#USA #New York #ANA #AI future #Global Learning

ANA Calls on Marketing Industry to "Push Pause & Power Up"

As the landscape of marketing continually evolves, so too must its practitioners. The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is taking a proactive step towards addressing these changes by organizing the Global Day of Learning on September 17, 2026. This event is a call to action for marketing professionals to temporarily set aside their daily tasks and focus on enhancing their skills for an AI-driven future.

Embracing the Future of Marketing

The Global Day of Learning aims to unite marketing leaders from various sectors, including powerhouse companies like General Motors, Mastercard, LEGO, and Duolingo. This year’s theme, "The Future of Marketing Work," revolves around preparing marketers for an ever-evolving professional environment shaped by artificial intelligence. The gathering will include engaging master classes, interactive workshops, and dynamic discussions, all designed to equip attendees with practical skills needed in this new era.

Nick Primola, Group Executive Vice President at ANA and the mastermind behind the Global CMO Growth Council, states, "AI isn’t just another set of tools for marketers; it’s a paradigm shift that requires us to rethink the skills that bring value and the structure of our organizations.” This initiative emphasizes the importance of stepping back to reassess and realign marketing strategies with future demands.

Learning Without Limits

One of the unique aspects of the Global Day of Learning is the focus on "Personal Time ON," or PTO. This concept encourages marketers to take time away from their pressing deadlines to concentrate on their professional development. It’s a day dedicated to learning and skill-building, which is essential to remain competitive in the rapidly shifting marketing landscape driven by technological advancements.

Notable Speakers and Sessions

This year features an impressive lineup of speakers who will share their insights and expertise:

• - Raja Rajamannar, former Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard, will discuss the emerging concepts in "Quantum Marketing."
• - Shenan Reed, Global Chief Media Officer at General Motors, will explore the complexities of cross-media measurement in a fragmented audience environment.
• - Julia Goldin, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at The LEGO Group, will contribute her insights into brand evolution in the context of AI.
• - Additionally, experts like Rahul Chopra from Duolingo and Jennifer Chase from SAS will discuss brand growth and AI integration, respectively.
• - The event will also include hands-on training from Cord Silverstein, CEO of IntegrateAI, teaching participants how to utilize Custom GPTs and AI agents effectively.

Global Participation

The ANA Global Day of Learning is not just a national event; it has seen participation from over 20,000 marketing professionals across more than 100 countries in recent years. This extensive participation underscores the growing recognition of the necessity for ongoing education and adaptation in marketing roles. It symbolizes a global commitment to harnessing the skills required for the future of the industry.

In an age where adaptability is key, the ANA's Global Day of Learning represents a vital opportunity for marketers to enhance their knowledge, equip themselves for future challenges, and ensure their strategies align with evolving consumer expectations. As attendees prepare to "push pause and power up," the emphasis will be on innovation, collaboration, and practical application of AI within marketing strategies.

The landscape may change rapidly, but this gathering signifies a unified effort to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that marketers are not just reacting to change but shaping the future of marketing itself.