Agenda

A big YMS welcome from Pion. Discover the vision for YMS and the importance of Gen Z and Gen Alpha as our future customers, our future employees and our future leaders.

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As the older cohort of Gen Zs approaches their 30s - what does a youth audience look like in 2025? In this session, Pion uncovers the transition to a new wave of 16-24s and the tools you need to unlock the values and purchasing power of this digitally fluent hybrid generation.

Get ready for a high-energy introduction to Gen Zalpha - the in-betweeners that are shaping trends and culture right now. With exclusive insights from Pion’s 2025 Youth Trends Report, it’s not just data; it’s a roadmap for your business in finance, retail, beauty and more.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for culture to feel manufactured. The ability to predict and harness cultural trends is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s a necessity for brands looking to remain relevant.

In this panel, we’ll bring together top-tier cultural marketers who have found out the secret sauce to using proactive approaches in identifying and acting on emerging trends before they even become a reality. We’ll discuss the tools and resources that can maximize marketing strategies, how to find the right creators for bespoke campaigns, and what data insights can help predict the beginning of the “cultural bell curve”, rather than trying to chase the moment.

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dcdx takes us on a never-before seen journey through the platforms, the digital habits and the behaviors of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, through the largest mobile screen time study ever performed.

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What to expect:

- The top 10 apps Gen Z'ers are using, with YoY change, with age and gender differences

- The newest and hottest digital channels and platforms Gen Z'ers are spending time in 2025

- Boom and bust categories, from AI tools to dating apps to gaming, streaming and more

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Grab a coffee, chat to fellow delegates and meet the industry in our exhibition hall.

In an era where authenticity reigns supreme, a new influencer has taken center stage—the podfluencer. According to Spotify's latest Trends Tour, 63% of listeners trust their favorite podcast hosts more than traditional social media influencers. For Gen Z, the appeal is even stronger: 55% prefer the content they hear on podcasts over what they see on social media when following the same creator.This shift presents an unparalleled opportunity for brands to connect with Gen Z on a more personal and impactful level.

This session hosted by Jenny Haggard, Global Thought Leadership Lead at Spotify, will delve into the rise of podfluencers, uncovering how brands can tap into this burgeoning platform to foster genuine relationships, amplify their message, and resonate with the next generation of consumers.

Unlock the secrets to connecting with young audiences in ways that truly matter. In this unmissable conversation, we’re bringing together Troy Armour, the founder of Junk Kouture which is the world’s largest platform empowering creative teens through sustainable fashion, and 21-year-old author Caterina Mendez, a rising voice making life’s toughest lessons accessible for youth. Together, they’ll tackle big topics—like self-worth, self-acceptance, and the priceless elements that shape loyalty.

Expect a deep dive into what it takes to ignite generational change, not only to gain a competitive edge but to transform lives through real impact. Whether you're a brand leader or marketer, this talk promises to leave you inspired, equipped with actionable insights, and ready to make a lasting difference. Join us and discover how brands can be more than logos—they can be forces of change.

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Live music is where young people celebrate and express themselves, inspiring more and more brands to invest in the category. While festivals are a popular solution for live-music marketing, independent venues like Elsewhere — Brooklyn’s “multi-stage Gen Z paradise” — offer a unique alternative to capture the playfulness and discovery of a festival with year-round regularity.

Join us for a panel moderated by Elsewhere’s Ben Weiss to learn how three different brands are winning hearts, minds and wallets by elevating the independent music experience for young creatives in the greatest city on Earth.

Shayna Macklin, Director, Brand Strategy, Social Commerce + Social Media at Playboy joins us for a fireside chat to share the story behind the revolution happening at one of the world’s most iconic heritage brands. From bringing culture and the topics younger people care about into the heart of the strategy to acknowledging the shift in trends towards representation, diversity and cultural influence, things are changing.

Hear how the team is embracing a change in marketing strategy to showcase the impact of creator programs, original content series and the strategic partnerships that are turning this brand around.

Join Eni Shabani, Founder of Rising Ballers and Rawan Eewshah, Senior Director of Social Media at the MLS for a fireside chat into engaging the next generation of sports fans. They will delve into how understanding platforms, trends and culture have helped drive the growth of soccer in the US and turn MLS from a league into a cultural phenomenon. By embracing a young, digital-native audience, discover how the league is creating a winning formula for both fans and brands alike.

More info coming soon!

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Rise at Seven's Carrie Rose shares her wisdom on all things social and search. More coming soon!

Hear from our panel of brands at the forefront of helping build and sustain brand relevance, while driving engagement for social good. We’re thrilled to be joined by the masterminds behind social strategy at Oatly, Sesame Workshop and The Washington Post’s in-house brand studio, WP Creative Group, who will delve into what it’s really like to be a unique voice on social media and how they navigate tone of voice, audience engagement, superfans, real-time interactions, and social listening to create content that supports both their brand and mission.

Why we’re excited:

- At Oatly, Paula Perez sees her community focused role as the go between grassroots on the ground and the boardroom. She’s passionate about activism, listening to consumers via social media and creating a strong outbound commenting strategy.

- Dennis Quinn at The Washington Post’s WP Creative Group will delve into how journalism is evolving to engage youth audiences, where social media and influencer strategy fits in and working with advertisers to reach new audiences.

- At Sesame Workshop, Christina Vittas brings the fun and cultural relevance of this beloved brand and shares research-based resources to help the next generation – all while channeling everyone’s favorite 3.5-year-old red, furry monster, Elmo.

Join our panel of experts to discover how new technology is reaching and engaging college students and how it can revolutionize your brand’s visibility on campus. From food delivery robot advertising to out of home innovations, explore how to amplify your college marketing strategy and which strategies are winning.

Join us for an interactive session with a panel of candid young individuals from Gen Zalpha. This live session offers a unique opportunity to seek the unfiltered opinions of young people on a wide range of topics. Get ready to put them in the spotlight as they share their perspectives on everything from technology and social media to education and their hopes and fears for the future. Don't miss this chance to connect with the voices of the next generation. The floor is yours!