Technology for Marketing is thrilled to announce the formation of our 2025 Advisory Board – a diverse group of marketing leaders committed to reimagining the future of marketing events.

Led by our Senior Event Content Manager Alyssia Smith, the board convened for its inaugural meeting in early February 2025. The session focused on addressing common pain points in industry events and developing new approaches that deliver genuine value to attendees and exhibitors alike.

Meet Our 2025 Technology for Marketing Advisory Board:

• Lauren Hannifan – Co-Founder & Head of Brand, Snug
• Janis Thomas – Managing Director, Look Fabulous Forever
• Miracle Inameti-Archibong – Head of Search, John Lewis
• Sophie Miller – Founder, Pretty Little Marketer
• Kimberly Ofrecio – Managing Director, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts | ex-Farfetch
• Ekwy Chukwuji – Founder, Equi Botanics
• Aysen Miller – Senior Social Media & Community Manager, Antler
• Phil Davies – Head of eCommerce, Virginia Hayward
• Emily Latham – Head of Marketing Technology, Carwow
• Emma Davies – Co-host, Blame it on Marketing

The board has already begun tackling key issues including how to ensure attendees receive clear, ROI-driven takeaways; creating more effective connections between exhibitors and potential buyers; and developing content that matches companies' actual needs rather than industry hype.

"Ever gone to a tech event and left feeling lost, overwhelmed, and not sure why you went? You and me both," shared Ekwy Chukwuji, Founder of Equi Botanics. "Too many events focus on big buzzwords instead of real, applicable insights that help businesses move forward. That's why Tuesday's Technology for Marketing Advisory Board Meeting felt different. A select group of brilliant minds gathered to rethink how events should work."

Chukwuji added that the board discussed creating an event where "Attendees leave with clear, ROI-driven takeaways. Exhibitors connect with the right buyers at the right time. Panels and content actually match where companies are in their journey."

Emma Davies, Co-host of Blame it on Marketing, expressed her enthusiasm: "Well wasn't I chuffed when Ruta and I were asked to join the Advisory Board for Technology for Marketing as Blame it on Marketing™. We had our first meeting last week to discuss our ideal conference. Let's just say the gang at CloserStill Media are onto a good thing."

Janis Thomas, Managing Director at Look Fabulous Forever, reflected on the experience: "We're reaching high for this year's Technology for Marketing! I had such a brilliant time discussing ideas for this year's show. Big thanks to Alyssia and the team for inviting me to join the advisory board and facilitating lots of interesting discussions."

Miracle Inameti-Archibong, Head of Search at John Lewis, noted: "It was fantastic to connect with fellow eCommerce and marketing leaders to discuss the pain points in marketing and all things events. We had a productive session, uncovering some valuable insights that will help shape the future of these two key events. The energy and ideas in the room were inspiring."

Board discussions have covered specialized content tracks for organizations at different stages – from those just beginning their email marketing journey to established brands scaling their customer connection strategies – as well as thoughtful approaches to emerging technologies like AI, balancing personalization with ethics and data privacy concerns.

"Massive shoutout to Alyssia Smith, who orchestrated the entire thing flawlessly," Chukwuji concluded. "Collaborating on how to make industry events truly worthwhile was energising. Here's to shaping the future of marketing events for 2025 and beyond!"

Technology for Marketing 2025 promises to deliver a refreshed event experience that provides real value to all participants. Stay tuned for more updates as our advisory board continues its important work.