Creativity is the answer at The Third Annual AADC Talks, brought to you by oOh!media.

We live in a world with infinite questions and answers. The possibilities are endless, and one size does not fit all. Creativity is a powerful tool. It influences people, and alters behaviour. Creativity comes from anywhere, and anyone, at any time. Creativity solves the most complex of problems. It transforms and inspires, and is a vehicle for change. In a world where there are infinite questions, creativity is the answer.

One day. Wednesday 23 October.
Four venues. Each a short walk from the next.
Sixteen speakers. Local and interstate creative thought leaders.

Whether you work in a creative agency, design studio, production company, media agency or as an in-house marketer, we want to create the hunger and give you the opportunity to make the best work of your career and collectively raise the value of creativity. Join us for one talk, or don't miss a thing and come to all.

Tickets are limited and on sale now. The Third Annual AADC Talks. You don't want to miss this.

9:00–10:30
Mortlock Wing, State Library

Josh Gurgiel
Head of POLY

Obsessed with all things media and creative, Josh has a background in media planning and strategy from his time at Thinkerbell, OMD, and Carat, where he worked on campaigns for Disney and Roadshow Films. Now Head of POLY, oOh!media’s creative hub, hear Josh talk passionately about how creativity has played a major role in his career in outdoor media and beyond.

Christian Johansson
Chief Marketing Officer at BEYOND BANK

Newly appointed CMO at Beyond Bank Australia and expert in driving customer growth. Previously Head of Customer Marketing at Westpac, CMO at RAMS and GM at Telstra. CJ is an internationally experienced marketer, a loyal and passionate leader with a keen focus on promoting good mental health. A true believer in the power of creativity and how it contributes to business success.

Dena Vassallo
Founder at SOCIETY

Founder and CEO of SOCIETY, an independent female founded, owned and led marketing communications agency that has recently expanded into the U.S., Dena is a PR Leader of the Year finalist, an accomplished board member, and a female creativity advocate. Hear how Dena and the team at SOCIETY are exporting their creativity into new markets and the mindset it takes to do so.

Aaron Dunn
Founder of STORIES WE TELL

Founder of the Melbourne-based design agency ‘Stories we tell’ with 25 years of professional design experience, Aaron’s work is highly considered and finely crafted. Having delivered work both locally and internationally, Aaron will share his creative career journey as an employee, freelancer, and business owner.

11:00–12:30
Nexus Arts

Kirsty Muddle
Chief Executive Officer at DENTSU CREATIVE
& Ben Coulson
Chief Creative Officer at DENTSU CREATIVE

Kirsty is CEO of Dentsu Creative, B&T Woman of the Year, Executive of the Year and advocate for creativity, equality and diversity in the industry. Ben is CCO of Dentsu Creative, twice ranked among the top five CCO’s globally and Cannes Lion and Grand Prix winner, working on brands like Qantas, Toyota and Microsoft. Hear Kirsty and Ben talk about creativity as a vehicle for change, with ideas powerful enough to influence people and change behaviour

Amber Martin
20+ years in global agencies now Co-Founder of HYPNOSIS

Co-Founder of Hypnosis in Perth, Amber is a strategic and creative thinker with extensive comms and marketing experience. After 15 years of working across the globe in agencies like Wieden+Kennedy and clients like Nike, Heineken and EA Sports, Amber returned home to launch her own agency. Bringing a unique global perspective to the market, alongside some fresh thinking on how an agency can be run. While the brands she's helped shape are big her ego is not. It’s people like her that give advertising a good name - smart, fun and great at her job. Hear what she has learned along the way.

Gavin Sommer
General Manager of AFFINITY

Senior Client and Team Leader in some of Sydney’s top agencies with 25+ years of experience in advisory, brand strategy, CX, data and technology, Gavin’s been previously appointed at Accenture Song, Spark44, Agence de Parfum, Cummins & partners and DDB, Gavin has trained in perfume creation in Grasse, France, worked in perfume marketing and distribution. He’s a strong believer in creativity and its potential as a vehicle for sustainable growth and change.

Conan Green
Digital Content Specialist at PIXELD

An Executive Creative Director with experience across continents, Conan is one of CreativePool's Top 100 Global Creative Leaders and the recipient of a Lifetime Grand Prix Effie for Creative Effectiveness. Hear how a 20 year working relationship with creativity, taught him a single rule for working in advertising

1:30–3:00
Trinity Church

Chiquita King
Founder and Managing Director of COCOGUN

Co-Founder and MD of Sydney-based agency Cocogun, and Women in Media Entrepreneur of the Year, CK delivers bold, purpose-driven creativity that puts people first. She will talk, with a rare transparency, about her journey through some of the world's best independent and network agencies. Her reflections on a career in creativity - the ups, the downs, and the in-betweens - are equal parts surprising, sobering, and contagiously inspiring.

Justin Astbury
Audio Specialist at ASTBURY AUDIO

A highly respected post-production engineer and composer. He began as an apprentice to Street Remley in the ’90s, working with NWS9, Oasispost, and more before launching Astbury Audio and Syndicate Sound. Justin’s reputation spans the southern hemisphere, having worked on projects like Wolf Creek, Mystery Road: Origin, and with brands such as DC, Universal Pictures, and AFL. In this ever-changing landscape there are so many ways to export creativity, sometimes it’s right in front of you!

James Burnett
Chief Executive Officer of CASTRA BRANDS

CEO of Castra Brands, an FMCG wellness startup, and previously CMO at Neds, Compare the Market, and Ladbrokes, James is a commercially-focused and results-driven executive who knows how to grow a business. Hear James speak about how creativity can be a problem solver in the digital, sales, and content space.

Amber Bonney
Founder of THE EDISON AGENCY and Host of BIG BITE

Founder of The Edison Agency and host of the Big Bite and Semi Precious podcasts, Amber is one of Australia’s leading brand experts and industry advocates. She has collaborated with some of the most influential brands in the world, shaping not only the visual landscape of these brands but also the narrative of the design industry. Amber will speak about harnessing creativity as the ultimate problem-solving tool

3:15–4:45
West Oak Hotel
Networking & drinks from 4:45

Liz Harper
Director Agency Partnerships at SPRINGBOARD.AI

Director of Agency Partnerships at Springboard.ai, a new, Aussie-born, AI-powered startup made by creatives, for creative thinkers. Liz spent 15 years in award-winning creative agencies across the US, London, and Sydney, followed by five years at Meta, leading Creative Agency partnerships. Liz will share how Creative Humans + AI, in collaboration, can add significant value to businesses and brands.

Tim Pearce
Chief Executive Officer at FRAME

CEO of Frame Creative and Director of The Wolf Gang, Tim is a brand and digital strategist, but now spends more time consulting and coaching, helping people achieve their best in environments that nurture them and allow them to shine. Hear how the Pacific Ocean was no barrier to an Adelaide company opening an office in LA and what it takes to succeed in an overseas market.

Matty Graham
20+ years in agencies, musician & Co-Founder of BOWLO BEER

A client business leader and entrepreneur from Sydney, Matty has worked with an enviable list of blue-chip brands at both network and independent creative agencies. He built and launched his own beer brand from scratch: Bowlo Draught, a beer specifically created to support the great neighbourhood bowling clubs of Australia. Hear how Matty merges creativity with business acumen, all while supporting local communities.

Phillip Boyle
Executive General Manager Customer, Sales and Marketing of SEALINK MARINE & TOURISM

25+ years experience in marketing, branding, CX, communications, public relations and public policy in ASX-listed, private, and public sectors across Australia and in the United Kingdom. Phillip will talk about his experience and using creativity to solve problems across diverse industries including tourism, transport, insurance and finance, education, health and safety, NFP, federal, state and local government sectors.

Individual Talks

AADC Members — $50
Non-Members — $65

All Talks

If you're having a hard time deciding what talk to attend—we get it. Make life easier and grab an "All Talks" ticket. It's the best value (4 talks for the price of 3), the most fun and the easiest way to make new connections and catch-up with old ones while walking from each venue.

AADC Members — $159
Non-Members — $195

Become an AADC member and invest into a community that invests in you.

Our members range from seniors who have been part of the industry for years, to students who are just getting started. All members enjoy discounted tickets to a range of events and programs throughout the year —including The Third Annual AADC Talks— alongside invitations to member-only events and more.

The AADC is a not-for-profit organisation fuelled by the generosity of our members, sponsors and volunteers. By becoming a member, you're helping the AADC deliver our ambitious annual agenda each year.

Individual membership is only $50 and is valid for 12 months from purchase. Find out more about AADC membership and join the Club.