{"id":5983,"date":"2026-02-27T12:33:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/?post_type=transit_post&#038;p=5983"},"modified":"2026-02-27T12:34:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:34:29","slug":"imaa-indie-pendence-day-2026","status":"publish","type":"transit_post","link":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/?transit_post=imaa-indie-pendence-day-2026","title":{"rendered":"GoTransit at IMAA Indie-Pendence Day 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What We Learned (and What We\u2019re Taking Forward)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GoTransit Media Group\u2019s Bernard Horan and Michael Desiere attended both of Independent Media Agencies Australia\u2019s (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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"5986\" src=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617099-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617099-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617099-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617099-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617099-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617099.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5985\" src=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133627884-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133627884-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133627884-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133627884-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133627884.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5989\" src=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475930198-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475930198-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475930198-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475930198-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475930198.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlights from Desi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Desi recapped the Melbourne event, and three themes stood out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI, minus the hype.<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Different thinking wins.<\/strong> Thinkerbell\u2019s Adam Ferrier brought his trademark challenge to the room, echoing the conference\u2019s emphasis on practical, future-facing capability building particularly around AI\u2019s impact on marketing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Creative that drives impact.<\/strong> 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 \u201cWork Built Different\u201d theme focused on creative excellence and effectiveness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475935205-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475935205-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475935205-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475935205-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475935205-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771475935205.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What we\u2019re taking back to GoTransit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the speaker notes, the biggest value was time with partners and peers. IMAA\u2019s purpose is centred on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strengthening the independent sector. It&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"5987\" src=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617184-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617184-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617184-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617184-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617184-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133617184.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"5984\" src=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133622163-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133622163-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133622163-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133622163-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133622163-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772133622163.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links is-style-default is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-social-links-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gotransitmediagroup\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">LinkedIn<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-facebook wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gotransitmediagroup\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 2C6.5 2 2 6.5 2 12c0 5 3.7 9.1 8.4 9.9v-7H7.9V12h2.5V9.8c0-2.5 1.5-3.9 3.8-3.9 1.1 0 2.2.2 2.2.2v2.5h-1.3c-1.2 0-1.6.8-1.6 1.6V12h2.8l-.4 2.9h-2.3v7C18.3 21.1 22 17 22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><span 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c-0.315-0.315-0.51-0.615-0.673-1.035c-0.123-0.317-0.27-0.794-0.31-1.671C4.631,14.688,4.622,14.403,4.622,12 s0.009-2.688,0.052-3.637c0.04-0.877,0.187-1.354,0.31-1.671c0.163-0.42,0.358-0.72,0.673-1.035 c0.315-0.315,0.615-0.51,1.035-0.673c0.317-0.123,0.794-0.27,1.671-0.31C9.312,4.631,9.597,4.622,12,4.622 M12,3 C9.556,3,9.249,3.01,8.289,3.054C7.331,3.098,6.677,3.25,6.105,3.472C5.513,3.702,5.011,4.01,4.511,4.511 c-0.5,0.5-0.808,1.002-1.038,1.594C3.25,6.677,3.098,7.331,3.054,8.289C3.01,9.249,3,9.556,3,12c0,2.444,0.01,2.751,0.054,3.711 c0.044,0.958,0.196,1.612,0.418,2.185c0.23,0.592,0.538,1.094,1.038,1.594c0.5,0.5,1.002,0.808,1.594,1.038 c0.572,0.222,1.227,0.375,2.185,0.418C9.249,20.99,9.556,21,12,21s2.751-0.01,3.711-0.054c0.958-0.044,1.612-0.196,2.185-0.418 c0.592-0.23,1.094-0.538,1.594-1.038c0.5-0.5,0.808-1.002,1.038-1.594c0.222-0.572,0.375-1.227,0.418-2.185 C20.99,14.751,21,14.444,21,12s-0.01-2.751-0.054-3.711c-0.044-0.958-0.196-1.612-0.418-2.185c-0.23-0.592-0.538-1.094-1.038-1.594 c-0.5-0.5-1.002-0.808-1.594-1.038c-0.572-0.222-1.227-0.375-2.185-0.418C14.751,3.01,14.444,3,12,3L12,3z M12,7.378 c-2.552,0-4.622,2.069-4.622,4.622S9.448,16.622,12,16.622s4.622-2.069,4.622-4.622S14.552,7.378,12,7.378z M12,15 c-1.657,0-3-1.343-3-3s1.343-3,3-3s3,1.343,3,3S13.657,15,12,15z M16.804,6.116c-0.596,0-1.08,0.484-1.08,1.08 s0.484,1.08,1.08,1.08c0.596,0,1.08-0.484,1.08-1.08S17.401,6.116,16.804,6.116z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-youtube wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@gotransitmediagroup4746\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M21.8,8.001c0,0-0.195-1.378-0.795-1.985c-0.76-0.797-1.613-0.801-2.004-0.847c-2.799-0.202-6.997-0.202-6.997-0.202 h-0.009c0,0-4.198,0-6.997,0.202C4.608,5.216,3.756,5.22,2.995,6.016C2.395,6.623,2.2,8.001,2.2,8.001S2,9.62,2,11.238v1.517 c0,1.618,0.2,3.237,0.2,3.237s0.195,1.378,0.795,1.985c0.761,0.797,1.76,0.771,2.205,0.855c1.6,0.153,6.8,0.201,6.8,0.201 s4.203-0.006,7.001-0.209c0.391-0.047,1.243-0.051,2.004-0.847c0.6-0.607,0.795-1.985,0.795-1.985s0.2-1.618,0.2-3.237v-1.517 C22,9.62,21.8,8.001,21.8,8.001z M9.935,14.594l-0.001-5.62l5.404,2.82L9.935,14.594z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-imaa wp-block-embed-imaa\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ndfCKs6JLf\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theimaa.com.au\/indie-pendence-day-2026\/\">Indie-Pendence Day 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Indie-Pendence Day 2026&#8221; &#8212; IMAA\" src=\"https:\/\/theimaa.com.au\/indie-pendence-day-2026\/embed\/#?secret=gS3M3ckhgo#?secret=ndfCKs6JLf\" data-secret=\"ndfCKs6JLf\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GoTransit\u2019s team attended IMAA\u2019s Indie-Pendence Day conferences in Sydney and Melbourne to connect with agency partners and bring back practical ideas for the year ahead. From the \u201cAI shift\u201d to the timeless truth that great creative drives real brand impact, the sessions delivered plenty to apply immediately.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5988,"parent":0,"template":"","listing_cat":[68,70],"class_list":["post-5983","transit_post","type-transit_post","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","listing_cat-gotransit-news","listing_cat-meet-the-team"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/transit_post\/5983","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/transit_post"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/transit_post"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5983"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"listing_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gotransit.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Flisting_cat&post=5983"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}