The Comms Council announces 2026 Speaker Lineup for AXIS Speaks on Thursday, March 26
The Comms Council has announced the return of AXIS Speaks for 2026, bringing together five world-class creative leaders for a morning of inspiration, insight and fresh thinking for New Zealand’s advertising, marketing and communications community.
MC’d by industry legend Peter Vegas, the exceptional speaker lineup spans cultural strategy, award-winning creativity and resilient entrepreneurship.
The 2026 Speaker Lineup includes:
Marcus Collins – Professor at the University of Michigan, bestselling author of For the Culture, and former Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden + Kennedy. Marcus is a leading expert on cultural strategy and consumer behaviour, helping brands create meaningful impact by understanding and embracing cultural movements.
Andy Blood – Globally one of advertising’s most awarded creatives, Andy has held leading roles at TBWA, Colenso BBDO, and Facebook New Zealand. He is also a Lecturer in Creative Entrepreneurship, bringing deep insights into creative excellence and innovation to audiences worldwide.
Elle Bullen – Part-time Creative Partner at Hellions, copywriter, and full-time mum. Elle has founded two independent advertising agencies, navigated two rounds of maternity leave and two battles with breast cancer, all while being awarded at every major award show including the Cannes Grand Prix for Good. Her story exemplifies resilience, determination, and creative excellence.
Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava – Samoan-born, New Zealand-based vocalist, content-creator, and composer. His eight-part documentary series Instruments of the Moana takes him across seven Pacific Islands to rediscover traditional musical instruments and preserve the sounds and stories of the Pacific before they’re lost to time.
Yuki Kihara – Yuki Kihara is an interdisciplinary artist of Sāmoan descent working and living in Sāmoa. Her work seeks to challenge dominant and singular historical narratives by exploring the intersectionality between identity politics, decolonisation and ecology through mediums including performance, sculpture, photography, film and curation.
Says Simon Lendrum, CEO at the Comms Council: “AXIS Speaks has quickly become an essential event for our creative community. This year’s lineup represents the very best in creative thinking, from cultural strategy and consumer insight to award-winning creativity, inspiring personal journeys, and powerful Pacific voices. We’re thrilled to bring these perspectives to our industry.”
AXIS Speaks aims to challenge thinking, spark new ideas, and set the tone for a year of bold creative work. The event appeals to professionals across advertising, marketing, production, and related industries.
Event Details
Thursday, March 26, 2026
8.30 AM – 1 PM
Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland
To learn more about this year’s line-up and purchase tickets head to: www.commscouncil.nz
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