In today’s hyperconnected world, reputation is no longer a matter relegated to the boardroom. It’s the ultimate brand capital, shaped in real-time by a variety of factors including cultural movements, social media narratives and community voices, among many others. The stakes have never been higher for brands, founders and leaders, as a single moment can amplify influence or dismantle reputation.

Join Burson’s Jeff Marshall, Tina Mulqueen and Crissy Spivey, alongside DJ, Host Personality and Beauty Creator Brittany Sky, as they examine the influence of culture and what it takes to remain relevant and respected in an era where authenticity and reputation are powerful currencies.

From navigating cultural tensions with creative bravery to leveraging modern communications tools and AI, our experts will share strategies for building a reputation that empowers bold growth and fosters enduring relationships. Learn how to ensure your words and actions reflect your values, resonate deeply with diverse communities and, ultimately, shape a future where your brand’s reputation is its most valuable asset.

A look at the burgeoning trend of health brands stepping into the sports arena, one of the most powerful stages to break stigma and inspire change. From bold Super Bowl ads, to athletes as influencers, to grassroots partnerships with local athletic organizations, we’ll explore how the industry is harnessing the passion of sports to advance public health and spark conversations during cultural tentpole moments. With the Super Bowl and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, we’ll look ahead at what’s next: how health brands are pushing boundaries to leave it all on the field.

Coming soon.

As brands lean more heavily on AI, automation, and data-driven targeting, the stakes for cultural intelligence have never been higher. Standard datasets and biased algorithms often miss the nuances that shape how diverse communities live, consume, and connect. This panel will explore the growing need for culturally optimized insights that reflect real people—not stereotypes—and ensure that marketing, media, and technology speak to all audiences authentically. Panelists will discuss how to root out bias in large language models, build inclusive datasets, and design systems that capture the idiosyncrasies that define culture. Because if the data isn’t inclusive, neither is the future.

Across global advertising, marketing, media, and culture, Africa’s influence is undeniable. From the global rise of Afrobeats and the trendsetting power of African creators on social media, to the athletic dominance of African talent in sports and the infusion of African design, textures, and aesthetics into fashion, beauty, and brand storytelling—Africa is a cultural force reshaping the world.

At the heart of this influence are women across the Diaspora quietly leading strategy, shaping narratives, and driving cultural relevance for some of today’s most impactful brands. Yet, despite their vision and contributions, they remain largely invisible in global industry data and recognition.

This panel brings the Ad-frican Women’s Collective center stage: a newly formed global network of women in advertising, marketing, and business who believe the progression of African culture and influence rests in the powerful, visionary hands of women leaders and entrepreneurs across the continent and Diaspora. Five founding members of the collective will share why this platform was created and why it matters in today’s global and cultural climate.

Savage X Fenty didn’t just build a brand—it built a movement rooted in self-expression, sensuality, and unapologetic representation. In this conversation, Savage X Fenty CMO Vanessa Wallace unpacks how emotional connection drives brand loyalty in an era of short attention spans, algorithm fatigue, and performative inclusion. Expect an honest discussion on the art of blending commerce with culture, and how vulnerability, voice, and visibility create buying power that transcends product.

Coming soon.

Today’s athletes are more than competitors on the court or field—they’re cultural icons, entrepreneurs, and brand-builders. In this conversation, Overtime founder Dan Porter joins moderator André Gray of Havas to explore how athletes are leveraging their platforms to launch businesses, influence culture, and take ownership of their futures. The panel will dive into the evolution of athletes as multi-dimensional leaders and what it means for the business of sports, media, and beyond.

With a young, dynamic population and rapid urbanization, Africa is on track to become the world’s fastest-growing economy. In this panel, Caralene Robinson, CMO of Global Citizen, joins leaders in business and culture to unpack the economic and social trends fueling the continent’s rise. From innovation and entrepreneurship to the creative industries driving global influence, the discussion will explore how Africa’s growth story is reshaping markets worldwide—and why brands, investors, and changemakers can’t afford to overlook it.

From Pepsi’s infamous Kendall Jenner protest ad to American Eagle’s controversial campaign with Sydney Sweeney, brands continue to stumble into cultural landmines that could have been avoided. This talk examines why marketing misfires keep happening—whether it’s arrogance, incompetence, or a lack of diverse perspectives at the table—and what senior marketers must do differently. With the right insights and consultation, campaigns can resonate instead of offend, building trust rather than backlash.