A BIG thanks to all who have provided feedback to help shape our plans for LEAD 2027 after last week’s industry summit. It’s been good to read through all the comments and discussions that the event has prompted. We’ve also spent some time considering the content and the themes from different perspectives here at the AA through a series of our own op-eds, including views from Stephen, our CEO, as well as contributions from our Credos Director, Dan, and our Public Policy & Regulation Director, Konrad. You can find those (and more) below.
If you’d like to talk about LEAD and explore any of the topics we covered, from trust to AI, from influencers to tackling scam ads, from the power of great advertising to build a brand like Tesco, we’re here and ready to chat more.
Our must-reads:
- To support Safer Internet Day, Media Smart UK and our Public Policy and Regulation Director, Konrad Shek, have collaborated to help young people develop their critical thinking in an AI-driven world. (Media Smart UK)
- The IPA census results are out now with the latest on agency representation. (Campaign)
- Despite trust in advertising reaching 40%, UK advertising must fight to rebuild consumer confidence and trust. (The Media Stack)
- A new Kantar study explains how brands should approach sustainable marketing as fears over global conflicts increase. (LBB)
- And congratulations to all our members who made the Campaign A-list. We particularly enjoyed finding who wanted to be a faithful or traitor among our industry leaders. (Campaign)
Our pick of the ads:
- Our Ad in the A is Ogilvy UK’s ‘Take Yourself Funny for Money’ for Red Nose Day 2026 for Comic Relief, where celebrity selfies will be projected Battersea Power Station for charity.
- McCann Manchester have celebrated the ease of travelling by train in ‘Freedom All the Way’ for LNER.
- Global have opened their OOH screens to the public in ‘Everyone Deserves a Moonpig’ in time for Valentine’s Day.
- Channel 4 has unveiled its Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games sponsorship with NatWest.
Reflections on LEAD 2026
- Our CEO, Stephen Woodford, looks back on LEAD last week, noting that “trust is critical and is a prized commercial asset.”
- Since being on stage, I’ve reflected on my discussion with senior leaders from VCCP, Omnicom Media Group, WPP and Lloyds Banking Group about trust, AI and advertising.
- Here are five things Westminster gets wrong about advertising, based on our Public Policy and Regulation Director, Konrad Shek’s reflections on LEAD 2026.
- Following the launch of the new Credos research, Dan Wilks, Director of Credos, explains why despite trust hitting a five-year high, we have entered an era of “low-level vigilance”.
Dates for your diary:
- Outernet London are running the Ads of the Year exhibition from now until 22 February to count down 68 of the country’s favourite ads.
- On 25 February at 11am we will co-host a webinar with the ASA to reveal the results of the latest wave of the ASA campaign. Click here to register now.
- Enter our UK Young Lions Competition and win the chance to represent the UK in the Global Young Lions Competition, part of Cannes Lions. Register here by 27 February to take part.
- Get your tickets now for Future of Brands on 29 April at 180 Strand. AA members can get a 30% discount by using the code AA30 or booking through this link.
- Early bird tickets are selling fast for our Media Business Course, taking place from 7-10 July. Learn about the art and craft of media planning from the best in the business. Book your place here.
And finally… Talking of trust in advertising, the ASA has published a really interesting report this week highlighting just how important compliance is for any advertising content produced by influencers and creators to be trusted by the public. If you’re producing work in this area, it’s well worth a read here.