Three futurists to discuss the closing gap between technology and us at PHD’s BrainScape conference. 

Dubai, October 1, 2017: Forecasting what the future may hold has never been an exact science. Yet, at this year’s Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, respected futurist Ray Kurzweil gave us an indication for the launch of ‘Merge’, PHD’s latest book. Within the next three decades, we will ultimately merge with machines, live longer and be a lot smarter.

These key themes form the basis for the eighth edition of PHD MENA’s annual conference, BrainScape, as the lines between humans and technology blur even further. Taking place on October 16 in Dubai, this year’s edition will feature marketing mavericks and futurists who will discuss how humanity and technology will, in future, become inextricably linked. 

Jonathan (JC) Oliver, global creative officer of Unlockd and founder of innovation agency, 31Flavas, will examine what this tech-driven reality means to us, both as humans and as marketers. With over 25 years of global media experience, JC’s work at the intersection of creativity and business fuses technology with science to develop the next big opportunity within marketing.

Highlighting the measures organizations need to take to thrive in this new environment, author, alchemist and founder of The Envisioners LTD, Dave Coplin, will consider the implications for management executives. Considered as one of the most influential people in digital today, his standpoint on how technology can help enhance, rather than suppress, human potential has helped organizations work smarter, not harder.

Dr. Noah Raford, Chief Operating Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, will offer expert insight on how governments and authorities can prepare for this next phase of innovation. Focusing on how vision and ambition, coupled with deploying the right technology can be key to a successful strategy, he will show how Dubai is supporting its business landscape with its transformative agenda.

“Technology has allowed us to evolve beyond what we ever thought possible, both in business and human terms. We as marketers are continually challenged to deploy it in the most effective way and at PHD this is at the forefront of our strategies, looking at how we can enhance our clients’ campaigns through innovative and transformative solutions,” commented Elda Choucair, CEO of PHD MENA. “This year, we explore the closing gap between technology and humankind in more detail. The aim is to consider both the immediate and forthcoming impacts of this fusion. This means considering both a new range of immersive experiences, be it on a physical, simulated or augmented level, and the environment for technology-enabled lifestyles to thrive.”

The 2017 edition of PHD BrainScape is produced in association with MENA Marketplace, Digital Venture and Mediaquest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Raushanna Salhi

Marketing Manager, PHD UAE
T: 971 4 457 4575
E: raushanna.salhi@phdmedia.com

About PHD:

PHD is known globally as an innovator in communications planning and buying across broadcast, print, digital, mobile, social and emerging media. The network currently holds the title of Global Media Agency of the Year with Adweek and Media Network of the Year with Campaign and the Cristal Awards, as well as placing in the Gunn Report’s top 3 most awarded networks in the world for its work.

In the Middle East, the agency first opened in Dubai in 2006, followed by Abu Dhabi in 2008, Riyadh in 2010 and most recently, Beirut in 2017. Not only has its philosophy of “Finding a Better Way” proved effective for its clients, which include Al Futtaim Group, Ferrero, Arla, Bentley, National Food Products Company, Unilever, Mashreq Bank, VW and SC Johnson, it has also contributed to PHD being named a Great Place to Work in the UAE for six years in a row, placing second in 2017. Along with the rest of the Omnicom Media Group MENA, PHD’s sustainability practices are reported in accordance with the GRI G4 Guidelines and the accuracy of its GRI G4 Content Index has been confirmed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Globally, PHD has over 4,000 staff working in over 80 offices worldwide, having been founded in London in 1990 as the first planning-led media agency. Built on a culture of thought leadership, innovation and creativity, with a philosophy of “Finding a Better Way”, PHD is today one of the world’s fastest growing media and communication agency networks, placing 1stin RECMA’s 2016 global new business performance league table.

The PHD network is part of the Omnicom Media Group, the media services division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC). www.phdmedia.com