REFRESH DUBLIN

REFRESH DUBLIN is part of the Refreshing Cities movement.

First talk:

GOODVERTISING, OR HOW STAY SANE IN ADVERTISING
Advertising is about communication of a particular message to an audience. Some advertising is about making people aware of a product or service and improving their opinion of it. Some advertising is designed to save lives and some to improve lives.

However:

It has been said that some advertising is the art of making people buy stuff they don't need.  Whatever you think of this last statement, it may reflect a general wariness toward excessive consumerism and 'brand polution'.

Which are issues that advertising creatives are faced with, both ethically and professionally. Professionally because you want the brands you work with to be noticed for the right reasons. And ethically because no-one wants to wonder whether their professional contribution to society is a negative one. During the session we'll discuss how 'goodvertising', or responsible advertising, may just be what'll keep you sane.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER - ALEXIS BOUCKAERT 
Alexis is a digital creative director and designer, currently working in Rothco, one of Ireland's leading advertising agencies.

He has worked on digital marketing campaigns for a variety of local and international brands such as Dublin Bus, Aer Lingus, Guinness, Powerade and Coca-Cola.


Second talk:

IF POWERPOINT IS THE ANSWER, IT MUST HAVE BEEN A STUPID QUESTION. 
In this talk, Rowan will distil down the essential elements that contribute to effective presentation. Presentation is simple, it's just not easy; so most people shy away from making the simple changes that can transform their talks to a new level. In 15 minutes, Rowan will make you wince, laugh and think in equal measure and hopefully, help you make that change.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER - ROWAN MANAHAN
PowerPoint nerd, wordsmith, storyteller, trainer and dancing bear. Rowan passionately believes that there has to be a middle ground between the genius presenter who mumbles his/her great thoughts in bullet point form (usually with their back to the audience) and the strong, confident speaker who frankly doesn't have very much to say. A bit of pause for thought and a modicum of honing and rehearsal can transform a poor-to-average preso into something that really makes a difference.