BMF creatives Angus Whalan and Alana Koutoulas are representing Australia at the 2024 LIA Creative LIAisons program in Las Vegas, with some of the world’s most respected creative directors as speakers. Here Angus and Alana end their final days exclusively for CB.
Thirty inspiring talks, a f**kery workshop and a shameful amount of overpriced beer later.
It’s a wrap for LIA and we’re not sad, we’re devastated.
In our last few days, we attended LIA’s dinner and networking party, and in Vegas tradition, we won’t go into detail. We sat around a panel of legends as they discussed what work deserved shiny things and we ate the last of some really good catering – thanks LIA.
What we learned in our last days:
• Liz Taylor explained that finding joy in your role is far more rewarding than simply chasing titles.
• The ideas that excite CCOs the most are the ones that haunt them.
• John Mescall explained that crazy ideas must come with a why.
• We could write an entire article on Susan Credle’s speech, but we will say that being generous and uplifting at all levels of seniority will encourage everyone to do better and in turn make us all do better.
• She also said that no one should be in a hurry to reach the top. If you don’t have ups and downs in a convoluted career, being at the top will feel empty
Now for the last blanket of the day. And it’s a doozy. See: Treasure Island casino floor. While it’s undeniable that they’ve doubled down on the theme here, the edgy brown hues have given us a newfound appreciation for closed-toe footwear. 2/10.
But we have an honorable mention – the Beethoven 1 party room, which we’ve been listening to and learning all week.
This rich tapestry of fractals, flowers and fans has provided a deeply contemplative texture to look into as we contemplated creativity, connected with other connections and daydreamed about catering.
Thanks for having us LIAs. It’s been wild.