Amsterdam, March 11, 2025 – As the advertising and media industries navigate shifting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies, representation challenges, and the evolving role of technology in communication, IAA Benelux presents Being Human: Advancing Diversity, Inclusion & Ethical Communication in Advertising. This exclusive gathering, taking place on March 26, 2025, in Amsterdam, aims to reaffirm the critical role of ethical, inclusive, and responsible communication in today’s landscape.
With political and regulatory headwinds reshaping corporate commitments to DE&I, there is an increasing need for individuals and organizations to maintain their dedication to authentic representation, ethical storytelling, and responsible communication practices. Being Human will convene senior leaders, creatives, and industry experts to discuss how brands and agencies can continue to foster inclusive and ethical communication, even in an era of uncertainty.
Defending the Human Element in Advertising
The event will focus on the intersection of technology, ethics, and inclusivity, providing a space for honest dialogue and practical solutions.
Key discussion topics include:
- The Future of DE&I in Advertising – Navigating shifting corporate policies and public sentiment while maintaining genuine commitment to inclusive representation.
- Brand Accountability in an Evolving Media Landscape – How businesses can uphold their values while adapting to new societal pressures.
- Empowering Human-Led Communication – The importance of retaining human oversight and ethical responsibility in advertising and marketing strategies.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our industry where long-standing commitments to diversity and ethical communication are being questioned. Being Human is about ensuring these commitments don’t fade into the background but instead become more deeply embedded in the fabric of our industry.”
Marianna Ghiraldi, CEO, BBDO Italy and speaker at the Being Human event
Tying into Creativity4Better in Milan
Being Human is part of a broader industry conversation that will continue at Creativity4Better (C4B), the International Advertising Association’s flagship creativity event, which moves to Milan on October 2, 2025. As advertising professionals work to uphold ethical and inclusive communication, C4B will explore the power of creativity in shaping business, culture, and society. With discussions on innovation, sustainability, and cultural impact, the event will serve as an important next step for industry leaders committed to making a difference.
For industry professionals, business leaders, and members of the media interested in attending our Being Human event, please contact Stephanie Manning at [email protected].
For more information on Creativity4Better, visit creativity4better.it.
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About the International Advertising Association (IAA)
The IAA is the world’s most influential network of marketing and marketing communications professionals. Established in 1938, the International Advertising Association is the only global association that represents all spheres of the marketing and marketing communications industry. For over eighty years the IAA has played a strong role in supporting key industry issues such as freedom of commercial speech, self-regulation, responsible advertising, education and professional development.
On the ground, we have over 4,000 individual and corporate members spanning marketing, advertising, media, IT communications and academic sectors – all involved in the wide range of brand marketing and marketing communications disciplines. The IAA has presence in most markets through Chapters and education affiliates reaching across 56 countries where we serve the collective interests of the entire marketing communications profession, unlike other bodies that defend only the interests of the sector they represent.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Manning
Benelux Chapter Vice President and Executive Director
[email protected]
https://iaabenelux.org