How does disability inclusion deliver competitive advantage for brands? And how are agencies responding to the need for authentic representation and accessible media campaigns?

Senior leaders from brands and agencies explore the business case for accessibility, highlighting how inclusive practices drive innovation, enhance brand reputation, and reach untapped markets.

Speakers:

• Jonathan Castleman, Managing Director - Global Head of Brand at HSBC
• Amy Low, AbilityNet
• Hamish Goulding, HSBC
• Danny Josephs, XFuse
• Katy Talikowska, Valuable 500

How Channel 4’s coverage of 2024 Paralympic Games reflects lessons learned since London 2012, including how its Considering What? ad campaign challenges social perceptions of disability. 

• Dom Hyams, Purple Goat
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet
• Jodie Ounsley, Paralympian
• Zac Shaw, CACI Digital Experience, Paralympian
• James Hamilton, Channel 4

Discover how Shani Dhanda, named the UK’s most influential disabled person in 2023, collaborated with Primark to transform its approach to adaptive clothing. Shani and Charlie Magadah-Williams explain the business insights, and strategies behind making fashion more inclusive and accessible for everyone:

• Shani Dhanda, Broadcaster and disability influencer
• Charlie Magadah-Williams, Primark
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

This session draws on the personal experience of people with disabilities, who offer practical guidance on how to deliver authentic narratives and storytelling that is inclusive, respectful, and impactful, whilst also challenging stereotypes:

• Shani Dhanda, Broadcaster and disability influencer
• Ali Hanan, Creative Equals 
• Brooke-Jade Millhouse, podcaster and influencer
• Tom Buckman, documentary producer, Future Studios
• Den Salazar, motion graphics

Go behind the scenes of the amazing Assume I Can advert, which challenges stereotypes about disability and celebrates everyone's potential. Hear about the creative process from the client and creative team, and we speak to the star of the ad about what the message means and why it has been such a success.

• Martina Fuga, Coordown
• Luca Lorenzini, Small
• Madison Tevlin, Influencer
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

Practical insights into planning and executing inclusive strategies and campaigns, from content creation to delivery. 

• Michelle Yeadon, RMA
• Eileen Hanna, Diageo
• Bobi Carley, ISBA
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet
• Alison Orsi, AbilityNet  

Alice Tonge is creative force behind some of Apple's most iconic ads, many of which include disability as a theme. This session will discuss the creative concept, its impact on representation in media, and how it inspires inclusivity. Discover how effective storytelling can empower individuals and challenge perceptions of disability.

Speakers:

• Alice Tonge, Apple
• Sarah Herrlinger, Apple
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

This session guides you through best practices for integrating accessibility into every stage of your project, from planning to execution.

Learn techniques about how to ensure that every project meets accessibility standards, and delivers content that is inclusive and impactful for all audiences:

• Caroline Desrousier, Scribely
• Emma Gardner, With Not For
• Craig Collinson, HSBC
• Doug Koppenhofer, Crawford Technologies
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

Meet the team behind Cadbury's BSL Chocolate Fingers ad, a groundbreaking campaign celebrating British Sign Language and inclusivity.

• Xanthe Fuller, VCCP
• Anastasia Lutskovskaya, Mondolez
• Luke Collins-Hayes, NDCS
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

Explore the diverse landscape of disability representation across different cultures and regions. This session examines the perceptions, media portrayals and advocacy efforts in different settings worldwide.

Learn from international experts how inclusive storytelling can foster understanding and respect for disabled individuals, paving the way for global change and empowerment.

• Irene Mbari-Kirika, Inclusive Africa
• Gina Badenoch
• Dinesh Sharma, HSBC
• Natsumi Wada, SOLIT Japan
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

Sony Film Studios has a new talent development programme LENS that is bringing disabled talent into the entertainent industry. One of the most recent projects created a new movie about Spiderman's Mental halth. Leran more about the programme and how it led to the creation of this trailer.

• Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Sony
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

This session will looks back on the day and rounds up what we can all do to shift cultural norms, improve inclusion, and promote authentic portrayals of disabled people.

• Dom Hyams, Purple Goat
• Katy Talikowska, Valuable 500
• Amy Low, AbilityNet
• Mali Fernando, HSBC
• Hector Minto, Microsoft
• Lisa Bowcott, McCann World Group

Discover how Jadu, a leader in digital services, built a strong culture of accessibility within their organisation. This session will share key strategies, challenges, and successes in making accessibility a core value. Gain insights into fostering inclusive practices and empowering teams to prioritize accessibility in everyday work.

Are your captions doing enough? AI can handle the basics, but imagine captions that capture not just dialogue, but the whole story.

In this session, Adam Tweed of AbilityNet will crack the code on choosing the right caption style, making speaker changes crystal clear, and using simple techniques to add those vital audio cues that bring your content to life.

Learn how to craft captions that capture everything from from dramatic whispers to crucial sound effects and transform your videos from watchable to genuinely engaging.

Uncover how embracing neurodiversity can transform brand communications. This session will explore strategies to create content that resonates with neurodiverse audiences, emphasising inclusivity and engagement. Learn from experts about adapting communication styles, fostering understanding, and leveraging the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals to enhance brand impact and authenticity.