Inspiration: Changemakers Conference 2025 | New York
New York
9:30am to 1:00pm // 9 October 2025
Register now
The Marketing Society New York annual Changemakers Conference is back this year at Adverting Week New York, with thanks to our Headline Partner, System1.
As part of our series of conferences hosted in 6 countries over 6 weeks, Changemakers: Challenge delivers inspirational stories that will challenge your thinking from leaders both inside and outside of our industry while being in the company of our brilliant community.
CHANGEMAKERS: CHALLENGE
A call to action for marketers to not only adapt, but to lead and drive the change that is needed in today's world. As marketers, we are in a unique position to inspire transformation, disrupt the status quo, and create lasting positive change across industries and communities. We don't just sell products; we shape perceptions, challenge conventions, and spark movements.
At this Conference, we’ll dive deep into the stories of those who have answered the challenge to change – the trailblazers who have turned adversity into opportunity and vision into impact. Our speakers will bring you fresh insights and innovative solutions on how marketers can be at the forefront of societal shifts, not just by responding to change but by being the ones who create it.
Join us for empowering sessions that will push you to think differently, act boldly, and harness your potential as a changemaker. From redefining purpose-driven marketing and championing sustainability to leading with authenticity and driving digital transformation, each speaker will offer invaluable lessons on how you can be a catalyst for positive change in your organization and beyond.
This is not just a conference – it’s a challenge. A challenge to think bigger, act braver, and make a measurable impact in everything we do.
The Speakers
Jo Shoesmith
Andrea Gilman
Venue
Advertising Week New YorkTHE PENN DISTRICT, 100 W. 33rd St.
United States
Date
9 October 2025Dress Code
Smart CasualFULL AGENDA
Uncomfortable Conversation. Is the CMO Dead? Rethinking Relevance in the Age of Disruption
In an era of rapid transformation, where data, technology, and customer experience dominate the boardroom, the traditional role of the Chief Marketing Officer is under scrutiny. Is the CMO still the strategic powerhouse of brand and growth—or has the role been expanded, fragmented, absorbed, or rendered obsolete by evolving business needs? Join us for a candid, and possibly uncomfortable, conversation with industry leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Expect sharp insights, bold opinions, and a reimagining of what leadership in marketing truly looks like.
Seeing Gen Z: Closing the gap between visibility and authenticity
Gen Z is the most visible generation in advertising today, appearing in 93% of U.S. ads and 78% of U.K. ads. But despite their presence on screen, their stories often lack depth and relevance. Current portrayals focus heavily on friendship, family, and sport, while critical topics like mental health, self-image, and financial pressure are rarely shown. This is not a case of underrepresentation, but of misrepresentation. This guide explores the disconnect between perception and reality and offers actionable tools to help marketers create more accurate, resonant, and results-driven Gen Z storytelling.
Speakers:
- Jo Shoesmith, VP Global Chief Creative Officer at Amazon
- Jon Evans, Chief Customer Officer, System1 Group
I am Different
An open and honest conversation that pushes past surface-level inclusion and explores how we can truly shift narratives when we question what we show, how we show it and who gets to tell the story. Working together on Amazon Prime’s series ‘On Call’, actor Rich Ting and showrunner Tim Walsh will share their story around the power of conscious relationships and how the care and attention to authenticity can also drive engagement. It’s about making representation real, nuanced, and impactful and will challenge the audience to rethink how they approach representation in campaigns, partnerships, and brand narratives.
Speakers:
- Tim Walsh, Showrunner
- Rich Ting, Actor
- Tim Wang, Founder, TDW+Co
Improvisational Agility for Changemakers
In a world where marketers must respond to impossible deadlines, shifting trends, and constant disruption, challenge is the new normal, and improvisers are experts at thriving in the unknown. In this interactive keynote from Second City Works, we’ll explore how the foundational skills of improvisation can empower creative professionals to meet challenge not with resistance, but with readiness.
More coming soon...
BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW
MEMBER
This event is complimentary as part of your membership. Please make sure you're logged in and then click on Book your ticket at the top of the page.
Once you book your space, details on how to redeem your pass for Advertising Week New York 2025 will be sent.
INVITED
We welcome you to join our event if you have received an invitation by The Marketing Society Board Members or Speakers. The link to register for your free Advertising Week New York pass will be in your invitation.
NON-MEMBERS
Our events are designed for our members as an opportunity to learn, be inspired and to meet and connect with like-minded individuals across the marketing landscape. If you are interested in joining us for this event, you can register your interest at the top of the page and a member of the team will be in touch.
WHY JOIN US
Be inspired by challenging stories from changemakers. Leaving with fresh perspectives and ideas to drive change, challenge the status quo and spark action.
The opportunity to pause and connect with likeminded marketers, exchanging personal challenges, experiences and expertise.
Gain access to all in-person and virtual sessions at Advertising Week, an invitation to the official wrap party and a 6-Month Advertising Week Membership, plus more.
Headline Partner
