Media Spotlight, Sponsored by MediaWorks returns for 2026 with three senior global and local voices examining how media, creativity and growth are evolving in a fragmented AI-accelerated landscape.
From the flaws in traditional reach-based measurement, the the collapse of top-down brand control models, to the commercial realities of building advantage in the AI era - this year's programme is focused on what needs to change, and what leaders should be doing differently now.
Date: 27 May 2026
Doors open: 8.30am
Event begins: 9.15am
Location: Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street Auckland CBD
The speakers
Three perspectives on how media, creativity and growth are evolving.
Dr. Felipe Thomaz
Felipe Thomaz is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Oxford...
Learn more about this year’s Media Spotlight speakers.
Felipe Thomaz — Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Oxford
Felipe Thomaz is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Oxford, where he is also Director of Research of the Oxford Future of Marketing Initiative. Felipe is a research faculty member, with published peer-reviewed works in Marketing, Mathematics, and Conservation Science. His work is broadly motivated by questions of firm effectiveness and efficiency, as well as the interaction with edge technologies.
Felipe is particularly interested in, and known for his work on Media Channels, the Advertising Ecosystem, and Branding. While from a technical angle, his work will involve Graph Theory, Artificial Intelligence (broadly), or Quantum Information Theory. His pioneering research on illicit markets has informed countries and international agencies on novel ways to counter everything from cyberweapons to wildlife trafficking.
He has authored policy documents on the decarbonisation of advertising with international industry bodies, on progressive advertising with the United Nations, and practical ethics in AI with the International Chamber of Commerce. Felipe has also transferred various IP (algorithms) to the University of Oxford, leading to his current appointment as Managing Director of Augmented Intelligence Labs, an Oxford deep-tech spinout based on his research, specializing in long-range forecasting, trend analysis and anomaly detection algorithms.
Eugene Healey — Founder, Studio EH
Eugene Healey is an educator, brand strategy consultant, and Creator helping people make sense of cultural chaos.
He has worked with global brands like Google, Spotify and Red Bull on strategies to succeed in a climate where media is fragmented, attention is fracked, and algorithms have dissolved mass culture into soup.
Eugene has previously held a session lecturing position in brand management at the University of Melbourne’s postgraduate Business School, and regularly shares his insights on brands and culture via social media to a following of over 500,000.
Melissa Clark-Reynolds ONZM — Futurist, Founder of FutureCentre
Melissa Clark-Reynolds, ONZM is a visionary, certified futurist. With a career spanning technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Melissa is known for her ability to navigate the complexities of our ever-evolving world. She has been awarded the Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for her Services to Technology.
As the founder of several successful technology companies and a seasoned entrepreneur, Melissa brings a wealth of real-world experience to her role as a futurist. Recognized as a thought leader, Melissa has advised governments, Fortune 500 companies, and startups on strategies for navigating uncertainty and driving innovation.
With a contagious passion for shaping the future and a talent for translating complex ideas into accessible concepts, Melissa Clark-Reynolds plans to inspire and empower you to thrive in a world of endless possibilities.
Secure your place
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of media in Aotearoa.
