GoTransit’s team attended IMAA’s Indie-Pendence Day conferences in Sydney and Melbourne to connect with agency partners and bring back practical ideas for the year ahead. From the “AI shift” to the timeless truth that great creative drives real brand impact, the sessions delivered plenty to apply immediately.
What We Learned (and What We’re Taking Forward)
GoTransit Media Group’s Bernard Horan and Michael Desiere attended both of Independent Media Agencies Australia’s (IMAA) Indie-Pendence Day conferences in Sydney and Melbourne, with our Director of Sales, Kirrily Hirst, joining the Sydney event. They attended build stronger relationships, sharpen thinking, and start 2026 with momentum.
Highlights from Desi
In Desi recapped the Melbourne event, and three themes stood out:
- AI, minus the hype. Mark Byrne (Headspring) shared a grounded perspective on where AI is heading and how businesses should think about applying it now, closely aligned with the Melbourne agenda session on using AI without losing strategic edge.
- Different thinking wins. Thinkerbell’s Adam Ferrier brought his trademark challenge to the room, echoing the conference’s emphasis on practical, future-facing capability building particularly around AI’s impact on marketing.
- Creative that drives impact. Toby Hemming in conversation with Elle Bullen reinforced a point that matters to every channel (including transit): when creative is done well, it lifts outcomes. This session sat within the “Work Built Different” theme focused on creative excellence and effectiveness.
What we’re taking back to GoTransit
Beyond the speaker notes, the biggest value was time with partners and peers. IMAA’s purpose is centred on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strengthening the independent sector. It’s important we invest in these relationships because the best ideas travel through these partnerships. We bring out the best in each other when we work together.
Big thanks to IMAA and everyone involved for creating a space where the indie agency community can learn, challenge assumptions, and start the year on the front foot.
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