Pivot or Persevere: The Brand Investment Debate in Turbulent Times
When markets shift, do powerful brands hold steady... or move faster than everyone else?
Join us for an interactive debate exploring one of marketing’s most enduring tensions - how should brands respond in turbulent times when conditions are anything but stable. Pressure can force businesses to make sharper, often more short term decisions. Marketing budgets come under scrutiny, and brand investment is frequently one of the first areas challenged.
On one side, the argument is clear: consistency is a superpower. Strong brands are built over time, and holding steady builds trust, protects equity, and drives long-term value
On the other, a different perspective: speed and evolution win. Customer expectations shift, markets move, and brands that adapt faster are the ones that stay relevant and competitive.
Through a live debate between two experienced marketers, we’ll unpack:
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What really drives growth and brand power in turbulent times
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When does consistency become a risk and agility become fragmentation?
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How to balance long-term brand building with short-term commercial pressure
The conversation doesn’t stop there. Following the debate, you’ll join breakout table discussions to explore your own perspectives, share experiences, and test ideas - before bringing key themes back to the room. This is not about finding a single answer. It’s about building better judgement and understanding how to make more deliberate decisions when it matters most.
Are you a Student? You will need to apply here to secure 1 out of 20 tickets available for Students to attend.
The Marketing Meetups are proudly in partnership with Contagion.
Supported by
Product Details
Date:
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Time:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Event Location:
Auckland
Venue Name:
Marketing Association
Venue Address:
69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland
Event Pricing
Note: Marketing Meetups are now MEMBERS ONLY due to popularity.
Are you a Student? We have a limited number of tickets available for Students. Please fill out this form to apply for a ticket.
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Meet the Speakers
Jessica Bell
Manager - Brand, Marketing and Communications
Aurecon
Jessica Bell is Manager - Brand, Marketing and Communications at engineering consultancy Aurecon, where she leads the go-to-market strategy for the Transport Service Group, and holds a broader role in PR, media engagement, and executive communications.
Jessica possesses 15 years’ experience leading marketing, business development and communications strategies for major professional services, natural health, and infrastructure organisations, including Fletcher Construction, McConnell Dowell Constructors, Waterview Tunnel and Auckland Light Rail. Jessica also brings insight from three years running her own marketing and communications consultancy.
Jonathan Symons
General Manager Marketing
Fisher Funds
Jonathan Symons is a seasoned marketing leader with extensive experience across a wide range of marketing functions in multiple sectors, from banking to media to investments.

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