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2024 has been a whirlwind year of changes and challenges. WFA strategic partners, Creative Equals, share four key cultural opportunities for brands to strategically disrupt categories, create engaging, authentic and inclusive creative work in 2025.
In this 60-minute session in partnership with Creative Equals we look back on an eventful year for brands and what it means for inclusive marketing.
I’ve fumbled two big opportunities to get rich quick. The first was when I wrote a feature for the Guardian about Bitcoin when it cost a mere $32 and I DIDN’T BUY ANY. The second was in 2016 when I launched a satirical website called Rent-a-Minority. My “Uber for diversity” let companies hire a minority on-demand when they needed to look inclusive. It was a commentary on superficial corporate DEI efforts. Reader, I got genuine enquiries from big businesses about my service. I could have made tons of money if I’d turned my joke service into a real one.
Keen to avoid the gaze of the manufactured outrage machine, marketers have been timid about investing in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the past year. Kantar’s research, and that of our partners, however, indicates brand inclusion and fairness inside and outside businesses are the keys to brand growth. There is a strategic imperative to put inclusion back at the core of their brands.
The WFA team is constantly working with members to share best practice and smart ways for marketing to make a bigger impact.
The Geena Davis Institute published a new report during Cannes Lions 2024 which looked at on-screen representation in Cannes Lions Film and Film Craft winning and shortlisted work from 2006 to 2023.
The industry-led coalition convened by UN Women published a new study during Cannes Lions 2024 which looks at how consistent and progressive advertising can drive sales and growth.
New WFA research shows that measurement, targets and identifying diverse suppliers are key barriers to implementing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives in content production. A new WFA playbook offers best practice and brand examples for marketers looking to take action.
Something is happening in our industry that is deeply worrying. Many companies are taking a step back from their public positions on DEI and sustainability.
This case study was originally published in the WFA DEI in Content Production guide (June 2024)
The UK data consultancy presented a new study at Creative Equals’ 2024 RISE conference which looked at how DEI is a significant contributor to companies’ overall Glassdoor score.
Few external forces are more influential to human behaviour than culture, which makes cracking the culture code critical for marketers. With culture driving consumption & ushering brands' futures, Dr. Marcus Collins his presentation is a must see.
40% of companies have not yet deployed AI, underscoring a dramatic gap between hype and use. 2024 will be the year of overcoming barriers of entry to AI; including the skills gap, data complexity and, crucially, trust. Jonathan shares on how marketers and communicators can move to build trust in technology and help companies get out of the AI sandbox.
Uncertainty and volatility are on the rise, whilst globalization is perceived to be in retreat. Yet marketers, no matter where they’re based in the world, face a very similar set of challenges. And that creates opportunities.
The CMO brief has never been so complex. Against a backdrop of polarised politics, a 24/7 newsreel and endless changes in consumer habits and technology, CMOs are tasked to drive business growth through purposeful and inclusive brands that appeal to new, more diverse audiences. Has CMO become the impossible job? The host of the Better Marketing podcast, David Wheldon, asks practising CMOs and an AI infused version of marketing guru Mark Ritson.
The industry-led coalition convened by UN Women published the third iteration of its report examining the progress of DEI across the global advertising industry in 2023, including an assessment of progress within workplaces, advertising content and consumer sentiment.
Unilever launched at Cannes Lions 2023 an open-source guide for brands and influencers designed to eliminate stereotypes from influencer brand content.
The industry-led coalition convened by UN Women launched "Say Nothing, Change Nothing" at Cannes Lions 2023, a global campaign to build awareness around harmful stereotypes and more specifically bystander behaviour in society. It also aims to provide guidance and resources to enable people to proactively take action against harmful stereotypes.
Marketing professionals can share their workplace experiences until 30 April
Survey runs globally with support of world’s biggest industry associations
Marketing professionals to share their workplace experiences by filling in anonymous, 15-minute survey
Survey to run globally with support of world’s biggest industry associations
The Global DEI Census 2023 – which will investigate the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the marketing industry – is due to go live around the world on 15 March at https://wfanet.org/census in 34 markets. Here is what you need to know about its objectives and how to get involved.