UM’s VP Strategy, Richard Fofana, joins four other media industry experts and leaders to help make sense of all that happened in 2020 and forecast what’s yet to come in 2021, spanning the biggest issues/topics of the year, from D2C to D&I. Here’s what each of them had to say. Click here to read more
Momentum in the Press
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RECMA has released its latest global “vitality” rating of media agencies’ competitiveness, and UM leads the way. The vitality score is an index based on qualitative measures such as competitiveness, revenue from new business, pitch participation over a three-year period, awards and the stability of top management. The Interpublic-owned UM earned an indexed score of
To help clients address COVID challenges, the shop expanded its consulting service and developed new forecasting tools. Like everyone else, UM was blindsided by the pandemic. But unlike some, the agency had already begun looking at changes to its structure and process prior to the crisis. As a result, its phones have been ringing off
Dan Zangrando, VP of investments at UM and other industry buyers talk the good, the bad and the different for brands this year. There were numerous unknowns leading into this year’s virtual Upfronts – notably, whether programs would be produced in time for fall rollout. Naturally, it’s understandable that some marketers were cautious about making
From a new OOH network to Quibi’s anticlimactic end, UM’s Erica Kokiw, VP of digital and Holly Martin, manager of connection planning, weigh in on what should buyers keep their eyes out for. Click here to read more
New global data from Nielsen shows that people are using free-to-play digital games like Fortnite, Call of Duty and Animal Crossing as more than just a means of playing games. Increasingly, the platforms are serving as virtual hang-outs for online “gatherings.” And Nielsen says this trend won’t suddenly reverse once real-world events become safer, either. Mediabrands shop UM has
While many games still aren’t selling traditional media placements, some brands have recognized the potential in the medium by creating atypical integrations. In our POV series, UM Canada is evaluating new platforms and identifying possible outside-the-box opportunities for brands to play in new spaces, especially since the unique circumstances of the pandemic are bringing what
Hellmann’s is the latest brand (of many) to integrate into the game. How has the platform changed the way marketers think of gaming? Steven Pemberton, digital analyst for UM Canada, says he’s seeing integrations with Animal Crossing: New Horizons begin to evolve – and the agency is keeping a close eye on the medium, increasingly helping clients
Today, UM announced the launch of its third global, first-ever virtual Impact Day. Over 100 UM offices closed to give employees the day to volunteer their time and resources to philanthropic organizations and important societal movements around the world. The team has carefully pivoted Impact Day into a virtual experience to ensure the safety of employees while still empowering them
The video chat wars are heating up, and even without traditional ad placements in place, the buzz around Houseparty is building. In UM’s latest POV, the Canadian team takes brand marketers through the pros of diving into this platform now, so that when the ad opportunities open, brands can get in on the action early.
