Last Tuesday, a few of us from the team took a break from our screens, hopped in the car, and headed up to Norwich for this year's Brandland Conference. For most of us, it was our first time experiencing the city, and we were immediately struck by the vibrant creative energy Norwich is known for. There was a real buzz in the air, setting the perfect tone for a day immersed in the world of branding.
As a team that lives and breathes brand identity, Brandland felt like a non-negotiable trip. It was a fantastic chance to step outside our usual bubble, hear from some leading voices in our industry, and crucially, see what truly resonated with us around this year's big theme: "Identity."
The conference delivered a tonne of valuable insights, and we left feeling energised and genuinely inspired. Here are some of our key takeaways and highlights from the day:
Personal Branding: The Power of Connection and Passion
The discussion on personal branding, led by Lauren Spearman, Ross Olivey, and Sophie Crowe, was a standout. Their session really zeroed in on the idea that personal branding is fundamentally about connection and authentically finding, then clearly articulating, what you're passionate about. It was a great reminder that whether it's a personal brand or a corporate one, the most relatable identities are those rooted in genuine enthusiasm and a desire to connect.
Breaking the Mould: The Transformative Power of Courage
Jo Juber gave us a fascinating look at the transformative process of repositioning Poppy’s. Her insights highlighted the courage it takes to think differently about industry norms, to break the mould, and to truly dare to stand out. This really resonated with us, strengthening our belief that a powerful brand identity often means pushing boundaries to create something genuinely unique and impactful.
Creativity Without Limits: Learning from "The Goat Shed"
Luke Taylor offered valuable insights into the work he and the UnitedUs team did for The Goat Shed. What was particularly inspiring was their approach to smaller, lower-budget projects. They showed how these can actually be invaluable opportunities for keeping the creative juices flowing, allowing room to be a little more adventurous in design and strategy. It was a powerful testament to the idea that innovation isn't just reserved for huge campaigns or companies.
Identity: At the Heart of It All
The overarching theme of "Identity" wove its way through every session, and a clear message emerged: Identity is about getting to the very heart of something. It’s about asking: What do you truly stand for? What are you passionate about? And crucially, it’s about finding that real, authentic link between you (or your brand) and your audience, then constantly honing in on it.
Ultimately, a strong identity is built on a deep understanding of the business and speaking its language. This deep dive then allows us, as brand folks, to use that info to effectively speak to the right customers.
This year's Brandland Conference was a powerful and timely reminder that Identity is paramount – it's truly all about connection. We left Norwich feeling reenergised, with fresh ideas and perspectives to bring to our clients, and a renewed passion for helping brands discover and express their true selves.
