Announcing Our Initial #SMWNYC 2021 Agenda!

Our preliminary agenda for the thirteenth edition of Social Media Week New York (May 4-7, 2021) is live, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with you!

Featuring insight from professionals with Snap, TikTok, Peloton, LEGO and many more, consider this your first look at our curated lineup of speakers and sessions dedicated to unlocking the power of “Reinvention,” our 2021 global theme.

Secure Your Pass Today and Save Up to $360!

Building meaningful connections, brands and businesses in an era of disruption

Love it or Leave it: How Red Antler Builds Brands that Matter

What does it actually mean to be a disruptor in our industry today? Why are great ideas. a massive social following, or better prices no longer differenatiors for success? In this session, Emily Heyward Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Red Antler, will present a new image of brand, the role it plays in driving social media strategy, and the principles today will create obsession in 2021 and beyond.

The Great Reset: Building Meaningful Connections in a Disjointed Media Landscape

About half of U.S. adults (53%) say they get news from social media “often” or “sometimes,” and this use is spread out across a number of different sites, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey conducted Aug. 31-Sept. 7, 2020. In this session hear from Nadja Bellan-White, Global Chief Marketing Officer at VICE Media will unpack how to navigate social media’s evolving role in the news cycle and modern journalism, what the future holds for media brands, and how marketers can prepare.

The Reinvention of You: How to Grow in an Age of Data-Driven Storytelling

We live today in a date-driven age with many marketing functions being augmented and often replaced by algorithms and automation. To succeed, we need to prioritize what we add to the machine. This is what will actually add value to us, our companies, and to society. Otherwise, we risk losing the plot by forgetting the human, the culture, and the storytelling. Hear from Rishad Tobaccowala, author of Restoring the Soul of Business and former Chief Growth Officer at Publicis as he tackles this theme through the lens of the four P’s: perspective, provocation. point of view, and plan of action.

Navigating the creator economy, the AR revolution and the rise of TikTok

Newcomers Versus Incumbents: Defining Success on TikTok in 2021 and Beyond

TikTok was the most downloaded app of 2020 and is on track to surpass 1.2 billion active users this year. What do newcomers need to know as they establish and how can established brands continue to grow their audiences? Why will TikTok’s rise in entertainment only the beginning of a long-term journey? Join Nick Tran, Global Head of Marketing as he explores these answers and more.

The Augmented Reality Revolution: A Guided Tour by Snap

Snapchat’s daily active users topped 265 million in Q4 2020, an increase of 47 million, or 22%, year-over-year. Guided by Snap’s Chief Business Officer Jeremi Gorman, join this session to explore the inspiring, immersive world of AR, from the voices of experts. Experience a 360-degree view of the opportunity, the technology, the business, and the big future ahead learn how we as marketers can prepare not only for the emerging technologies but the global shifts that are paving a path for a world of immersive, digital experiences?

The Future of the Creator Economy is Measured in Minutes

More than 50 million people now considered “creators.” How does personalization scale in a crowded landscape and how can this shape our social media marketing mix? Join Cameo’s Chief Executive Officer, Steven Galanis, in a fireside chat as he shares how the platform is capitalizing on this community, how it fits into entertainers’ business and brand strategy, how co-creation is altering the fabric of the creator economy, and how minutes can translate to long-term value.

Academies: Empathy, Agility and Creativity Re-Invented

How Facebook is Building an Empathetic Future through AR/VR

Keeping empathy and consumer value top of mind in an “always-on” augmented world laden with emerging technologies is more important than ever. How can marketers best find a balance in a mixed reality future? Join Instagram‘s Global Creative Lead of Augmented Reality Elizabeth Valleau for a deep dive into what‘s new, what’s next and how to keep our empathy muscles in top shape.

How LEGO Maintains Creative Inspiration in a World of Digital Reinvention

With digital channels in a constant state of flux – with the rise of new platforms like TikTok and new communities like Clubhouse — how can brands organize their creative thoughts and inspirations so they are not lost and can be actioned? In this session, James Gregson, Digital Creative Director for LEGO, offers helpful tips and tricks for staying creatively curious, the sources of his creative inspiration and how he goes about gaining inspiration from all areas of the web.

Empathy and Agility: Leading with a Digital Marketing Mindset

2020 proved that if brands can address their customers’ needs in ways that meet their expectations with speed, then they will have earned their customers’ business going forward. In this session, hear from Tatiana Urriaga, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Peloton as she shares valuable tips for empowering your team to navigate change, the role of digital marketing in enhancing your company’s ability to remain nimble, and more.

Adapting to Change at Scale with Google Social Lab

To cut through the noise and respond to societal issues and shifting consumer behaviors and interests in real-time, flexibility and relevance are table stakes. In this session, Head of the Social Lab at Google, Santi Pochat, unpacks the mental models and strategies required for active listening that will deliver insights that inform encompassing solutions in both the short and long-term.

Why Livestreaming is the Future of Shopping in America

Livestream shopping has taken China by storm and its growth shows no signs of slowing. U.S. brands are joining the phenomenon in a bid to woo consumers through unparalled experiences including engaging video elements, creators, and limited product drops. In this session, hear from NTWRK President Moksha Fitzgibbons for fresh insights into where the trend is heading and how to leverage consumer trend to deliver a successful, digitally-driven business model. 

How it Started, How it’s Going: Social Creativity Reinvented for the “New Normal”

The meaning of social creativity changed drastically over the past year forcing brands to ideate, iterate, and test their organic content and branded content — but where do brands and businesses turn to next? What defines successful creative in today’s environment? Join David Levin and David Schneider, founders of top UK social agency That Lot, for an actionable dialogue around post-2020 social creative and the techniques you need to prioritize.

Reinventing Data: From Spreadsheet to Edge-of-Your-Seat Page Turner

Think there is no connection between the methods of a detective from the 1800’s and your next data-driven digital marketing campaign? Think again. In this Academy session, Holland Martini, Chief Insights Officer and Maria Vorovich, Chief Strategy Officer at GOODQUES explore the reinvention of data through the lens of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes to show that big data can be sexy and fun and it isn’t all cumbersome and tedious.