The event brought together some of the most influential voices in technology, media, brands, and e-commerce, who gave presentations ranging from viral marketing campaigns to the role of social media and AI in shaping presidential elections and democracy.

Go Viral. Repeat. How to Crack the Viral Marketing Code - Michael Krivicka

‍Michael Krivicka shared his approach to creating viral marketing hits by making ads that don’t look like ads. His key strategy involves visual storytelling that transcends language and features relatable, everyday topics turned into impractical gadgets exaggerated for entertainment. Examples include a traffic-skipping car, a hair-shaving helmet, and a popcorn-shooting machine. Krivicka’s CV includes ads for Oakley, Netflix, and Sony. These impractical gadgets have, in every instance, caused a media frenzy that led reporters to do news stories on them, resulting in free advertising and excellent brand exposure. In a nutshell, Krivicka's out-of-the-box marketing ensures brands stay memorable, with media coverage boosting awareness. His method cleverly engages audiences by letting the brand take a back seat, driving viral success.

Business Design at Netflix: Driving Innovation and User-Centric Growth - Alphonso Morris

Alphonso Morris discussed how Netflix uses business design—a blend of design thinking, strategy, and innovation—to drive user-centric growth. Highlighting a case study, he explained how updating Netflix’s TV sign-up page to a dynamic, localized video boosted conversions and revenue immensely, leading to a $90 million increase in revenue over the past three years. This change exemplifies how prioritizing user-centered design can lead to significant business success. Morris emphasized that businesses should integrate design into their core strategies, not just as a secondary element, to create long-lasting customer value.