18 March 2026 12.00-4.00pm
Meet creative professionals; get industry insight; explore the future of marketing, comms & creative careers. On‑campus workshops, employer fair, plus industry and alumni panel. Can’t make the full programme? Drop in when you’re free.
Creative Connections: Find your creative future
Book your place at your on‑campus creative careers conference. Meet industry professionals, hear real career journeys, join workshops, and explore the future of marketing, comms, branding and creative industries.
All happening in one flexible, drop‑in event.
| Timetable of events |
| Keynote Session with BuyMedia | 12.30–1.30 – The Future of Marketing in the Age of AI Hear fresh insights on creative career trends, and what the future of creative work looks like. |
| Creative Careers Fair | Drop-in from 12.00–12.30 & 1.30–3.00 – Meet industry professionals at pop‑up stalls. Ask questions, build connections and explore opportunities in a relaxed, informal space. |
| Workshops | 1.30–2.30 – Join one of the seven sessions designed to help you build confidence, and explore key employability themes in creative careers: Workshop 1: Supporting Your Marketing Journey with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) – Damian Cuke Workshop 2: Lessons in Brand Building for the Age of Social – Dru Ryder Workshop 3: Don’t Just Say Something – Jack Rigby, PR Barn Workshop 4: Your Creative Portfolio – Joni and Chelsea – STM AGENCY Workshop 5: From Student to Standout: Building a Career That Works for You – Kate Brown Workshop 6: Kickstart your Career in Marketing – Natalie Winterton-Whitfield, Zeal Creative Workshop 7: No Turning Back 2020 Ambassador Programme (NTB2020) – AJ Ou Chang & Nonkuthalo Thithi |
| Inside the Industry: A Future‑Focused Q&A with Creative Leaders | 3:00-4:00 – Our panel of industry professionals will help you navigate your future creative career journey. Featuring: Kate Brown (Marketing consultant), Jack Rigby (The PR Barn), AJ Ou-Chang (No Turning Back 2020), and Lisa Thompson (Wavemaker/MPA). |
| Book now to let us know you’re coming and to choose your workshops.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ |
Keynote
The Future of Marketing in the Age of AI
Fergal O’Connor, CEO and Founder, Buymedia & Ailish McDonnell
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the marketing industry, changing not only the tools marketers use but also the skills and careers that will define the next generation of professionals. In this keynote, Buymedia Founder and CEO Fergal O’Connor, alongside Ailish McDonnell, Head of PR for Buymedia and MMU Alumi, will explore how AI is transforming marketing from a largely intuition-led discipline into one increasingly powered by data, automation and intelligent decision-making.
Drawing on his experience building an AI-powered advertising platform, Fergal will explain how technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics and generative AI are already influencing how campaigns are planned, executed and optimised across multiple media channels. From audience segmentation and content generation to media planning and performance analysis, AI is enabling marketers to process vast amounts of data and uncover insights that would previously have taken teams weeks to identify.
However, the keynote will emphasise that while AI is changing the mechanics of marketing, it is not replacing the human element. Creativity, strategic thinking and the ability to interpret data in meaningful ways remain essential. The most successful marketers of the future will be those who combine these human strengths with an understanding of how to use AI tools effectively. Rather than replacing marketers, AI is reshaping the role into something more strategic, analytical and creative.
For students preparing to enter the industry, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. Many traditional marketing tasks are becoming automated, but at the same time entirely new roles are emerging. The keynote will explore the types of careers likely to grow over the next decade, including marketing technologists, data-driven strategists, AI-enabled media planners and digital growth specialists. These roles require a blend of marketing knowledge, technical literacy and the ability to collaborate across disciplines such as data science, product development and business strategy.
Fergal will also discuss how the marketing ecosystem itself is evolving. The rise of omni-channel media, the fragmentation of audiences across digital platforms and the increasing demand for measurable return on investment mean that marketers must now operate in a far more complex environment than previous generations. AI-powered tools are helping organisations manage this complexity by creating integrated systems that bring planning, execution, measurement and learning into a single feedback loop.
For students at Manchester Metropolitan University, the message is ultimately optimistic. The marketing industry is entering one of its most exciting periods of transformation. Those who develop a strong understanding of both creativity and data, and who remain curious about new technologies, will find themselves well positioned for a wide range of dynamic career opportunities.
The keynote will leave students with a clear sense of how the marketing profession is evolving, what skills will matter most in the coming years, and how they can begin preparing today for careers in a field where technology and human insight increasingly work hand in hand.
Fergal O’Connor is the founder and CEO of Buymedia, a data-driven, AI‑powered advertising platform that helps businesses make smarter decisions to maximise ROI. With 25 years’ experience working in media and technology, Fergal combines commercial insight, along with AI innovation and a clear mission to democratise advertising. He has redefined how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access, manage, and measure advertising. His vision, strategy and innovation leads growth across international markets with the goal of making advertising smarter, fairer, and more effective for all. Founded in Galway in 2015, Buymedia recently announced its expansion to the UK, launching a head office in Manchester in late 2025. Buymedia has earned numerous accolades, including being ranked as the 4th fastest-growing tech company in Ireland by the Deloitte Fast 50, and 73rd in the Deloitte EMEA Technology Fast 500.
Ailish McDonnell is a senior public relations consultant with more than 20 years’ experience, specialising in fintech, banking, corporate PR, financial services, technology and gaming. She has had the privilege of working in all areas of public relations including large, global and small niche PR agencies, client side as an in-house press office manager, as well as running her own business as an independent PR consultant. Ailish is Head of PR for Buymedia, a data-driven, AI‑powered advertising platform that helps businesses make smarter decisions to maximise ROI agencies
Workshops
Supporting Your Marketing Journey: How the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Empowers Careers at Every Stage
Damian Cuke CIM
A session exploring how the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) supports students and marketers from their time in education through to senior roles. Insight into CIM’s globally recognised qualifications, The Marketing Club, membership, and continuing professional development (CPD) and how to achieve Chartered Marketer status — a benchmark of professional excellence in the field.
Lessons in Brand Building for the Age of Social
Dru Ryder
Dru will share her journey from corporate brand communications to working with purpose-led start-ups and personal brands, and why smaller, mission-driven teams made brand building feel more meaningful. The session closes with practical ways to build a credible personal presence online without needing to be an influencer.
Dru Ryder is a senior brand and marketing consultant with over a decade of experience leading strategy and communications across both global corporations and high-growth start-ups. She has held senior marketing roles at Sky and Daily Mail, overseeing muli-million pound campaigns, and most recently led brand and marketing for one of the UK’s biggest influencers and Sunday Times bestselling author Roxie Nafousi.
Dru now runs her own consultancy, bringing bold brand stories to life for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and creative founders. Her work helps clients find their voice, build trust and engage real people without losing soul.She regularly speaks on brand building, personal branding and the evolving demands on modern marketing careers.
Don’t just say something
Jack Rigby, PR Barn
What’s your headline and hook? Is it now more important than ever to be a compelling storyteller? Let’s discuss why and answer your questions on what you can do to get ahead.
Jack started out at Brazen PR back in 2009 before forming PR Barn. Since then, Jack has delivered outstanding award-winning campaigns for a host of different clients, from football clubs to property developers.
Your Creative Portfolio
Joni and Chelsea – STM AGENCY
Join Joni and Chelsea from STM AGENCY, a fast‑paced creative agency working with brands like ASDA, Costa, TUI, JCB and Cinnabon, for a hands‑on portfolio review designed to help you present your best creative work with confidence. This is your chance to get live, honest feedback from agency professionals, understand what employers really look for in a creative portfolio, and refine how you showcase your skills for placements, internships and graduate roles.
Bring your portfolio
Whether it’s a first draft, a work‑in‑progress, or a more developed body of work, you’ll need to bring your portfolio (in digital or physical form) for review. This session is all about getting personalised, practical guidance so STM need to see your work.
What you’ll gain
Actionable advice on structure, layout and storytelling
Insight into how to position your creative strengths
Tips on presenting ideas clearly and professionally
The chance to ask questions specific to your work and creative direction
You’ll leave with clearer direction, improved confidence and a stronger portfolio that speaks to real creative employers.
From Student to Standout: Building a Career That Works for You
Kate Brown
The traditional “career ladder” is becoming a thing of the past. In today’s marketing landscape, progression is rarely linear (and that’s a strength, not a setback). In this session, Kate Brown (freelance marketing consultant and community builder) shares her journey from corporate Head of Marketing to launching her own consultancy, and building a personal brand alongside client work.
You will learn:
– What the marketing industry really looks like in 2026
– How to navigate uncertainty and early-career pressure
– Why developing a personal brand is no longer optional
– Practical steps to stand out before you graduate
An honest, real-world workshop designed to help students build confidence, clarity and career momentum.
Kickstart your Career in Marketing
Natalie Winterton-Whitfield, Talent Acquisition Manager, Zeal Creative
This session offers a practical introduction to beginning a marketing career, covering how to build a strong personal brand, create an effective CV and portfolio, and use LinkedIn strategically. Students will also explore agency vs. in-house roles, key marketing disciplines, and essential networking and interview skills to help them confidently take their first steps into the industry.
No Turning Back 2020 (NTB2020) Ambassador Programme
AJ Ou Chang & Nonkuthalo Thithi
AJ and Nonkuthalo represent the role models and rising stars of the NTB2020 Ambassador Programme. They are 1-5 years into their careers and help to inspire interest in Marketing, Communications, PR & Sports Marketing by showcasing their varied career paths inside the sector. They shine a light on black, Asian, minority ethnic success stories.
MARKETING, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND TOURISM 
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