The publisher announced the launch of ‘The Fame Fund’ – £500,000 to be put towards the co-production of innovative, media-first ideas and executions – at its annual Upfront & Centre event for advertisers on Wednesday night
With ambitious aims to cut through the noise and foster creativity, the innovation fund will support collaborative, ground-breaking ideas that get brands noticed across all its platforms.
Advertisers at the event were given an exclusive first look at how the business is transforming for the future with its expansion of audiences, sophisticated first party data capabilities and the investment and diversification of its content.
Managing director – digital, Hannah Buitekant, said: “In today’s digital landscape, the power of our content discoverability is nothing short of transformative. Our editorial teams unfailingly rely on data-driven decision-making, and with the same stroke our commercial teams convert our audience insights into engaged and targeted solutions for advertisers.”
Radio broadcaster, TV presenter and podcaster, Jenni Falconer, hosted the evening at Tottenham Court Road’s brand-new live events space, HERE at Outernernet, alongside Mail Metro Media’s chief revenue officer, Dominic Williams.
An editorial panel, More Than News, featured lively discussion about exciting new product and platform innovations from head of podcasts, Jamie East; MailSport reporter, Charlotte Daly; Metro executive editor, Richard Hartley-Parkinson; and i editorial director, Amy Iggulden.
Other commercial updates focused on key themes centred around Mail Metro Media’s unmissable connections and innovations, before popular showbiz couple Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews spoke with Falconer about their social media influence, entrepreneurship, and engaging audiences effectively across multiple platforms.
Chief revenue officer, Dominic Williams, said: “I couldn’t be more proud to celebrate what we have achieved and the exciting things to come with our valued advertising partners – without whom, we couldn’t keep investing in the bright future we have ahead.”
Following the exciting announcement of Mail Metro Media simultaneously launching the media industry’s first five-a-side women’s football tournament, sponsored by Campaign, the evening concluded with a live DJ set from Vogue.
This year’s Upfront & Centre event was once again run as an eco-aware event as the team took sustainability into account with every production element, including the use of a conscious catering company and recycled materials.
