Attending the Marketing South Conference as a student ambassador was an unforgettable experience. After wrapping up my final exams as a Marketing undergraduate the week before, I was ready to dive into a day of insights, inspiration, and networking — thanks to the invitation from the Marketing Association and the welcoming team led by Lone Tapp and Michael Durie. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Rydges Hotel in Christchurch, the event was both exciting and incredibly enriching.
The day kicked off with Varun Verma's session on Data Analytics from his perspective at L’Oreal. His presentation was packed with actionable insights. I was really grateful for his tips on navigating data’s evolving landscape and our one-on-one chat afterward provided me with a sense of direction as I think about how to best tackle learning about this world – you can’t eat a whale in one bite as they say!
Simon Vicars followed as a remote speaker, then after delicious kai and conversation it was back to the fantastic line-up. Heather Cosentino from AJ Hackett shared her journey in mobilizing the creativity and enthusiasm of her team, resulting in AJ Hackett’s first Creators Summit. Heather’s energy was infectious and inspiring—it was incredible to see the power of employee-driven content come to life through strategy and entrepreneurship. Plus, I had no idea about the company’s Eiffel Tower origins!
Heather was followed by Rob Thomas from ZURU, who, despite only five months in his role, showcased an impressive expanse of knowledge about every inch of ZURU’s operations. His discussion on growing an established brand in new markets, especially the U.S., was a great reminder of the challenges and opportunities global marketing presents. Then came Hayley Lewis from Proper Crisps, whose powerful story of resilience post-Cyclone Gabrielle was moving and truly exemplified the spirit of Kiwi entrepreneurship. Kumara Proper Crisps really is the best flavour!
I have to say, Brett Colliver was a highlight for me. Brett had a fantastic presentation that brought the story of the FreshChoise Aid Aisle campaign to life with humour and vast knowledge, illustrated with his “Nods and Eyebrows” test. Finally, Andy Lark closed the day with a captivating take on AI. His to-the-point presentation style was quite a contrast to the other presenters, but his message was clear: AI is here to stay, and we should embrace it as a tool for enhancing both our professional and personal lives.
The Marketing Association’s hospitality made the experience even better, and it was heartening to connect with industry professionals and gain inspiration for what’s next. As I head to Wellington to begin my own professional career, I’m more excited than ever to see the world with a fresh set of eyes thanks to the valuable insights I gained at the Marketing South Conference.