IMAA's The Greatest Media Show

The Independent Media Agencies of Australia’s (IMAA) new-look member conference, The Greatest Media Show, educated and inspired its 300 attendees with sessions from industry leaders.

Held at Hoyts Melbourne Central more than 68 agencies, along with media partners and industry body leaders attended. The event was followed by an after party, presented by QMS, at local bar Longsong.  

Attendees were treated to a range of speakers on the day including a keynote from former AFL Women's (AFLW) player and media commentator Abbey Holmes where she was interviewed by Seven Network’s Victorian and National Independent Agency Sales Director, Peter Charles about resilience and performing at an elite level.

A CMO panel, moderated by Gravia CEO Vivienne Ryan, brought together three accomplished marketers to engage in an open conversation on the challenges and opportunities that modern marketing departments encounter.

Topics included how independent agencies can assist in streamlining marketers’ responsibilities, effective strategies for marketers dealing with tight budgets, insights into anticipated marketing trends for 2024, and the secrets to fostering enduring, mutually beneficial relationships between agencies, marketers and business owners.

Industry leaders from Commercial Radio & Audio, Boomtown, IAB, Outdoor Media Association, ThinkTV and ThinkNewsBrands, along with media partner, Val Morgan, discussed the major changes and developments in their sectors and what agencies need to know in 2024.

Sam Buchanan, IMAA CEO, said this year’s member conference hit all the high notes and offered opportunities for members to network but also take home critical insights from key speakers on the day. 

“We felt a great sense of pride at how many indies were in the room and at the calibre of speakers we had throughout the morning. The speakers were incredible, and the combination of that with our power sessions really left an energised feeling in the room,” he said. 

“Indies had a bumper year in 2023 and we expect that success to continue. Having the opportunity to deliver such a stellar line up of speakers and see our members interacting in such a dynamic environment fills me with confidence for what we will see delivered this year.” 

The good times continued well into the evening at the after-party, presented by QMS, at local bar Longsong where members were treated to drinks, canapés as well as a Q&A with Olympian, World Aquatics Champion, and Commonwealth Game Gold Medallist Cassiel Rousseau, who participated in a Q&A with QMS General Manager Independent & Direct Sales, David Pullinger

Also up for grabs on the night was the opportunity for agency members to win a QMS Out of Home campaign to the value of $50,000. 

David Pullinger, QMS general manager independent and direct sales, said the OOH company was thrilled to partner with the IMAA for the after party.

"There was such an infectious energy at Longsong and it was great to see so many independent agencies in the room sharing ideas, networking and celebrating the sector," Pullinger said.

SOURCE: AdNews