Agenda 2025
Here's your run down for October 22nd - check out the sessions and plan your day
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Kick off YMS with a flat white and homemade cinnamon bun before sessions begin. This is your chance to map out your not-to-be-missed sessions, the delegates you must connect with and the exhibitors who could help enhance your killer youth marketing strategy.
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Kick off YMS with a flat white and homemade cinnamon bun before sessions begin. This is your chance to map out your not-to-be-missed sessions, the delegates you must connect with and the exhibitors who could help enhance your killer youth marketing strategy.
Kick off YMS with a flat white and homemade cinnamon bun before sessions begin. This is your chance to map out your not-to-be-missed sessions, the delegates you must connect with and the exhibitors who could help enhance your killer youth marketing strategy.
Love vs spend: Cracking the Gen Zalpha brand code with the PION100
Step into the future with the PION100 — a spotlight on the brands capturing the hearts, minds, and wallets of Gen Zalpha. This isn’t just a list; it’s a deep dive into the 100 most influential brands shaping youth culture today.
Love vs spend: Cracking the Gen Zalpha brand code with the PION100
Step into the future with the PION100 — a spotlight on the brands capturing the hearts, minds, and wallets of Gen Zalpha. This isn’t just a list; it’s a deep dive into the 100 most influential brands shaping youth culture today.
Step into the future with the PION100 — a spotlight on the brands capturing the hearts, minds, and wallets of Gen Zalpha. This isn’t just a list; it’s a deep dive into the 100 most influential brands shaping youth culture today.
Backed by fresh insights from Pion’s latest PION100 study, this session reveals what young people say they love versus what they actually spend on. Discover the emotional drivers, spending patterns, and brand behaviours that marketers need to know to stay relevant with the next generation.
From media to merch: Overtime’s brand expansion into retail
Overtime’s apparel business has exploded and we're joined by CEO Dan Porter for a fireside chat on the strategy behind expanding a media brand into one of the most successful sports ecommerce businesses.
From media to merch: Overtime’s brand expansion into retail
Overtime’s apparel business has exploded and we're joined by CEO Dan Porter for a fireside chat on the strategy behind expanding a media brand into one of the most successful sports ecommerce businesses.
Overtime’s apparel business has exploded. We’re excited to be joined by Dan Porter, Overtime’s CEO for a fireside chat on the strategy behind expanding a media brand into one of the most successful sports ecommerce businesses. From content and community to TikTok Shop, merch drops and brand partnerships, discover the technology and creativity leveraged to create a successful DTC strategy.
Predicting the Global Culture Curve
The ability to predict and harness cultural trends is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s a necessity for brands looking to remain relevant. 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.
Predicting the Global Culture Curve
The ability to predict and harness cultural trends is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s a necessity for brands looking to remain relevant. 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.
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.
The Gen Z Playbook: Strategic Tech Partnerships for a New Generation
Awin reveals how strategic tech partnerships – going beyond basic influencer deals – unlock explosive growth with this influential generation.
The Gen Z Playbook: Strategic Tech Partnerships for a New Generation
Awin reveals how strategic tech partnerships – going beyond basic influencer deals – unlock explosive growth with this influential generation.
Gen Z's digital expectations demand more than traditional marketing. This session reveals how strategic tech partnerships – going beyond basic influencer deals – unlock explosive growth with this influential generation. Discover how Awin empowers brands with cutting-edge tech solutions like the AI-driven Help Me Choose to personalize the customer journey and Contester, a platform maximizing influencer impact through video & livestream, ultimately driving measurable business results. We'll showcase real-world examples of successful Gen Z campaigns powered by Awin.
Key takeaways for marketers:
- Mastering Gen Z Engagement Through Tech: Learn how to leverage strategic tech partnerships to create personalized, seamless, and engaging experiences that resonate with Gen Z's digital behaviors and preferences.
- Awin's Solution for Gen Z Marketing: Discover how Awin's platform and partner ecosystem connect brands with innovative technologies like Help Me Choose AI and Contester to drive successful Gen Z campaigns.
- Measuring Gen Z Partnership ROI: Learn how to track and analyse the effectiveness of your Gen Z partnerships facilitated through Awin, demonstrating their impact on key business metrics like sales, brand awareness, and customer acquisition.
The Transition to Zalpha and What that Means for Retail Brands
Our panel discuss how brands are addressing the changing online shopping habits of Gen Zalpha. This is your not to miss session on all things loyalty, optimisation and the challenges and opportunities for retail and ecomm marketers.
The Transition to Zalpha and What that Means for Retail Brands
Our panel discuss how brands are addressing the changing online shopping habits of Gen Zalpha. This is your not to miss session on all things loyalty, optimisation and the challenges and opportunities for retail and ecomm marketers.
Our panel discuss how brands are addressing the changing online shopping habits of Gen Zalpha. This is your not to miss session on all things loyalty, optimisation and the challenges and opportunities for retail and ecomm marketers.
Why we're excited:
- Jessica has shaped impactful merchandising strategies at top retailers like Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and now, IPSY - one of the most followed beauty brands on TikTok. She will share insights into all things subscription services, growth and customer loyalty.
- Trisha has bootstrapped responsible jewelry brand Maison Miru from start to scale. She will share how she balances a commitment to sustainability with expanding the brand, driving growth via social commerce.
- Ray brings his wealth of SEO and marketing knowledge to share the secret ingredients that connect brands with their audiences - and reveals the key to organic growth for ecomm and retail brands.
Morning Coffee & Networking Break
Grab a coffee, chat to fellow delegates and meet the industry in our exhibition hall.
Morning Coffee & Networking Break
Grab a coffee, chat to fellow delegates and meet the industry in our exhibition hall.
Grab a coffee, chat to fellow delegates and meet the industry in our exhibition hall.
Live, Laugh, Lower Emissions: Advocacy in the Creator Age
Climate change isn’t funny, but comedy creators sure are! Learn how micro-video creators are a key part of the growing digital movement helping to fight the climate crisis with Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE).
Live, Laugh, Lower Emissions: Advocacy in the Creator Age
Climate change isn’t funny, but comedy creators sure are! Learn how micro-video creators are a key part of the growing digital movement helping to fight the climate crisis with Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE).
Climate change isn’t funny, but comedy creators sure are! Want to learn how microvideo creators are a key part of the growing digital movement helping to fight the climate crisis?
Join Breena Cocco, Director of Creator Marketing, and Allie Cohen, Senior Creator Marketing Manager, from Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) to discuss the novel strategy of using Gen Z comedy content creators to educate audiences on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts. We’ll touch on how we use for-profit organic and paid marketing tactics to break down complex climate, clean energy and civic engagement issues and policies through our campaigns.
The Story of Growing the MLS Amongst a Global Youth Fanbase
Join Rising Ballers and the MLS for a fireside chat into engaging the next generation of sports fans. By embracing a young, digital-native audience, discover how the league is creating a winning formula for both fans and brands alike.
The Story of Growing the MLS Amongst a Global Youth Fanbase
Join Rising Ballers and the MLS for a fireside chat into engaging the next generation of sports fans. By embracing a young, digital-native audience, discover how the league is creating a winning formula for both fans and brands alike.
Join Brendon 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.
From Gen Alpha, to Gen AI
What does it mean to be the first generation growing up alongside AI, and then what does it even mean to be human in this context? With the promise/ threat of AI coming for our brains, our culture and our jobs, what's left that is uniquely human?
From Gen Alpha, to Gen AI
What does it mean to be the first generation growing up alongside AI, and then what does it even mean to be human in this context? With the promise/ threat of AI coming for our brains, our culture and our jobs, what's left that is uniquely human?
What does it mean to be the first generation growing up alongside AI, and then what does it even mean to be human in this context? With the promise/ threat of AI coming for our brains, our culture and our jobs, what's left that is uniquely human? The Sound takes a provocative look through what might come next - everything from peak humanity, digital twins and reGens, and AI agents - exploring what this means for brands looking to connect with whatever it is that comes next.
Rise at Seven Keynote
Rise at Seven's Carrie Rose shares her wisdom on all things social and search. More coming soon!
Rise at Seven Keynote
Rise at Seven's Carrie Rose shares her wisdom on all things social and search. More coming soon!
Rise at Seven's Carrie Rose shares her wisdom on all things social and search. More coming soon!
Breaking through the noise: winning hearts, minds and wallets at a “multi-stage Gen Z paradise”
Live music is where young people celebrate and express themselves, inspiring more and more brands to invest in the category. Join us for a panel hosted by Elsewhere 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.
Breaking through the noise: winning hearts, minds and wallets at a “multi-stage Gen Z paradise”
Live music is where young people celebrate and express themselves, inspiring more and more brands to invest in the category. Join us for a panel hosted by Elsewhere 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.
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.
Social Strategy Unwrapped: Balancing Brand and Impact
Meet the masterminds behind social strategy at Sesame Workshop and The Washington Post to delve into what it’s really like to be a unique voice on social media today.
Social Strategy Unwrapped: Balancing Brand and Impact
Meet the masterminds behind social strategy at Sesame Workshop and The Washington Post to delve into what it’s really like to be a unique voice on social media today.
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 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:
- 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.
Lunch: YMS Food Festival
Lunch: YMS Food Festival
It's time for lunch!
From Cringe to Cool: How Campus Commandos Helped Banks Win Over Gen Z
Ads from banks and insurance companies don't scream cool — Campus Commandos reveal how they help some of the most un-relatable brands capture the attention of college students.
From Cringe to Cool: How Campus Commandos Helped Banks Win Over Gen Z
Ads from banks and insurance companies don't scream cool — Campus Commandos reveal how they help some of the most un-relatable brands capture the attention of college students.
Ads from banks, insurance companies, and alarm systems don't scream cool — or at least in the past. Adam Grant, CEO of Campus Commandos, reveals how his team turned “cringe” into cool, helping some of the most un-relatable brands capture the attention of college students. Learn how creative campaigns (on shoestring budgets) made financial institutions feel fresh, relevant, and even fun. If your brand is fighting to be heard in a crowded space, this is your blueprint for success.
How Gen Alpha is Redefining Consumer Culture
Explore the findings from TeenVoice’s national “Teens as Consumers” study and delve into how Gen Alpha’s values, preferences, and behaviors influence how they discover brands, make purchasing decisions, and influence household buying.
How Gen Alpha is Redefining Consumer Culture
Explore the findings from TeenVoice’s national “Teens as Consumers” study and delve into how Gen Alpha’s values, preferences, and behaviors influence how they discover brands, make purchasing decisions, and influence household buying.
Today’s teens are more than just digital natives — they’re culture drivers, trendsetters, and early adopters shaping the future of consumption. In this session, we’ll share findings from TeenVoice’s national “Teens as Consumers” study and delve into how Gen Alpha’s values, preferences, and behaviors influence how they discover brands, make purchasing decisions, and influence household buying. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and data-backed trends to stay ahead of the curve.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand Gen Alpha’s content and advertising preferences and how their digital behaviors influencing teen spending habits
- Learn how authenticity, identity, and social impact are driving brand loyalty among this demographic
- Get a powerful comparison of Gen Z and emerging-Gen Alpha consumer mindsets
Understanding Alphas: Brands vs Parents Open Mic Session
Join leading marketers and real-world parents to explore how brands can build trust, relevance, and value in the lives of Gen Alpha families.
Understanding Alphas: Brands vs Parents Open Mic Session
Join leading marketers and real-world parents to explore how brands can build trust, relevance, and value in the lives of Gen Alpha families.
There’s a new generation on the block: Gen Alpha. They’re loud, opinionated, and already reshaping the rules - and chances are, you don’t fully understand them yet.
In this panel, we bring together leading marketers and real-world parents to explore how brands can build trust, relevance, and value in the lives of Gen Alpha families.We'll explore:
- How brands are evolving their messaging and tactics to connect with both Gen Alpha and their parents.
- The real purchasing power of Alpha kids—and how parents are managing a generation that’s more informed (and persuasive) than ever.
- The key challenges and opportunities shaping Gen Alpha: from screen time and social media pressures to education, values, and digital identity.
A Keynote from Spotify's Global Thought Leadership Lead
This session will be hosted by Jenny Haggard, Global Thought Leadership Lead at Spotify. More info coming soon!
A Keynote from Spotify's Global Thought Leadership Lead
This session will be hosted by Jenny Haggard, Global Thought Leadership Lead at Spotify. More info coming soon!
This session will be hosted by Jenny Haggard, Global Thought Leadership Lead at Spotify. More info coming soon!
Main Character Energy: Building Communities on Gen Z’s Favorite App
NewGen and CashApp explore why community management is essential to brand recognition on TikTok and how creator partnerships can amplify those efforts.
Main Character Energy: Building Communities on Gen Z’s Favorite App
NewGen and CashApp explore why community management is essential to brand recognition on TikTok and how creator partnerships can amplify those efforts.
Brands no longer have purely transactional relationships with their customers. Today, they’re in group chats, hosting community events, and offering more than just a product, they’re building meaningful connections. Community is now at the heart of successful marketing, and one of the best places to do this is on TikTok where many buzzing communities live.
Josh McCoy, Associate Partnerships Director at NewGen sits down with Brett Estrella, Branded Content & Partnerships Lead at Cash App to explore why community management is essential to brand recognition on TikTok and how creator partnerships can amplify those efforts.
Key Takeaways:
- Why community management is essential to TikTok social strategy
- Which platforms drive strong community engagement
- How to collaborate with creators to expand reach and impact
The Power of You: Making Brand Engagement Feel Personal
Discover how AI, personalization, and social influence came together in a major Coachella activation to create thousands of unique, shareable experiences.
The Power of You: Making Brand Engagement Feel Personal
Discover how AI, personalization, and social influence came together in a major Coachella activation to create thousands of unique, shareable experiences.
Discover how today’s innovative brands are turning one-time encounters into lasting relationships with younger audiences. In this dynamic session, Groove Jones and Revolution Marketing reveal how AI, personalization, and social influence came together in a major Coachella activation to create thousands of unique, shareable experiences.
You will gain insights on tailoring interactions from customized photo and video content to influencer-driven amplification, and learn how data-backed strategies boost engagement, loyalty, and ROI. Walk away inspired and equipped to make every brand touchpoint feel personal.
How Lenovo is tapping creators to build a stronger consumer brand
As a leader in consumer electronics, Lenovo's Jessica Tomlinson will share how creator campaigns have helped the eComm side of the brand forge real connections with different consumer segments - from students to gamers and everyone in between.
How Lenovo is tapping creators to build a stronger consumer brand
As a leader in consumer electronics, Lenovo's Jessica Tomlinson will share how creator campaigns have helped the eComm side of the brand forge real connections with different consumer segments - from students to gamers and everyone in between.
As a leader in consumer electronics, Lenovo's Jessica Tomlinson will share how creator campaigns have helped the eComm side of the brand forge real connections with different consumer segments - from students to gamers and everyone in between.
She will discuss how student and gamer influencer programs, live shopping events and getting creative with creator campaigns have helped the brand showcase how tech products fit into the day to day lives of young people - and how they are navigating pre-teen gamers and what’s coming next with Alpha.
Why sports are trailblazing in their approach to creator partnerships
Join our experts who are at the intersection of influencer marketing and sports. They will discuss the power of sports partnerships, how athletes are moving from performers to creators and how your brand can tap in.
Why sports are trailblazing in their approach to creator partnerships
Join our experts who are at the intersection of influencer marketing and sports. They will discuss the power of sports partnerships, how athletes are moving from performers to creators and how your brand can tap in.
Join our experts who are at the intersection of influencer marketing and sports. They will discuss the power of sports partnerships, how athletes are moving from performers to creators and how your brand can tap in.
Deep diving into what you can learn from the creator-athlete marketing space, we’ll cover:
- How to make informed decisions about your creator strategy
- Navigating the athlete-creator ecosystem and finding hidden gem athlete influencers that can amplify your brand
- Working smarter not harder to build long term relationships and success with sports partnerships
Gen Zalpha: Ask Us Anything
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!
Gen Zalpha: Ask Us Anything
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!
A not to be missed 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. The floor is yours!
The YMS NYC Speak Easy Happy Hour
The conversations don't stop when the main event wraps up - join Pion for happy hour in the venue.
The YMS NYC Speak Easy Happy Hour
The conversations don't stop when the main event wraps up - join Pion for happy hour in the venue.
The conversations don't stop when the main event wraps up - join Pion for happy hour in the venue.
