Agenda
Build your day at YMS NYC by checking out our jam-packed agenda. A full day of live keynotes, panel discussions and Q&As from leading brands, top advertisers and Gen Z voices. Stay tuned for weekly updates!
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Kick off day 1 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 day 1 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.
Welcome to YMS
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.
Welcome to YMS
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.
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.
The Transition to Zalpha: Decoding Youth Culture in 2025
As the older cohort of Gen Zs approaches their 30s - what does a youth audience look like in 2025? With exclusive insights from Pion’s 2025 Youth Trends Report, uncover 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.
The Transition to Zalpha: Decoding Youth Culture in 2025
As the older cohort of Gen Zs approaches their 30s - what does a youth audience look like in 2025? With exclusive insights from Pion’s 2025 Youth Trends Report, uncover 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.
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.
Predicting the Global Culture Curve
Join us for an insightful discussion on how brands can stay relevant while everything moves so quickly. Gain practical tips on predicting where culture is heading before it happens. More info coming soon!
Predicting the Global Culture Curve
Join us for an insightful discussion on how brands can stay relevant while everything moves so quickly. Gain practical tips on predicting where culture is heading before it happens. More info coming soon!
Join us for an insightful discussion on how brands can stay relevant while everything moves so quickly. Gain practical tips on predicting where culture is heading before it happens. More info coming soon!
DCDX - Session coming soon!
Gen Z research and strategy firm DCDX share their insights helping brands stay ahead of Gen Z. More info coming soon!
DCDX - Session coming soon!
Gen Z research and strategy firm DCDX share their insights helping brands stay ahead of Gen Z. More info coming soon!
Gen Z research and strategy firm DCDX share their insights helping brands stay ahead of Gen Z. More info coming soon!
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.
Welcome to Gen Alpha & What’s Next
New for 2025! Prepare for another generational shift - there's a new kid on the block. It’s loud, opinionated, and you probably don't understand it. This track shares what we already know about Gen Alpha and how they’ll be doing things differently.
Welcome to Gen Alpha & What’s Next
New for 2025! Prepare for another generational shift - there's a new kid on the block. It’s loud, opinionated, and you probably don't understand it. This track shares what we already know about Gen Alpha and how they’ll be doing things differently.
New for 2025! Prepare for another generational shift - there's a new kid on the block. It’s loud, opinionated, and you probably don't understand it. This track shares what we already know about Gen Alpha and how they’ll be doing things differently.
Welcome to Shopping & Spending
What do next gen consumers want from their online or IRL shopping experiences, and how are brands tapping in? In this retail and ecommerce focused track, discover the strategies fuelling shopping habits of Gen Zalpha, plus what’s coming next with Alpha.
Welcome to Shopping & Spending
What do next gen consumers want from their online or IRL shopping experiences, and how are brands tapping in? In this retail and ecommerce focused track, discover the strategies fuelling shopping habits of Gen Zalpha, plus what’s coming next with Alpha.
What do next gen consumers want from their online or IRL shopping experiences, and how are brands tapping in? In this retail and ecommerce focused track, discover the strategies fuelling shopping habits of Gen Zalpha, plus what’s coming next with Alpha.
How to read Generations A to Z
What do we already know about the next generation and how will they be doing things differently? Get prepared for another generational shift as Josephine Hansom from Savanta shares her take on the largest generation of all time - Gen Alpha!
How to read Generations A to Z
What do we already know about the next generation and how will they be doing things differently? Get prepared for another generational shift as Josephine Hansom from Savanta shares her take on the largest generation of all time - Gen Alpha!
What do we already know about the next generation and how will they be doing things differently? Get prepared for another generational shift as Josephine Hansom from Savanta shares her take on the largest generation of all time!
This talk will include the Gen Alpha essentials - the facts as we know them, what are the opportunities and what the future might hold for you and your brand!
From media to merch: Overtime’s brand expansion into retail
Overtime’s apparel business has exploded. We’re excited to be joined by Tyler Rutstein, Overtime’s Head of Brand & Commerce 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. We’re excited to be joined by Tyler Rutstein, Overtime’s Head of Brand & Commerce 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 Tyler Rutstein, Overtime’s Head of Brand & Commerce 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.
Hello Gen Alpha! What does it mean to be a brand that kids love?
Prepare for another generational shift - there's a new kid on the block in Alpha. It’s loud, opinionated, and you probably don't understand it. Hear from our panel of marketing experts at brands that kids love on how they are successfully engaging the next wave of young consumers.
Hello Gen Alpha! What does it mean to be a brand that kids love?
Prepare for another generational shift - there's a new kid on the block in Alpha. It’s loud, opinionated, and you probably don't understand it. Hear from our panel of marketing experts at brands that kids love on how they are successfully engaging the next wave of young consumers.
Prepare for another generational shift - there's a new kid on the block in Alpha. It’s loud, opinionated, and you probably don't understand it. Hear from our panel of marketing experts at brands that kids love on how they are successfully engaging the next wave of young consumers.
Discover what purchasing influence they have in their household and how they are balancing tactics, messaging and platforms for kids and their parents alike.
Session coming soon!
Session coming soon!
Meet the Parents of Alphas: Open Mic Session
Are you ready to hear the truth from the parents raising Gen Alpha? Put your burning questions to the parents navigating a generation of savvy kids that hold significant sway in family decision-making.
Meet the Parents of Alphas: Open Mic Session
Are you ready to hear the truth from the parents raising Gen Alpha? Put your burning questions to the parents navigating a generation of savvy kids that hold significant sway in family decision-making.
Are you ready to hear the truth from the parents raising Gen Alpha? Put your burning questions to the parents navigating a generation of savvy kids that hold significant sway in family decision-making. From screen time and the pressures of social media to purchasing power, education and social consciousness - we'll help you understand this new generation better than before.
The Transition to Zalpha and What that Means for Retail Brands
Our panel of leading retail experts share what the transition to Zalpha really looks like, how young consumers are shaping the ecommerce and in store trends of the future and which strategies are winning over this demographic.
The Transition to Zalpha and What that Means for Retail Brands
Our panel of leading retail experts share what the transition to Zalpha really looks like, how young consumers are shaping the ecommerce and in store trends of the future and which strategies are winning over this demographic.
Our panel of leading retail experts share what the transition to Zalpha really looks like, how young consumers are shaping the ecommerce and in store trends of the future and which strategies are winning over this demographic.
Lunch: YMS Food Festival
It's time for lunch!
Lunch: YMS Food Festival
It's time for lunch!
Welcome back to Trends & Culture Chat
TBC
Welcome back to Trends & Culture Chat
TBC
Selfpublishing.com - Session Coming Soon!
Selfpublishing.com - Session Coming Soon!
Harnessing the Podfluencer: Engaging Gen Z Through the Power of Podcasts
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. This session 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.
Harnessing the Podfluencer: Engaging Gen Z Through the Power of Podcasts
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. This session 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.
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.
Junk Kouture - Session coming soon!
Passionate about creativity and building a better future, Troy Armour, CEO of Junk Kouture shares how can you be part of the goal to enrich and empower the lives of 1 billion young people.
Junk Kouture - Session coming soon!
Passionate about creativity and building a better future, Troy Armour, CEO of Junk Kouture shares how can you be part of the goal to enrich and empower the lives of 1 billion young people.
Passionate about creativity and building a better future, Troy Armour, CEO of Junk Kouture shares how can you be part of the goal to enrich and empower the lives of 1 billion young people.
Mini Refreshment Break
It's time for coffee!
Mini Refreshment Break
It's time for coffee!
Welcome to the Creators Lounge
Work smarter not harder on your influencer marketing strategy! In the creators lounge, you’ll hear from the brands and creators that have been testing, learning, failing and winning.
Welcome to the Creators Lounge
Work smarter not harder on your influencer marketing strategy! In the creators lounge, you’ll hear from the brands and creators that have been testing, learning, failing and winning.
Welcome to Next Level Tech
Be inspired by new tech, strategies and solutions for a next gen audience, plus explore how brands are driving innovation with AI, virtual worlds and immersive experiences.
Welcome to Next Level Tech
Be inspired by new tech, strategies and solutions for a next gen audience, plus explore how brands are driving innovation with AI, virtual worlds and immersive experiences.
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.
Next Level Tech Session 1
TBC
Next Level Tech Session 1
TBC
Creators Lounge Session 2
TBC
Creators Lounge Session 2
TBC
Next Level Tech Session 2
TBC
Next Level Tech Session 2
TBC
Why sports are trailblazing in their approach to creator partnerships
Our panel of experts at the intersection of influencer marketing and sports, including marketers from the New York Knicks and Doordash, 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
Our panel of experts at the intersection of influencer marketing and sports, including marketers from the New York Knicks and Doordash, discuss the power of sports partnerships, how athletes are moving from performers to creators and how your brand can tap in.
Join our panel of experts at the intersection of influencer marketing and sports to 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
Next Level Tech Session 3
TBC
Next Level Tech Session 3
TBC
Cocktail Hour
The day is not over yet! Join us for a drink or two to unwind and reflect on the opening day at YMS.
Cocktail Hour
The day is not over yet! Join us for a drink or two to unwind and reflect on the opening day at YMS.
Breakfast and Speed Networking
Are you ready to work the room? Kick off day 2 with your morning coffee, meeting fellow attendees in a curated experience.
Breakfast and Speed Networking
Are you ready to work the room? Kick off day 2 with your morning coffee, meeting fellow attendees in a curated experience.
Masterclass TBC
TBC
Masterclass TBC
TBC
Welcome to YMS Day 2
TBC
Welcome to YMS Day 2
TBC
Trends & Culture Chat Session 1
TBC
Trends & Culture Chat Session 1
TBC
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.
Morning Coffee & Networking Break
Grab a coffee and chat to fellow delegates and meet the industry in our exhibiton hall.
Morning Coffee & Networking Break
Grab a coffee and chat to fellow delegates and meet the industry in our exhibiton hall.
Masterclass TBC
TBC
Masterclass TBC
TBC
Trends & Culture Chat Session 3
TBC
Trends & Culture Chat Session 3
TBC
Playboy 2.0 - Modernizing an Iconic Brand for New Audiences
Shayna Macklin, Director, Brand Strategy, Social Commerce + Social Media at Playboy joins us to share the story behind the revolution happening at one of the world’s most iconic heritage brands. 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.
Playboy 2.0 - Modernizing an Iconic Brand for New Audiences
Shayna Macklin, Director, Brand Strategy, Social Commerce + Social Media at Playboy joins us to share the story behind the revolution happening at one of the world’s most iconic heritage brands. 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.
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.
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 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.
Lunch: YMS Food Festival
It's time for lunch!
Lunch: YMS Food Festival
It's time for lunch!
Welcome to Social Media Conversations
Keep up with the ever-evolving pace of the social media landscape for youth audiences. Here, you’ll discover new ways to build, measure and grow communities on the platforms young people love.
Welcome to Social Media Conversations
Keep up with the ever-evolving pace of the social media landscape for youth audiences. Here, you’ll discover new ways to build, measure and grow communities on the platforms young people love.
Welcome to Innovation on Campus
Delve into your college marketing strategy and how to keep it fresh. We’ll show you who’s disrupting the landscape right now, and give you the lowdown on what students really want from on-campus advertising.
Welcome to Innovation on Campus
Delve into your college marketing strategy and how to keep it fresh. We’ll show you who’s disrupting the landscape right now, and give you the lowdown on what students really want from on-campus advertising.
Urban Outfitters Case Study
More info coming soon!
Urban Outfitters Case Study
More info coming soon!
More info coming soon!
Innovation on Campus Session 1
TBC
Innovation on Campus Session 1
TBC
Innovation on Campus Session 2
TBC
Innovation on Campus Session 2
TBC
Social Media Conversations Session 2
TBC
Social Media Conversations Session 2
TBC
Social Strategy Unwrapped: Balancing Brand and Impact
Meet the social media managers from Oatly and Sesame Workshop, 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 write content that elevates both their brand and mission.
Social Strategy Unwrapped: Balancing Brand and Impact
Meet the social media managers from Oatly and Sesame Workshop, 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 write content that elevates both their brand and mission.
We’re thrilled to be joined by two brands who are at the forefront of helping build and sustain brand relevance, while driving engagement for social good. Meet the social media managers from Oatly and Sesame Workshop, 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 write content that elevates both their brand and mission.
Why we’re excited:
- At Oatly, Paula Perez (Social Engagement & Community Growth Specialist) sees her community manager 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.
- At Sesame Workshop, Christina Vittas (Social Media Manager for Sesame Workshop) brings the fun and cultural relevance of this beloved brand and shares Sesame Workshop’s research-based resources to help the next generation – all while channeling everyone’s favorite 3.5-year-old red, furry monster, Elmo.
The tech explosion on campus: how brands need to respond
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.
The tech explosion on campus: how brands need to respond
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 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.
Gen Zalpha: Ask Us Anything
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. Grab your chance to connect with the voices of the next generation. The floor is yours!
Gen Zalpha: Ask Us Anything
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. Grab your chance to connect with the voices of the next generation. The floor is yours!
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!
Closing Remarks
We wrap up YMS for another year.
Closing Remarks
We wrap up YMS for another year.