Guest post from Moira Shannon, Kite Hill PR Account Associate
As an agency that specializes in ad tech PR, many of our team members attended sessions during the 2017 Advertising Week New York to uncover hot trends under this year’s theme: “great minds think unalike.” The week provided a unique platform for industry leaders to share their predictions on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With so many panelists spread across so many days of programming, it was no surprise that the industry had some conflicting views on hot topics like AI: is it taking over or is it overhyped? However, there were a few findings that everyone could get behind. Here are some themes that stood out as true trends to watch:
“In this golden age of data we know more about our customers than ever before.”
Richard Hearn, GM Global Head of Revenue, Watson Customer Engagement IBM
Several sessions stressed the importance of knowing your customers. In today’s digital landscape, using all available technology is crucial. Panelists agreed that if you don’t invest in a consumer graph and enhancing experiences, then you’re going to be in trouble.
“Mobile is changing because of the new data wave it’s generating.”
Antonio Tomarchio, CEO, Cuebiq
Another thing panelists could agree on? Mobile is the future. Today’s brands are telling stories to thrive and survive, and there’s an increasing set of data that never existed before. It’s an exciting time for brands to tap into new trends like vertical video and voice in order to create new experiences for how consumers engage with content.
“Details and specificity are what create authenticity, and authentic brands are winning today.”
Neil Blumenthal, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Warby Parker
With “fake news” cropping up everywhere you look, it’s increasingly important for brands to remain authentic. Truth and transparency in communications is what will make brands stand out. At the end of the day, trusted content is what will benefit your audiences the most.
At Kite Hill PR we look forward to seeing these trends take us into 2018. It’s an ever changing industry, and an exciting time to be a part of it!
In the meantime, we hope to see you the week of October 16 in New York for the fourth annual Communications Week, where we turn our eyes to the communications industry. This year we will be uncovering “Truth in Communications,” addressing issues such as transparency in influencer marketing, truth in the newsroom, the future of the PR industry and more!