:35am EDT
Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Transition

11:30am EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

11:35am EDT

Building a High-Impact Influencer Marketing Strategy

Friday April 25, 2025 11:35am - 12:00pm EDT

Session in Breakout 1 (250)

A practical exploration of the tactics and best practices for crafting impactful influencer campaigns, leveraging organic and paid strategies, and managing a dynamic influencer roster for sustained brand growth and engagement.

Who should attend?
Team Leaders, Digital Marketers, Communications Experts, Social Media Managers, and Community Managers

Speakers

Shawn Downey

Vice President of Sales, Embold

Shawn Downey, Vice President of Sales at Embold. Leading the charge in strategic partnerships, Shawn contributes to the platform's growth by fostering key relationships with the company’s brand and agency partners. His extensive experience in media and tech-based sales drives Embold's... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 11:35am - 12:00pm EDT
Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Breakout 1

11:35am EDT

Thriving in the Comment Section: Mastering Social Media Engagement in a Complex Atmosphere

Friday April 25, 2025 11:35am - 12:00pm EDT

Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Social media is not what it used to be. The waters have become increasingly choppy, with many comment sections devolving into arguments and bickering. But if you can ride those waves, you will find that social media engagement is the most powerful tool in your digital arsenal.

Who should attend?
Community Managers, Social Media Managers, & Team Leaders

Speakers

Jake MacDonald

Social Media Advisor, Government of Nova Scotia

When Jake MacDonald jumped from journalism to marketing, he thought social media management was something you did off the side of your desk. That all changed when he started working for Trailer Park Boys, where he managed an unruly social media following in the millions. He now works... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 11:35am - 12:00pm EDT
Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Breakout 2

11:35am EDT

Getting To Know Reddit: Right audience, right context, right impact

Friday April 25, 2025 11:35am - 12:00pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Communities and conversations to tomorrow's recommendations. How conversations drive decisions.

Who should attend?
Executives, Digital Marketers, Social Media Managers, and Community Managers

Speakers

Ian Lopez

Manager, Mid-Market Sales, Reddit Canada

Ian Lopez is a Manager of Mid Market Sales at Reddit, where he leads a team focused on driving strategic partnerships with service-based brands across Canada. With over a decade of experience at industry leaders like Reddit, TikTok, Meta, and The Score, Ian has helped companies unlock... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 11:35am - 12:00pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

12:00pm EDT

Lunch Break

Friday April 25, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Friday April 25, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Coffee/Networking

1:00pm EDT

Build Your Legacy

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm EDT

Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Now more than ever, it is crucial to continuously cultivate and strengthen your legacy. Whether as an organization or an individual, navigating a world of short attention spans, constant innovation, and existential anxiety about the future can be challenging. Being non-disposable in the era of disposability is crucial. By building your legacy you can prevent disposability and thrive.

Who should attend?
Communications Experts, Team Leaders, and Executives

Speakers

Driscoll Reid

Chief Creative Officer, Cossette

Driscoll Reid is a visionary creative leader with over twenty years of experience spanning both agency and client roles. Currently serving as Chief Creative Officer at Cossette, he has cultivated a distinguished career with key positions at Airbnb, Wieden+Kennedy in Portland and Tokyo... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm EDT
Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Breakout 1

1:00pm EDT

The Integrated Brand: Why Print and Digital Need Each Other

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm EDT

Session in Breakout 2 (118)

One screen, one page: where does the real story begin? Forget choosing sides; 2025 demands a fusion.

Who should attend?
Executives, Managers, Team Leaders, Digital Marketers, & Social Media Managers

Speakers

Jessica Brewer

Vice-President, Digital Solutions, TPH

Jessica Brewer is a leading cross-functional executive and current VP of Digital Solutions at TPH. Known for delivering the impossible, she blends creativity and compassion to drive business goals; for progress, for people, and futures worth fighting for.

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm EDT
Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Breakout 2

1:00pm EDT

Once the Ink Dries: Activating Sponsorship for Impact

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Signing a sponsorship or partnership agreement is only half the battle. In this session, we’ll talk about what happens after the ink dries. How do you transform a signed contract into a dynamic, mutually beneficial partnership? We’ll cover strategies for amplifying sponsorships and partnerships, focusing on active engagement, building long-term audience relationships, and creating value that extends beyond the paper. This talk is for anyone looking to activate their sponsorship deals into living, breathing opportunities for growth and impact, fostering creative activations that help your brand leap beyond your logo and connect with your community in a meaningful way.

Who should attend?
Managers, Executives, Team Leaders, and Communications Experts

Speakers

Nithya Ramachandran

T1, President & CSO

Nithya is President & CSO at T1, a full-stack sponsorship marketing agency, where she leads with a focus on collaboration, community impact, and strategic growth. With a passion for supporting equity-deserving communities, she advocates for people-centered leadership and champions... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

1:00pm EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

1:25pm EDT

Transition

Friday April 25, 2025 1:25pm - 1:35pm EDT

Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Friday April 25, 2025 1:25pm - 1:35pm EDT
Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Transition

1:30pm EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

1:35pm EDT

The New Rules of Marketing —Unlocking The Secret Framework That Top Brands Use to Drive Growth in an Over-Saturated World

Friday April 25, 2025 1:35pm - 2:00pm EDT

Session in Breakout 1 (250)

In 2025, the marketing landscape has changed drastically from what it was even just a few years ago. Understanding the current dynamics of online audiences, the digital platforms they spend time on, and their content consumption behaviour will arm marketers for success, in 2025 and beyond. This presentation provides an in-depth analysis on just that.

Who should attend?
Executives, Digital Marketers, Social Media Managers, Managers, and Communications Experts

Speakers

Charlie Grinnell

Co-CEO, RightMetric

Charlie Grinnell has led digital at brands like Red Bull, Aritzia, and Arc'teryx. Nowadays he's the Co-CEO of marketing research startup, RightMetric—where he helps marketers unlock growth with audience, competitor, and content insights.

Friday April 25, 2025 1:35pm - 2:00pm EDT
Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Breakout 1

1:35pm EDT

Get Real With AI

Friday April 25, 2025 1:35pm - 2:00pm EDT

Session in Breakout 2 (118)

General theme of 'Get Real With AI' is to take people through the practical steps and output of an AI project. From ideation, hypothesis, ways of working, output, and evaluation, Monks will demonstrate how to get started with AI in a real, practical, and measurable way. Take photos, ask questions, we're providing a blue print for leaders looking to commit to a real AI project.

Who should attend?
Digital Marketers, Executives, Managers, and Team Leaders

Speakers

Chris Kotyck

VP, Media, Monks

Chris recently turned the calendar on year 5 at Monks where he leads the Canadian media practice. Prior to Monks, Chris worked publisher side creating digital revenue products and solutions, and helped launch and grow several thriving digital agencies. AI is real, and he's excited... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 1:35pm - 2:00pm EDT
Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Breakout 2

1:35pm EDT

Turn Followers into Advocates Through Community-Led Marketing

Friday April 25, 2025 1:35pm - 2:00pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

The future of marketing is not just about capturing attention but owning the relationship. In this practical session, Joe Teo, CEO, and Alyssa Pulford, Community Strategist of HeyOrca, will walk you through a step-by-step guide to creating a community-led strategy. Learn how to future-proof your marketing so you’re ready for anything, from algorithm changes to platform bans.

Who should attend?
Executives, Managers, Team Leaders, Digital Marketers, Social Media Managers, Communications Experts, and Community Managers

Speakers

Alyssa Pulford

Community Strategist, HeyOrca

Alyssa Pulford started with HeyOrca back in 2021 when the community was quiet and not very engaged. In the past few years, she's grown the HeyOrca Community Facebook Group to 11,000+ members, created the HeyOrca Stans program, and curated a daily newsletter for social media managers... Read More →

Joe Teo

Chief Executive Orca, HeyOrca

Joe Teo is the CEO and co-founder of HeyOrca, a social media management platform helping teams and agencies build thriving communities. He’s also a "dad-in-training" to two young kids, navigating the beautiful chaos of business and family life in Newfoundland.

Friday April 25, 2025 1:35pm - 2:00pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

2:00pm EDT

Transition

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:10pm EDT

Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:10pm EDT
Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Transition

2:00pm EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

2:10pm EDT

Maximize Your Social Media Impact: The Power of Benchmarks

Friday April 25, 2025 2:10pm - 2:35pm EDT

Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Measuring the impact of your brand’s organic social media can be challenging. The most effective way to demonstrate success is by benchmarking against your competitors. Here’s what to focus on—and how Zavy can help.

Who should attend?
Digital Marketers, Community Managers, Communications Experts, and Social Media Managers

Speakers

Mutesi Ntazinda

Sr. Director Marketing & Strategy, Zavy

Mutesi is passionate about creating client-centric strategies that bridge the gap between products and people. She is currently leading the expansion of Zavy, a social analytics tool, into the North American market. With over a decade of experience in marketing across Pinterest, LinkedIn... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 2:10pm - 2:35pm EDT
Session in Breakout 1 (250)

Breakout 1

2:10pm EDT

From Legal Headache to Marketing Edge: Rethinking Privacy Compliance

Friday April 25, 2025 2:10pm - 2:35pm EDT

Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Let’s be honest—privacy compliance rarely makes it onto the list of “sexy” marketing strategies. But in today’s digital world, transparency isn’t just a legal checkbox—it’s a brand differentiator. With regulations like Quebec’s Law 25, Europe’s GDPR, and California’s CCPA reshaping the way we collect and manage data, organizations can no longer afford to treat compliance as an afterthought.

Who should attend?
Digital Marketers, Community Managers, Social Media Managers, Managers, & Communications Experts

Speakers

Maxime Bellemare

Account Executive, Axeptio

Maxime is Account Executive for Axeptio in Canada. With an initial background in web development, he has a strong passion for digital technologies. Over the past three years, he has focused on marketing solutions, allowing him to combine innovation, strategy, and regulatory compliance... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 2:10pm - 2:35pm EDT
Session in Breakout 2 (118)

Breakout 2

2:10pm EDT

Overcome The Scarcity Of Earned Media: Make the Most of a Great Story

Friday April 25, 2025 2:10pm - 2:35pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

This session explores the power of earned media—what it is, why it matters, and how to make it work for you. Learn how to craft impactful stories and maximize their reach using the PRAC (Public Relations Audience-Centered) Approach to connect more effectively with your audience.

Who should attend?
Executives, Managers, Team Leaders, Communications Experts, and Community Managers

Speakers

Lana Rogers

Founder, Gentle Lion Communications

Leading with signature drive and all heart, Lana Rogers has been immersed in the marketing and public relations industry for almost two decades. As the Founder of Gentle Lion Communications, Lana is known for redefining the communications model and bids farewell to formalities and... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 2:10pm - 2:35pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

2:30pm EDT

Headshots with Eyes Multimedia sponsored by DigitalRevamp

Friday April 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Headshot Lounge

Register for a free headshot from Eyes Multimedia in our headshot lounge, sponsored by DigitalRevamp.

Limited spots available.

Friday April 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Headshot Lounge

Headshot Lounge

2:35pm EDT

Networking Break sponsored by Tim Hortons

Friday April 25, 2025 2:35pm - 3:00pm EDT

Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Thanks to Tim Hortons for sponsoring our afternoon caffeine fix! Tim Hortons is a Canadian multinational fast-food restaurant known for its coffee, doughnuts, and other quick-serve items. Established in 1964, it has become a staple in Canada and has expanded globally.

Sponsors

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is a Canadian multinational fast-food restaurant known for its coffee, doughnuts, and other quick-serve items. Established in 1964, it has become a staple in Canada and has expanded globally.

Friday April 25, 2025 2:35pm - 3:00pm EDT
Keynote Hall (458), Breakout 1 (250), & Breakout 2 (118)

Coffee/Networking

3:00pm EDT

The Future of Digital Advertising: Choice and Control

Friday April 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:25pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

A panel discussion on how brands and agencies can navigate the evolving ad landscape, balancing privacy, personalization, and performance. Along with Yahoo participants can include: A brand-side marketer who’s actively investing in CTV; An agency leader who can speak to the evolving media mix

Who should attend?
Digital Marketers, Executives, and Managers

Speakers

Devon MacDonald

President, Cairns Oneil

Devon is President and CEO at Cairns Oneil, Canada’s leading independent media agency. Devon has extensive experience in the media, technology, and creative industries and uses his background to help his clients and teams achieve their ambition. In 2022 Devon was named the Media... Read More →

Ana Tomas

Senior Marketing Manager, Google

Marketing leader Ana Tomas has over a decade of experience managing top Canadian brands. Currently at Google, she helps businesses adopt AI-powered ad solutions, and previously led many of Canada’s most beloved brands at Johnson & Johnson. Passionate about education, Ana teaches... Read More →

Vince Simone

Head of DSP Sales, Yahoo Canada

Vince Simone is the Head of DSP Sales at Yahoo where he works closely with Canada's top agencies and brands, helping them achieve their marketing goals. A seasoned advertising professional with over 25 years of experience, Vince has a strong background in programmatic advertising... Read More →

Saad Uddin

CEO, Native Touch

Saad Uddin is the CEO of Native Touch, a 14 year old advertising technology firm and Candy Banners, a creative production studio. He's an active angel investor, investing in anything media or tech related. With over 15 years in the digital media space, his focus is on supporting his... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:25pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

3:25pm EDT

Understanding Consumer Intent

Friday April 25, 2025 3:25pm - 3:50pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

A Google only view on how fast consumer behavior is changing and how best to understand and capture that intent with AI.

Who should attend?
Executives, Managers, Team Leaders, and Digital Marketers

Speakers

Alyza Keshavjee

Head of Consumer Insights, Google

Meet Alyza: a team-building, strategy-shaping, insight-monetizing powerhouse. Right now, she's leading the charge at Google’s Canada Insights Team, turning consumer data into C-suite gold. With a Harvard MBA, stints at BCG and Manulife, Alyza is in the business of helping marketers... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 3:25pm - 3:50pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

3:50pm EDT

The Art & Science of Persuasion

Friday April 25, 2025 3:50pm - 4:15pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Contrary to popular belief, sales and negotiation are skills that can be learned, not innate talents reserved for a few. While many frameworks exist, the tactical skills to implement them effectively are often neglected. What do you say to open a meeting? How should you make your ask? How can you connect with people and build rapport quickly? This class aims to bridge that gap by incorporating research from psychology, behavioral economics, and influence.

Who should attend?
Team Leaders, Managers, Digital Marketers, Communications Experts, Community Managers, and Social Media Managers

Speakers

Darren Chiu

Co-founder, Captivate

Co-Founder Darren is a Strategy Lead at Google, helping brands across all industries develop best in class marketing strategies. With over 12 years of industry experience, Darren’s passion for communication doesn’t stop at the world of business and sales. In his spare time, Darren... Read More →

Ben Wise

Co-founder, Speaker, Captivate

Ben Wise is the co-founder of Captivate, helping educate on the psychology of persuasion. Beyond Captivate, he is a 15 year advertising industry veteran who has held successive sales and leadership roles at Google, where he is currently the Head of Programmatic Media. Ben is active... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 3:50pm - 4:15pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall

4:15pm EDT

Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks

Friday April 25, 2025 4:15pm - 4:25pm EDT

Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Friday April 25, 2025 4:15pm - 4:25pm EDT
Session in Keynote Hall (458)

Keynote Hall