The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) recently hosted its revamped member conference, 'The Greatest Media Show', at Hoyts Melbourne Central. The event attracted over 300 attendees from 68 agencies, as well as media partners and industry leaders.

The conference featured a keynote from former AFL Women's player and media commentator Abbey Holmes, who was interviewed by Seven Network’s Victorian and National Independent Agency Sales Director, Peter Charles. The event also boasted a line-up of speakers from across the industry, including leaders from Commercial Radio & Audio, Boomtown, IAB, Outdoor Media Association, ThinkTV, ThinkNewsBrands, and media partner, Val Morgan.

Tom Pitney, founder of youth media site Punkee and AI agency Airstack, spoke about navigating AI and empowering brands and agencies to harness emerging technology. Julia Vargiu, Director of Australia at SI Partners, provided growth consultancy and M&A advice. James Zipeure, former COO of Havas and founder of Exact AI, discussed commercial sustainability and AI transition. Globally recognised strategist, business leader and record-breaking pilot, David Fish, was also among the speakers.

"We felt a great sense of pride at how many indies were in the room at our new-look members’ conference yesterday and at the calibre of speakers we had throughout the morning," IMAA CEO Sam Buchanan said. "The speakers were incredible, and the combination of that with our power sessions really left an energised feeling in the room. Indies had a bumper year in 2023 and we expect that success to continue. Having the opportunity to deliver such a stellar line up of speakers and see our members interacting in such a dynamic environment fills me with confidence for what we will see delivered this year."

The conference was followed by an after-party at local bar Longsong, presented by QMS. The event featured a Q&A with Olympian, World Aquatics Champion, and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Cassiel Rousseau. Agency members also had the chance to win a QMS Out of Home campaign worth $50,000.

"There was such an infectious energy at Longsong and it was great to see so many independent agencies in the room sharing ideas, networking and celebrating the sector," QMS General Manager Independent & Direct Sales, David Pullinger, said.