Are campaigns with DEI built in more likely to win an Effie? Is this ad from Boots a 'woke' monstrosity? Why we need urgent ethics and regulation around AI and a call for Speakers and Sponsors for the 2025 Sell out RISE conference!

Join us as we look at inclusivity from a fresh angle, with a compelling piece of qualitative research by Creative Equals of recent Effie UK award winners, and insights from some of this year’s Effie UK finalists… ALSO, thoughts on Heinz and a Black History Month spotlight

EXCLUSIVE: the results are IN. Be first to hear if inclusive marketing could win you an Effie... Join Creative Equals x Effies UK to explore how inclusion drives creativity and brand effectiveness. Recent research-based evidence shows inclusion is an undeniable driver for growth as well as social impact. Inclusion continues to be fundamental to understanding our audiences, innovating our products and services, inspiring creativity and delivering a clear ROI, the Return on Inclusion. And, we're about to add to this body of evidence…

A 'what now?' on the recent UK riots  For those in the UK who experienced racism, Islamophobia and Xenophobia, there is a fear the recent riots are still with us, seen in Scotland this past weekend. Together, we can work harder to dismantle the systemic racism that has spilled out onto our streets. So what now?

Inclusion matters more than ever, with a divided society, shifting demographics and an ageing population, with the over 60s set to increase from 14% to 22% of the world's population by 2050. There is also a much-reported pushback against DEI, but studies show that in volatile times, brands that uphold their DEI win:

“Embrace age as a superpower”. Cannes panel on how to fight ageism in the creative industry.

Den Salazar was one of the creatives in the first intake of Disabled Creatives last year. We caught up with Den on his experience being part of the Disabled Creatives programme. What led you to sign up for Disabled Creatives? I was definitely ready for a change, but I didn't know how. Then, the opportunity for Disabled Creatives came to my attention through Scope. The programme sounded like …

Meet us in Cannes, plus what's your strategy for Generative AI?

The RISE fireside chat with Dr Martens Chief Brand Officer Ije Nwokorie and Creative Equal's Debbie Tembo was a masterclass in brand authenticity, differentiation and the relationship between brand and product. According to Nwokorie, “When you are creating a product, you are creating for people and it’s a different approach to marketing.” When he said…

The panel tackling the state of masculinity at this year's RISE hit a nerve: How can we as marketers play a role in creating more diverse portrayals of men and masculinity? One of the biggest threats to gender equality is the regressive attitudes of young boys and men. According to a study from the Unstereotype Alliance, men are more likely to hold stereotypical views of gender roles, and younger men even more so. 40% believe that it's a man's job to earn money, and 51% believe women should work less and devote more time to…

Today marks two weeks since RISE 2024. For those of you who were there, thank you again for making it such an unforgettable day. To those who weren’t - there will be a new chance next year! Campaign has summarised the key learnings from the day - and keep an eye on our social channels and these newsletters for videos, starting right now with Ali's welcome. Read on for a link to the powerful keynote delivered by Diageo's CMO…

See you at Cannes? Let's talk AI x DEI, and unveiling DisabledCreatives 2024. ove’s new campaign takes a stance against using AI in the brand’s advertising - and predicts that 90% of content will be generated by AI by 2025. AI is one of the hottest topics for marketers and brands, as there is a general gold rush to make Generative a part of the marketing tool kit - not least to save costs. The risk is that we move so fast we do not stop to consider the risks: What happens to talent as Gen AI takes hold? And while it is developing at speed, it is still very …

WANT TO GROW YOUR BRAND RESPONSIBLY IN 2024? Learn how with the world-leading experts. At RISE, April 24, you’ll hear from the world’s top marketing and brand leaders, including Diageo, P&G, LEGO, Reckitt, Dr Martens, Philips, Chelsea Football Club and more. Build your leadership capabilities, gain insights, takeaways and tools to lead on an agenda that delivers an ROI. Hear how the results are in: inclusive marketing is a proven driver for creative effectiveness and creative excellence, as you’ll hear from…

BIG NEWS! RISE is Creative Equals’ global conference for brands and businesses invested in driving sustainable growth. We bring together forward-thinking marketers, innovators, creative and sustainability experts invested in driving inclusion and social impact throughout the marketing chain. See you there!

As the year draws to a close, we want to express our gratitude for having you with us this year. Together, we’ve seen sustainable change within brands, cultures and communities, thanks to YOU. This matters with DE&I under threat, with the likes of Elon Musk 'X-ing' recently 'DEI must DIE'. We've seen so much 'fear' gather around this space, starting with the US Supreme Court rolling back decades of hard-won civil rights. The Bud Light Dylan Mulvaney backlash highlighted the palpable threat facing the LGBTQIA+ community, with many brands scaling back their Pride campaigns. We are all bearing witness to the Gaza/Israel conflict, slashing division through communities and generations with Muslims and Jews facing growing hate crimes and rising discrimination. Right now, we centre on who is most impacted as we give back. That's why…

PLUS CreativeComeback NYC is now live, AND we take a look at those Christmas ads, because Ho-ho-ho-homogenous?

The 2023 Christmas ads are out, and while they lean into festive cheer, family traditions and kindness via gift-giving, we've gone backwards on representation. The UK is made up of many intersections across age, ethnicity, ability, gender, LGBTQIA+, family compositions, faiths, cultures and socio-economic levels... and few ads reflected that. On a quick view of System 1's top 12 ads, there is little ethnic diversity and majority male voiceovers. What's happened? Is it the 'fear of getting it 'wrong'?

A Game-changer with Google. Our North Star? To leave a legacy through driving a diverse, equitable and inclusive society. Google's North Star? To significantly improve the lives of as many people as possible. So we came together to create the Creative Equals x Google Career Certificate Scholarship Programme, aimed at those from underrepresented, vulnerable and other marginalised group. The goal: to equip people with tools, knowledge and mentor support to help them find employment. The partnership has resulted in…

Could it be… AI? Yes, it is, but it didn't stop this image exploding over Twitter in a bomb of presidential glitter, placing Barbie on the frontline of the US 'culture wars'. While in the US conservative figures like podcaster Matt Walsh have condemned 'Barbie' as 'the most aggressively anti-man, feminist propaganda fest ever put to film', Barbie will finish Sunday with well more than $700 million in worldwide box office sales after serving up the biggest week in history for Warner Bros with $578.5 million. The fact is…

Was Cannes LION inclusive? Here's our POV in Campaign... ‘Inside Palais itself, it's a yes. As our team were chosen as part of the official line up, from end-to-end of the speaker experience, a requirement for DEI was baked into the curation of the content into the onsite delivery. Over the years, the jury line-up has improved to become .

DEI shapes award-winning work that leaves a legacy. Cannes Lions, 19 - 23 June, Cannes France. Are you in Cannes this award season? If so, come and skill up with our workshop series across the week. Come learn, meet new people and discuss why DE&I is a driver for creative excellence, has powerful social impact and, wins awards at Cannes LION.