MBC 2026 kicked off in Eastbourne, covering media planning fundamentals, industry insights, pitching skills, and revealing the client brief for the challenge.
Yesterday, our Media Business Course (MBC) began in Eastbourne with a focus on the foundations of outstanding media planning.
Day One opened with a welcome from Advertising Association Commercial Director Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Events Director Suzanne Costello, and our co-hosts Jenny Biggam, Founder of the7stars, and Rak Patel, Chief Commercial Officer at Channel 4.
The day centred on understanding how to interpret a client brief, uncover powerful audience insights, develop clear media strategies and communicate ideas with confidence. Delegates heard from an inspiring line-up of speakers, including Richard Huntington, Founder of Feral; Rhian Feather, Chief Planning Officer at OMD UK; and James Appleby, Founder & Managing Director of Conquis, who shared practical advice on planning, strategy and pitching.
After lunch, veteran tutor Hamid Habib, Managing Director at Arena Media, shared his guide to succeeding at MBC before members of last year’s winning syndicate revealed their top tips for making the most of the course and maximising your chances of taking home the trophies.
The day concluded with the reveal of the all-important client brief, setting the challenge that delegates will tackle throughout the rest of the week.
Check out the photos below.
