What we'll share
Meet our speakers
Thursday April 7
4pm BST / 11am EST / 8am PDT
Despite all the current hype around 'the metaverse' it doesn’t actually exist yet – but the building blocks are being laid. Crypto, NFTs and blockchain technology are the foundations of the next iteration of the internet, and in this session, we aim to have an honest conversation about the creative and commercial opportunities this rapid innovation is creating for progressive brands.
We surveyed 1000 people to gauge what the average person in the UK really thinks about the metaverse. Do they know what it is and do they even care?
Join us to find out.
We'll also discuss the future of brand destinations in the metaverse as well as debate some of the over-hyped promises that are circulating.
Join us as we cut through the BS, unpack the hype and explore what the metaverse actually means for your brand experience strategy now and in the future.
Brand Fit
How do you know if a paid-for brand experience is a right fit for your brand? We’ll look at the sectors and brands prime for these experiences and share the opportunities for each sector.
Creative Execution
How do you create an experience that is worth paying for? We’ll go into the insight from our research to understand what makes an experience worth paying for in the minds of consumers.
We’ll deconstruct all the key elements brands should consider when designing paid-for experiences.
Value Exchange
What are the commercial and non-commercial opportunities for brands? We’ll explore how to measure the return on investment and look beyond the ticket price alone to share how brands can optimise every element of the experience.
“In the utopian Web3 evangelist view, users will take back control of their data, moving from a commercial model of being the product, to owning part of the product.
But when 80% of all NFTs are held by 80% of accounts, we’re already seeing a new form of centralised power emerge.”
Anthony Hickson
Director, Imagination's Immersive Studio
Imagination
Based in Los Angeles, Anthony is the Director of Imagination's Immersive Studio and has a heavy hand in much of Imagination's content, digital and interactive work.
He brings over 20 years of global experience in experiential marketing, media production and live events, having worked as a designer, editor, and producer.
During his career Anthony has worked at several award-winning creative agencies and production companies in Australia, the U.K and the U.S.A, and has overseen numerous vehicle launches, product reveals, live stage shows and digital activations for clients including Honda, Acura, Cisco, Gulfstream and Universal. Anthony prides himself on delivering innovative and immersive events and experiences that connect brands and audiences in new and engaging ways.
We are a unique combination of creative disciplines, independent for 50 years.
We create experiences that change the status quo.
The metaverse doesn't exist ... yet
A real conversation on what the metaverse means for your brand experience – minus the BS.
Once you register you will receive your digital joining link. This is unique and will admit you to the event on the day.
If you have any problems or would like to speak to someone please don't hesitate to contact – tom.beardmore@imagination.com
This is a virtual event for brands who want to cut through the jargon and have a real conversation about what the metaverse means for the future of marketing and brand experiences.
Nick Blenkarne
Strategy Director
Imagination
As Strategy Director, Nick is responsible for laying the strategic and creative foundation for inspiring experiences. Nick works symbiotically with creative and project delivery teams, delivering bespoke approaches for brand experiences across different marketing communications channels, in particular digital, and ensures that strategy and techniques are properly integrated into the broader channel mix, from live experiences through to online, physical/digital and social, content and communications strategy, mobile and branded content.
More broadly, he supports the growth and development of the global Shell business, nurturing new business opportunities that range from brand strategy to digital content development.
Cary Tilds
Chief Strategy Operations Officer
Frameplay
Cary Tilds is the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer for Frameplay, a global intrinsic in-game advertising leader. She is responsible for leading Strategic Planning, Marketing and Operations. Prior to Frameplay, Cary was the SVP, Corporate Strategy for FordDirect focused on digital strategy and operations. Cary also held leadership roles as GroupM’s Chief Innovation Officer and led Digital Media Operations for Mindshare.
Thursday April 7
4pm BST / 11am EST / 8am PDT
Sam Brewton
Senior Lead Designer for AR
Wayfair
At Wayfair Sam creates Augmented Reality and spatial computing for the most important physical space in your life - your home. He's been making the metaverse and pursuing persistence in world space AR for a decade, working across platforms, disciplines, languages, cultures, organizations, and borders.
Prior to Wayfair Sam was part of the Nike team at R/GA where he created numerous AR experiences for Nike, including the Nike VR Showroom.
Sam Hamilton
Creative Director
Decentraland Foundation
Decentraland is a decentralized virtual social platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain, that is owned and governed by its users. Through the Decentralandplatform, they can create, experience, and monetize content and applications. Every day Decentraland features a wide assortment of events and activities – from digital art shows to music performances, gaming, quests and more.