Conversuasion turns up the heat on industry inspiration - Design Edge Canada

October 29, 2010

TORONTO-Last night AD Lounge, in partnership with DDB Canada, presented its 3rd annual Conversuasion event, billed as a fireside chat with some of the most significant leaders in the advertising, marketing and design industries.

Last night's panel of industry speakers included High Road Communications CEO Mia Wedgbury, DDB Worldwide COO Jeff Swystun and WestJet emerging media advisor Greg Hounslow. Emcee for the evening was Tribal DDB Toronto’s director of social media Ed Lee.

The prevalent theme of the night was taking risks and encouraging more of it in the industry. “We need to create confidence for people to be able to take risks,” said Wedgbury. “We need to become more hardcore about the fact that we’re experts,” she said. “Our ideas are being watered down to something we’re not proud of.” She suggested more companies try to implement a review system which rewards risk, even involving failure if the employee can prove the lessons learned are of value.

Swystun emphasized the importance of originality in our industry that should be brought to the table. “That’s why I love this business, it’s all about objectivity,” he said. “The number one reason clients bring you in? Fresh thinking.”

Contact: Adlounge.ca, highroad.com, Ddbcanada.com, Westjet.com