The Prolific North Live 2024 event in Manchester showcased the future of media, marketing, and digital strategies.
- Held at Manchester Conference Centre, experts shared strategies for market growth and brand development.
- Underdog brands were advised to focus on market penetration and creativity to compete with industry leaders.
- The over-65 demographic was highlighted as a significant growth opportunity for brands.
- Speakers discussed the evolution of social media strategies, emphasising authentic community engagement.
The Prolific North Live 2024 event, held in Manchester, remains a pivotal platform for exploring future trends in media, marketing, and digital strategies. Industry experts from various sectors gathered to share valuable insights and predictions, with an emphasis on strategies tailored for 2025 and beyond.
At the heart of the event, attendees were introduced to innovative market strategies designed to aid underdog brands in capturing market share despite resource constraints. According to James Bagan, these brands should prioritise market penetration over customer loyalty and ensure they remain distinctive in their creative approaches.
Andy Johnson drew attention to the substantial opportunities within the over-65 market, an often-overlooked segment that presents a massive growth potential. Through interactive participation, myths about this demographic were dispelled, underscoring the need for inclusive design and packaging to effectively address their unique preferences.
A panel featuring top marketing minds examined the dynamics of retail trends. Discussions navigated through the intricacies of loyalty schemes and the integration of new technologies in retail, with insights on how brands like Matalan and Fentimans are evolving their communication channels to meet new consumer expectations.
The role of social media continues to transform, as demonstrated through sessions highlighting TikTok’s rise as a prime shopping channel and the strategic use of platforms like X, formerly Twitter. The importance of seizing timely moments and fostering community connections was a recurrent theme.
Throughout the event, there was a strong focus on creativity and marketing longevity. Jamie Axford’s session was notably impactful, urging brands to embrace bold ideas and disregard the fear of failure. This forward-thinking mindset was echoed by Jo Jeffers and Carl Hallam, who advocated for strategic clarity over ephemeral marketing trends.
Additional sessions revealed how challenger brands can thrive by remaining agile and attentive to market shifts. This agility enables brands to push boundaries and engage deeply with customer communities, ensuring they stand out in a competitive landscape.
The event further explored the integration of AI and sustainability into modern brand strategies, reflecting on how these elements are reshaping consumer interactions and expectations. As traditional and digital channels increasingly converge, maintaining a clear brand identity remains paramount.
Prolific North Live 2024 illuminated the path forward for brands seeking innovative growth strategies amidst evolving consumer landscapes.
