Credit: IMAA
The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) has confirmed the speaker line-up for its inaugural Melbourne Sound-Byte event.
Backed by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), the event will feature all major audio networks, ARN, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), NOVA Entertainment, Nine and Mamamia.
The line-up includes a keynote from Triple M Melbourne Breakfast co-hosts Nick Riewoldt and Rosie Walton.
Riewoldt joined the show last year after a long AFL career, while Walton has been a Triple M mainstay for three decades, previously working on The Shebang, Tough Love and The Cage.
Half Dome founder and head of clients Will Harms will moderate a panel on content and entertainment featuring Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel co-host Joel Creasey, podcaster and former MAFS contestant Ella Mae Ding, announcer Craig Huggins, and Mamamia head of content Eliza Sorman Nilsson.
CRA CEO Lizzie Young will lead a discussion on the future of audio, including measurement and AudioID, joined by SCA head of digital ad product and operations Kim Loasby, NOVA chief commercial officer Nicole Bence and ARN director of digital strategy Ben Campbell.
Podcasting will also be in focus, with ARN head of digital audio Corey Layton moderating a panel with Mamamia head of audio sales Belinda Cook, LiSTNR operations & audience executive head Grant Tothill, and NOVA head of podcast partnerships Kim Kerton.
The Melbourne event follows the first Sound-Byte in Sydney, which featured KIIS hosts Kyle and Jackie O. Sound-Byte forms part of IMAA’s Byte series, which launched in 2023 with Digi-Byte.
“The Australian audio industry continues to grow, particularly across digital formats like streaming and podcasting, while traditional radio also remains a growing medium,” said IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan.
“The ongoing growth of the sector means it’s important for our members to understand the value of audio in their media planning and how they can leverage audio channels to deliver results
“Our Melbourne Sound-Byte event is an opportunity for our Victorian members to exclusively hear from some of the local audio industry’s most experienced talent, both on-air and behind-the-scenes, to get some fresh insights into the future of the sector and why they should invest in audio.”
CRA CEO Lizzie Young said audio provides a unique mix of intimacy, immediacy and innovation, making SoundByte a valuable event for independent agencies.
“SoundByte is a great opportunity to learn about audio's evolution and how brands can best harness its power to deliver results that drive business growth, whilst investing in local media that funds the content communities rely on,” she said.
SoundByte Melbourne will be held on July 30 at indie agency Half Dome’s Cremorne office.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.