Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) is launching an event, Digi-Byte, to mark the release of its IMAA Academy Digital101 e-learning module.
The inaugural event, to be held on 21 May at Fortress Sydney for IMAA members and media partners, will include a series of digital panels and speakers followed by an immersive gaming competition.
IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan, said: “This event serves as a unique platform to unite the industry by providing networking opportunities while delving into the digital landscape’s advancements, opportunities, and key channels.”
Pip Bingemann, co-founder of Springboards.ai, will speak about how AI is the biggest opportunity and a key competitive advantage for indies and smaller agencies if they harness it properly.
AirStack AI founder Tom Pitney will explore how independent media agencies and their teams can grasp AI’s impact, navigate its disruptions, and take actionable steps with measurable AI solutions.
Digi-Byte’s first session, Social and influencer – The Next Wave, will be moderated by Howatson+ Company head of media Sasha Smith, alongside panellists: Pinterest partner manager Meghan Stern, LinkedIn ANZ agency development lead Sarah Fuller, Snap head of mid-market ANZ Evan Tsaprounis, and Meta head of independent agencies ANZ Kristy Barclay-Allen.
The second panel, The Ultimate Programmatic Channel, will be moderated by Love Media managing director Rob Wall, along with panellists including Blis ANZ head of sales Elias Psarologos, JCDecaux national programmatic director Brad Palmer, NOVA Entertainment head of audio automation Steve Golding, and StackAdapt APAC director of sales Berina Colakovic.
The session will conclude with an immersive gaming competition, pitting members and partners against each other in a range of online games, sponsored by GCA Media Network.
The event will also mark the official launch of Digital101 – the latest e-learning module in the IMAA Academy education program. It will deep-dive into the nation’s digital sector, including social media, influencers, and AI technology, and will be supported by leading digital companies.
The course is part of the IMAA Academy’s syllabus, which includes eight channel-specific e-learning modules, rolled out every six weeks, along with videos and podcasts featuring industry leaders and channel specialists. Each of the modules is IMAA-certified, with participants receiving a course certification badge once they successfully complete an exam for each module.
Melissa Roberts, IMAA Academy project leader, said: “The Digital101 module has been eagerly awaited by the industry as the most rapidly evolving and dynamic media sector. The Academy’s digital course has been 12 months in development, because we wanted to ensure we covered off all the crucial elements to consider when creating a digital marketing campaign, along with the various digital formats available.
“Digital is such a vibrant space to explore, particularly because it is always changing, so we’re looking forward to sharing the latest innovation in the sector with course participants.”
Psarologos, Digi-Byte gold sponsor and Blis ANZ head of sales, said: “Blis is proud to partner with the IMAA for their innovative Digi-Byte series, particularly as we understand the importance of staying ahead in the digital landscape. Our collaboration with the IMAA not only underscores our commitment to innovation, but also highlights our expertise in empowering advertisers, media agencies and marketers with actionable insights.
“Together, we’re excited to contribute to the exchange of knowledge, and equip attendees with the tools they need to excel in today’s dynamic digital environment. We look forward to shaping the future of digital media, alongside IMAA – one byte at a time.”
See also: IMAA secures 44 group deals for members