Lean AI: Driving Marketing Scale Through Smarter Productivity
Most marketing teams are drowning in AI tools but struggling to see real impact. Join Andrew Hughes, Global Head of SEM at Xero, for a practical session on how to move from AI experimentation to meaningful productivity gains that drive revenue growth.
Andrew will explore:
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The Lean AI framework – How leading companies are achieving exponential revenue per employee by embedding AI into core workflows, not just using it as an add-on
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Real-world examples from Xero's search team – From campaign optimization to creative generation, see what's actually delivering results (and what isn't)
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Breaking down silos with Model Context Protocol (MCP) – The emerging standard connecting AI models, data sources, and tools into one intelligent system
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Building AI capability in your team – Getting buy-in, developing AI literacy, and identifying genuine skills when hiring
This is a relaxed end-of-year evening with networking, festive refreshments, and an honest conversation about making AI work for marketers in practice, not just in theory.
Are you a Student? You will need to apply here to secure 1 out of 20 tickets available for Students to attend.
The Monthly Marketing Meetups are organised and hosted by the MA’s Special Interest Groups, and are proudly in partnership with Contagion.
Supported by
Product Details
Date:
25/11/25
Time:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Event Location:
Auckland
Venue Name:
Marketing Association
Venue Address:
69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland
Event Pricing
Members: Free (Live-Stream or In-Person)
Non-members: $10 + GST (Live-Stream ONLY)
Note: In-person Monthly 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 Our Presenter
Andrew Hughes
Global Head of SEM
Xero
Presenter
About Andrew
The Global Paid Search Lead at Xero with over ten years experience in digital marketing, Andrew develops and executes data-driven digital strategy to deliver enterprise level growth across global markets.
Throughout his career Andrew has developed expertise in various digital performance areas such as search engine marketing & optimisation, conversion rate optimisation, data-sharing and compliance, user experience design and testing, split testing and experimentation, audience segmentation and strategy, and creative optimisation. He also builds new capabilities, develops and shares knowledge, nurtures upcoming talent, and maintains a commitment to stay on the cutting edge of the industry.

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