Showcasing Advertising and the Economy at our Parliamentary Reception

Our annual Parliamentary Reception was held on Monday, June 26, in the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion, with the conversations focusing on how advertising and marketing drives and supports economic growth – both domestically and through a thriving £15bn exports industry.

The event was a great opportunity for us to engage senior MPs and Peers on the vital contributions that our sector makes to the economy.

The reception began with a speech by former DCMS Select Committee Chair and event sponsor Damian Collins MP, who spoke about the challenges faced by the advertising industry, including the threats and opportunities posed by new technological developments, such as AI. He also spoke about his vision for legislation, like the Media Bill, to help support the success of our industry.

This was followed by speeches from our CEO, Stephen Woodford, and our International Trade Director, Aisling Conlon, who leads our UK Advertising Exports Group (UKAEG). They spoke about UK’s success at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, how the festival is a global trade fair perfect for constructive collaboration, as well as the presence of our UK-born Ad Net Zero initiative at Cannes Lions.

The final speech was delivered by Alex Davies-Jones MP, Labour Shadow DCMS Minister. She highlighted how advertising boosts our economy and helps drive change. She also spoke about certain threats to the advertising industry, like recession and online misinformation, and echoed the need for appropriate regulation to help the industry flourish.

The speeches were followed by canapés, drinks and networking along the terrace, overlooking the River Thames.

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us!