The 2016 Interactive Minds Digital Summit Was Essential

The digital landscape moves more quickly than perhaps any other industry. For digital marketers (and the brands they support) to not only keep up, but stay ahead, events like the 2016 Interactive Minds Digital Summit are essential.

The event was packed with big names and local innovators who each brought solid, research-based information and inspiration. Everyone involved is now better equipped to help their companies navigate the digital sphere and create meaningful connections between brands and consumers.

A Breakdown of the Day

5 Digital Trends that Will Change Your Marketing

Travis Bernard, Director of Audience Development, TechCrunch (USA)

@travisbernard

• Bernard outlined these five trends coming out of Silicon Valley.
• He also stressed the importance of the use of Data & Number as a base for task management .

Unlocking the Power of Your Brand to Create Focus

Col Kennedy, Global Head of Marketing and E-Commerce, Cotton On Group

@kenobii

• Kennedy steered attendees away from short term digital marketing and toward long term strategies.
• There is a difference between focus and activity.
• Converting communities to fan bases is essential.

Rethinking User Behavior: Competing Pressures, Identities, and Our Automated, Curated World

Matt Wallaert, Behavioural Scientist, Microsoft (USA)

@mattwallaert

• Wallaert covered how human psychology affects product and business design.
• The important connection between our desire for both uniqueness and connectedness.
• The issues with automation and curation in marketing and where to put your effort.

Lessons that Marketers can Learn from Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns

Alan Crabbe, Co-Founder and Director, Pozible

@Pozible

• Crabbe spoke on why perception is critical for gaining (and sustaining) momentum
• Also noted the importance of “rallying customers behind a cause”

Getting Results from Brand Storytelling Presented by Fairfax Media

Simon Smith, Managing Director MADE, Fairfax Media, @FairfaxMedia

Joanne Woo, Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs, GE, @joanne_woo

Each presenter spoke on:

• Their approach to storytelling, beyond traditional content
• How their approach is different to others
• What they are doing
• ROI and Measurement (METHODS)
• Top 3 pieces of advice for brand storytelling

SEO: A Job for the Whole Team

Alistair Lattimore, Director, ANZ SEO, Expedia

@alattimore

• The importance of a team-wide approach to SEO
• Use business networks as competitive advantage.
• Specific tips for entire team to meet broader SEO goal.

In short, don’t miss next year’s event. It could be the difference between scaling your business and plateauing!