ACA to host webinar for second Create Space DE&I census results

Advertising Council Australia (ACA) will host an industry-wide webinar to reveal the findings of its 2023 Create Space census on Tuesday 21 May, 2-3pm AEST.

The census exists to paint the latest picture of Australia's advertising, media, and marketing industry's demographics and its members' experiences of diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to the the national advertising industry body, close to 2,500 professionals contributed to the anonymous census in November last year.

The data will be compared with the findings of its inaugural 2021 census, shedding light on shifts in gender representation, social and ethnic diversity, mental health, family status, and experiences of inclusion at work to uncover whether progress has been made on DE&I in adland, and where the industry needs to focus its efforts moving forward.

Alongside the ACA's Hannah Sturrock, the industry webinar will feature: Rose Herceg, ACA D&I committee chair and president, WPP ANZ; Renata Yannoulis, ACA D&I committee member and senior strategist, TBWA\Australia; Simon Wassef, ACA D&I committee member and chief experience and strategy officer, Clemenger BBDO; and Jessica Farrell, ACA D&I committee member and general manager, people and culture ANZ and head of diversity, equity and inclusion ANZ, Publicis Groupe.

Sturrock, ACA's national head of engagement, said the webinar "will be a completely transparent and informative session that will give the industry a clear picture of where we are at in addressing inclusion and representation in Australian advertising.

“Thanks to everyone who took part in the census last year; it is a comprehensive piece of research. We look forward to seeing you online on May 21 to hear how we all can take the next steps in making adland more inclusive and diverse for everyone."

ACA's CEO, Tony Hale, described the robust data as "crucial to overcoming gaps in the diversity of our people and their experiences of inclusion and belonging."

“Critically, there are no short-lived or short-term solutions. Create Space is a long-term commitment to setting standards, providing leadership, listening to our people and measuring progress every two years to ensure everyone feels they belong and have equal opportunities to contribute and thrive,” he said.

Last month, the ACA opened the 2024 Australian Effie Awards for entries with a new AI category. On time entries close on 13 May 2024. 

See also: ACA: Advertising industry needs to focus on retention and senior diverse talent