Sir Martin Sorrell will return to MAD//Fest London on 4 July at the Truman Brewery Estate for a general election day special Hexagon Stage opener.
Sir Martin, who has spoken at MAD//Fest every year since 2022, will deliver a trademark keynote packed with a measured outlook on the economy, forecasts for the global ad market, and predictions on the future role of emerging technologies such as AI.
Given that 4 July is not only the final day of MAD//Fest but also the date of a snap general election in the UK, Sir Martin will share his views on what the industry needs from the government to support growth and the role of regulation.
Earlier this year, Sir Martin described the ad market in 2024 as “unpredictable” and said that it would be unlikely that there would be a significant relaxation of caution among clients. While market conditions contributed to a slide in sales in Q1, in recent weeks, S4’s share price has surged thanks to its “prominent AI positioning”.
With polls predicting a landslide victory for the Labour Party, it’s likely that the next government will impose tougher regulation of AI in a departure from the Conservatives’ “pro-innovation” stance.
“Given that his predictions on the industry and economy tend to come true, who better than Sir Martin to deliver a special Election Day opener? Expect punchy predictions, live polls, and an articulate view on the role of regulation in areas such AI, where the next government needs to strike the right balance between supporting business and protecting society,” said MAD//Fest London’s co-founder Dan Brain.
Over 12,000 brands and agencies are expected to attend an enlarged MAD//Fest London on 2 – 4 July.
This year’s theme is ‘Fortune Favours The Bold’ and more than 250 leaders will speak across ten stages covering issues including AI, emerging technology, the creator economy, innovation, attention, creativity, leadership, and digital advertising.
Highlights include mathematician/broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry on the opportunities and limitations of AI, actor and activist Eddie Izzard on whether purpose is BS, and L’Oréal CDMO Laetitia Raoust on how marketing is changing at one of the world’s top global advertisers.
CLICK HERE to buy one of the last remaining MAD//Fest London tickets.
