Interviews, insight & analysis on digital media & marketing

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What is Catalyst?

NDA’s new Catalyst event is not another conference. You’ll find no dark hotel spaces or swirly carpets.

It’s interactive. It’s a sharing of ideas. A way to really show off how innovative our media world is. This is why we’ve called it an Innovation Showcase!

It’s dedicated to not just highlighting the most exciting innovations in our industry today, but to examining the very concept of innovation itself.  

We know innovation when we see it, but how do we get there? How do we apply it? And how do we make sure it works against business goals?  

Bringing together the leading innovators in media, advertising and marketing along with academics and thinkers from the wider innovation landscape, this half day event will get to the heart of what it means to be innovative.

Through a mix of panels, interactive sessions and innovation showcases, we’ll dive into the great transformative tech available from across the various sectors.

THE DAY ITSELF

New Digital Age will be bringing an incredible lineup of speakers – from both inside and outside the advertising industry – to share their insights and expertise at Catalyst.

Expect to hear from thought leaders who will delve into the hottest innovation across digital whilst learning from those whose outside insight may help ignite some neurons that once lay dormant.

Delegates will also get to see and learn about cutting-edge products whilst hearing from those who made them. It’s a chance to set yourself up as a leader when it comes to knowing what innovation looks like for this decade and the next.

Plus, a light breakfast & lunch – the brain needs the all-important nutrition – will be provided during breaks where delegates can either network with the speakers or take a time out.

By the end of the day, you’ll leave feeling inspired and up to date on the most innovative opportunities within the media space.

THE SPEAKERS

Sara Davies

Sara Davies MBE is the founder and creative director of Crafter’s Companion

Sara Davies MBE is the youngest ever female investor to appear on BBC 1’s Dragon’s Den and is well-known as the founder and creative director of the global craft business, Crafter’s Companion. Launched while she was still at university, Crafter’s Companion is now a global business selling papercraft, art, needlecraft and stationary items across 40 countries with head offices in the US and UK.

Sara lives with her husband and sons in Teeside. Her new book, Craft Your Year with Sara Davies is published in October 2023.

Photo by Nicky Johnston

Kerry Thorpe

Communication's Director, Ben & Jerry's

Having started her career at MTV, Kerry joined the tasty world of Ben & Jerry’s eight years ago. Her role requires more than tickling taste-buds with flavour news: she works hand-in-hand with Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission Managers and NGO partners across Europe to use the ice cream business – and its cross-channel connections with fans – as a force for good.

Will Page

Author - Pivot: Eight Principles for Transforming your Business in a Time of Disruption

Will Page is the author of the critically acclaimed Tarzan Economics, which has been translated into five languages and published in paperback under the title Pivot. As the former Chief Economist of Spotify and PRS for Music, Will pioneered Rockonomics. At PRS, he published work on Radiohead’s ‘In Rainbows’ and saved BBC 6Music. At Spotify, he uncovered the anatomy of a hit and articulated the global value of music copyright.

THE VENUE

Catalyst will take place in the heart of London at Carousel, 19-23 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RW.

Located in Fitzrovia, the venue is accessible through a variety of tube stations. Goodge Street on the Northern Line, Tottenham Court Road on the Northern, Elizabeth, and Central line.

THE AGENDA

Session One

  • 9:30 – Opening Remarks
  • 9:35 – View from the outside
  • 9:55 – Panel: The Innovation Conundrum
  • 10:30 – The First Showcase
  • 10:45 – The Second Showcase
  • 11:00 – Networking Break

Session Two

  • 11:30 – Panel: Innovation DNA
  • 12:05 – Third Showcase
  • 12:20 – Fourth Showcase
  • 12:35 – Innovation Battle
  • 13:00 – Closing Keynote & Wrap Up
  • 13:20 – 14:30 – Networking Lunch

WORK FOR A BRAND?

If you work for a brand, then you can attend Catalyst for free.

To register for your ticket, navigate to the Eventbrite page, and enter the code BRANDVIP in the promo code box the appears on the event page.  

All applicants for a brand ticket will be reviewed by event staff. 

GET INVOLVED

There are many ways of getting involved with Catalyst, so if the topics and the format speak to you, please register your interest and a member of our partnerships and events team will be in touch with you shortly.

EVENT PARTNERS