Festival of Creative Operations 2024

First Sessions Announced:

We are busy developing an exciting agenda for Festival of Creative Operations 2024 so keep your eyes peeled for details. Register for the event to be the first to hear about new sessions and speakers! In the meantime, check out the first few sessions confirmed:

 

Embracing AI in Creative Workflows at IKEA

Anders Printz, Photo, Motion and Post Production Manager, IKEA shares how IKEA is integrating AI into its creative workflows. This session spotlights IKEA’s innovative approaches to photography, motion design, 3D modelling, and post-production.

Key takeaways include:

• Inspiring case studies showcasing AI-driven projects that have significantly boosted efficiency and enhanced creative output
• Insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise when transforming traditional creative processes with AI
• How AI is revolutionizing visual storytelling and democratizing creativity for the future

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of technology and creativity at IKEA.

Leading Through Change

In the dynamic world of Creative Operations, change is a constant reality.

Whether it is adapting to new tools, workflows, organizational restructuring, or market shifts, successfully navigating these transitions is essential for maintaining team productivity, morale, and effectiveness.

Jilanna Wilson, the Head of Creative Operations at Adobe Frame.io, will share her hard-won insights and strategies for leading Creative Operations teams through periods of significant change. Drawing on her extensive experience guiding her own teams through complex transformations, Jilanna will provide a practical playbook for creative leaders on how to:

• Communicate change initiatives in a way that builds trust and buy-in from your team
• Identify and address the human factors that can make or break a change effort
• Establish a culture of adaptability and resilience to weather ongoing industry shifts
• Empower your team to be active participants in the change process rather than passive recipients
• Maintain productivity, quality, and morale even as the ground shifts beneath your feet

Whether you are spearheading a major software transition, adjusting to a reorganization, or simply trying to keep pace with the accelerating rate of change, this session will equip you with the mindsets and methods to lead your Creative Operations team with confidence and success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an experienced practitioner on the front lines of guiding teams through challenging, but ultimately growth-driving transformation.

The Power of Provocations and Breaking Siloes

For nearly 30 years, AKQA has championed the importance of brand experiences for industry giants, including Nike, Porsche, and Richmond Group.

Chris Marsh, Experience Design Director at AKQA Berlin, highlights the impressive impact of unifying teams around a single core thought. A thought that permeates throughout everything a brand should look, say, do, and feel.

Practical advice on how to achieving the same success.as ‘The Thought’ has already delivered – many times..

Compelling stories and actionable tips on creating a safe environment that fosters a culture of failing fast, breaking down silos, and leveraging provocations to deliver extraordinary outcomes for clients.

Often, the most powerful work doesn’t begin with a brief but with a single, provocative question that sparks creativity and engagement...

Key issues include:

• Navigating the challenges of being a multi-studio team—messy Miros are a secret weapon!
• Holding up the mirror: candidly telling clients what their customers really think.
• Using social listening to stay connected and inspired.
• Identifying a core idea and pushing its boundaries.
• Provoking, stimulating, and provoking some more.

Building A Portfolio of Talent

There’s a creative adage that you should never stop working on your portfolio.

In this session, Kevin Frank compares the process of building on a portfolio of ads to building a portfolio of people. And why you should never stop working on it.

Kevin draws parallels between curating standout projects and cultivating a dynamic team, emphasizing why the process of finding, developing, and nurturing talent should be ongoing and ever-evolving.

Kevin Frank, Creative Leader / Author

Panel Session:

Future-Proofing Your Studio Operations in a Changing World

In an era of rapid change, adaptability is crucial for success.  

This panel explores innovative approaches to fortify your studio operations, from leveraging cutting-edge technologies to streamlining workflows and fostering robust relationships with both internal teams and external collaborators.

• Proven strategies for future-proofing studio operations
• Tactical planning techniques for the next 6-12 months
• Approaches to build resilience against unforeseen challenges

Come prepared with your questions and be ready to take notes during this dynamic and informative session. Ensure your studio remains agile, efficient, and primed for success in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Moderator: Colleen Moore, Senior Studio Manager, Stitch & Co