Comms Council’s AXIS Speaks event set to return on Thursday 27 March – Early bird tickets on sale
AXIS Speaks, New Zealand’s premier thought leadership event for advertising, marketing, and communications, is set to return on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland. Hosted by the Commercial Communications Council, this half-day event is set to deliver world-class insights from some of the most influential creative minds in the industry.
This year’s speaker lineup features a powerhouse mix of marketing, filmmaking, and creative leadership experts, each bringing unique perspectives on bold thinking, storytelling, and the evolving role of creativity in business.
Meet the Speakers:
Brent Smart, CMO, Telstra
“The Biggest Risk for Marketers is Taking No Creative Risk”: One of Australia’s most awarded marketing leaders, Brent has transformed NRMA into a creative powerhouse and led major agencies like Colenso BBDO and Saatchi & Saatchi New York. Expect invaluable insights on why bold, creative risk is essential for brand growth.
Chelsea Winstanley, Filmmaker, This Too Shall Pass Ltd
“Story Sovereignty and Creating & Curating Audiences – Creatively”: An Oscar-nominated producer and passionate advocate for indigenous storytelling, Chelsea has worked on Jojo Rabbit, Night Raider, and the Māori-language adaptation of Moana. She’ll discuss the power of authentic storytelling and audience connection in shaping the cinematic and advertising landscape.
Kevin Chesters, Founder/MD, Kevin Chesters Consulting
“Why Creativity is Vital in Work (and How to Get More of it)”: A former strategy leader at W+K London, Dentsu Mcgarrybowen, and Ogilvy, Kevin is a creative strategist and author of The Creative Nudge. He’ll share insights on how to unlock greater creativity in work and life.
Samira Ansari, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy New York: A globally acclaimed creative leader, Samira has led campaigns for NBA, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft. Her Emmy-winning Michelob Ultra “McEnroe vs McEnroe” campaign helped push Ogilvy to No.3 in the global Cannes Lions rankings for 2024. She’ll discuss how big creative ideas drive brand success.
Event Details & Ticketing:
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM NZDT
Location: Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland
Prices differ for Commercial Communications Council Member Agencies and Non-Members:
Early Bird Pricing (until March 17, 2025)
Members: $100 + GST
Non-members: $125 + GST
Standard Pricing (March 18–27, 2025)
Members: $125 + GST
Non-members: $150 + GST
AXIS Speaks is sponsored by Colenso BBDO, The Spinoff and Nielsen
Pictured (L-R) Brent Smart, Chelsea Winstanley, Kevin Chesters, Samira Ansari
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