Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA), the national, not-for-profit industry association for the independent media agency industry have announced their inaugural Sound-Byte conference – a examination of the Australian audio industry framed around the question, “Are your media plans in tune with Australia’s growing affection for audio?”
ARN, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), Nova Entertainment, Nine, Mamamia, News Australia, ATN and GfK, will all be represented, and the event supported by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA). The event is part of IMAA’s Bytes series, with the first Digi-Byte event held in Melbourne last year.
Sound-Byte will be held at ARN’s North Sydney office on Thursday 26 June and will include some of Australia’s most influential voices in radio and podcasting including a keynote presentation from the KIIS Network’s Breakfast hosts, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O.
The day will also include sessions from experts across various sectors of the audio industry.
- IMAA Chair and The Media Store Chief Operating Officer, Jacquie Alley, will lead the “Content is Still King: The Art of Entertainment” panel session. It will also include insights from KIIS Sydney Drive show duo Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw aka Will and Woody, 4BC Afternoon host Sofie Formica and ATN CEO Vic Lorusso.
- CRA Chief Commercial Officer, Jo Dick will moderate a discussion on the future of audio, exploring AudioID and measurement, with panellists including Jeremy Adams, Head Of Operations at GfK ANZ, Michelle Golding, Digital Strategy Director at Nova, and Olly Newton, Executive Head ‑ LiSTNR Commercial.
- How smart brands can win in podcasting – Belinda Cook, Head of Audio Sales, Mamamia, Dominique McDermott, Senior Audio Strategy Manager at News Corp, Mia Stern, Head of Digital Growth at Nine Radio, and Kim Kerton, Head of Podcast Partnerships at Nova Entertainment, and moderated by Grant Tothill, Executive Head of LiSTNR Operations and Audience, looking at how to use podcasting for brand building, integrated storytelling and profitability.
IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan, said:
“Sound-Byte is an opportunity to bring together the stars and leadership of Australia’s audio industry to share their expertise, insights and experience of the growing national audio landscape.
The audio sector is experiencing strong growth, particularly from digital radio and podcasting – with the latest Guideline SMI data for April showing ad revenue growth of almost 13%, its second biggest increase since the COVID pandemic. We’re thrilled to have superstars Kyle and Jackie O on board to present the keynote speech, along with a range of radio hosts and executives, who bring a deep understanding of the sector to our members.
We’re proud to continue to provide opportunities for our members to learn from the best and brightest in the business, and to walk away with actionable insights to take to their clients and campaigns.”
CRA CEO, Lizzie Young, said:
“IMAA’s Sound-Byte event gives direct access to the people shaping the future of audio in Australia and the landscape across broadcast, streaming and podcasting; enabling smarter, more effective strategies. Independent agencies are in a prime position to harness audio’s momentum.”
A second Sound-Byte Melbourne event will also be announced soon.