TMM IRL: Toronto. Black Influence in Advertising: The Hidden History Behind Today’s Most Effective Creative Work
The Toronto Marketing Meetup is an informal, friendly place for the marketers of Toronto to meet, learn, and share knowledge with one another. Come in 'listen' not 'sell' mode 🙂
We'll be back at the wonderful Lauft for this one, and we just want to get together, say hello, have a chat, and have a nice time.
Think of this as a community event, where the focus is very much on you meeting other people in a chilled out friendly space. We’ll chat over food and drink, listen to an inspirational speaker, chat some more, and go home buzzing with new contacts and new ideas.
Let’s have a lovely night in the company of some amazin’ people.
Speaker: June Findlay, Brand and Content Strategy Consultant at Little Kernel Communications
Topic: Black Influence in Advertising: The Hidden History Behind Today's Most Effective Creative Work
"This world does not move without Black creativity." Inspired by Melissa Kimble's words, this workshop examines how Black culture and the work of Black professionals have been the foundation of modern advertising, pop culture, and society—especially in the internet age.
We'll analyze iconic work, challenge erasure, and reimagine equity in the creative world, and discuss how that work benefits anyone working in the world of marketing and advertising.
Designed for creatives, strategists, students, and industry professionals committed to moving the conversation forward with authenticity and accountability.
What you'll walk away with:
Understand how Black creativity shapes advertising, branding, and digital culture.
Learn frameworks for recognizing cultural influence, attribution, and equity.
See why the most effective campaigns connect with culture and community.
Create more authentic, culturally informed marketing.
Spot blind spots, challenge assumptions, and make stronger creative decisions.
The format of the night:
6:30 pm - doors open - drinks, networking, and smiles
7:00 pm - introduction and talks begin
7:30 pm - talks finish, networking, listening, saying hello, and positively lovely people
8:30 pm - end of the night - you leave with new contacts and fresh ideas
A big round of thank-yous to…
Our local host, EVNT by LAUFT, offers versatile event and coworking spaces available on-demand across LAUFT’s flexible workspace network. Book desks, offices, workrooms, or boardrooms, by the hour or day. Lauft.work
Our photography partner, Lamor Photography, who deliver polished brand imagery you can repurpose across campaigns, presentations, and social platforms.
And finally...
This is a donation ticketed event. Ticket price is yours to choose, from $5 to $20 😊
We of course understand that these are tough times, so if you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford the minimum donation amount, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll find a ticket for you (provided capacity hasn't already been reached!) 🙂
Please let your marketing friends and colleagues know about this group too, we hope to build it into a great resource for the community over the coming months and years. Attendance will be taken at this event. If you sign up but don’t show up, this has a knock on effect on event arrangements. If it happens 3 times, you’re outta here! This is simply a measure to allow appropriate respect to the organisers, speakers, sponsors, and your fellow community members 🙂
See you there!