The It Matters conference is the creative platform for brand leaders, decision-makers in the advertising industry, and top-level creatives from agencies.

Creativity is the key to more impactful and effective communication, and it is a lever for measurable economic impact. That’s why we learn together from the most creative minds in the world and the trends set at the most significant creative festival: the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.

That's the It Matters Conference

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Why It Matters

Brands that prioritise creativity are more innovative, achieve greater impact with their target audiences, and are demonstrably more successful economically. Where does creativity come from? It requires thinking outside the box. Observing what other creatives are doing and learning from their challenges. Drawing inspiration and connecting ideas. That’s precisely what the “It Matters” conference is about. It provides a unique gateway to the trends and topics shaping the creative industry.

What’s in it for me?

You’ll learn from the world’s best creatives how to harness creativity for yourself and your everyday work. These creatives know what they’re talking about—they win Lions at the Cannes Lions Festival. Through lively panel discussions, you’ll gain deep insights first-hand and learn from the successes and challenges of top creatives. We set the benchmark as a platform for exchange within the creative industry. And you’ll be right at the heart of it.

Speakers 2025

  • José Suaid

    Creative Director, Innocean Berlin

    Creative Director & Writer with over 15 years of global experience, leading creative work at top agencies such as David Miami, GUT, Grey, and Ogilvy Brazil. Recognized at Cannes Lions, D&AD, Clio, One Show, ADC Global, Effie, and more.

  • Tobias Collée

    VP Global NIVEA Brand, Beiersdorf AG

    If you change a label by speaking about it differently, the beer suddenly tastes good. That’s the power behind branding. I find that fascinating. In my 20+ years of experience in the FMCG world, my most challenging and fulfilling endeavor is driving the transformation of the world’s #1 skincare brand. NIVEA is a brand for everyone. Bringing the brand to life for all our consumers around the world requires innovative and transformative thinking. I am more of a change agent than a sustainer, a passionate and creative soul who has a trained eye for sophisticated design and interior, enjoys teamwork and believes in the success of the brave and the bold.

    Love a good discussion about brands, always searching for and sharing new inspiration.

  • Cordula Schmitz

    Editor-in-chief, Hamburger Abendblatt

  • Jan-Philipp Jahn

    CEO Serviceplan Germany, Serviceplan

    Since July 2025, Jan-Philipp Jahn has been CEO of Serviceplan Germany. Together with CEO Till Diestel, CSO Stefanie Kuhnhen, and CFO Holger Scharnofske, he leads all German creative agencies operating under the Serviceplan label. He had previously worked for the Serviceplan Group starting in 2006, including in China and Dubai. In 2019, he moved to GREY Germany as CEO. In 2022, he joined McCann, where he advanced from operational CEO of McCann and Craft to CEO of McCann Worldgroup Germany. Since 2021, he has also been a board member of the GWA.

  • Thomas Sailer

    VP Brand Central Europe, adidas

    Thomas Sailer brings 27 years of experience in the sporting goods industry, with a long-standing career at adidas. After leading the brand in Japan for 9 years and playing a pivotal role in reshaping the global Originals brand over 2, he stepped into the role of VP Brand Central Europe earlier this year. In his current role, he is focused on driving the consistent and impactful execution of adidas’ global brand marketing strategy—while ensuring it resonates locally and fuels commercial growth.

  • Robert Zitzmann

    Managing Director & Partner, Jung von Matt SPORTS

    Robert is Managing Director of Jung von Matt SPORTS, which was named “Agency of the Year 2024” by W&V and the Hashtag Sports Academy in March. Robert has been with Jung von Matt for over 10 years and previously worked for, among others, the UEFA Champions League, the ATP World Tour and SPORTFIVE. He also serves, among other roles, as a voluntary board member of Sheffield FC – the world’s oldest football club – as well as a member of the FC St. Pauli digital advisory board and the economic advisory board of the University of Bayreuth.

  • Marian Brannelly

    Global Director of Awards, LIONS

    Marian Brannelly is the Global Director of Awards at LIONS, where she brings a decade of experience in the creative marketing industry to the role. She works across the breadth of the global creative marketing community to identify the trends shaping the industry and has been a driving force behind innovative changes to the Awards.
    Marian cares deeply about creativity and the many ways it can affect positive change and drive progress.

  • Meinolf Ellers

    Managing Director, UseTheNews gGmbH

    Meinolf Ellers is Managing Director of #UseTheNews gGmbH. He joined dpa back in 1985 and worked as a reporter, foreign correspondent and department head, among other roles. Since 1996 he has been instrumental in coordinating the development of the agency’s digital products and, as Managing Director, established the subsidiary dpa-infocom. As a co-initiator, he was involved in founding the global agency network MINDS International, the Hamburg innovation conference Scoopcamp, as well as the next media accelerator.

  • Madlen Rösch

    Global Social Impact Lead NIVEA, Beiersdorf

    Madlen Roesch is the Global Social Impact Lead at NIVEA, driving NIVEA CONNECT – Beiersdorf’s global initiative against loneliness and social isolation. With 10+ years of global experience in brand communication and strategy, including roles at adidas in the US, she combines business and social impact to foster connection and belonging. Madlen is passionate about uniting NGOs, scientists, and businesses to create systemic solutions for more connected communities.

  • Florian Weischer

    Co-Chairman, Weischer

    Partner. Media professional. Shaper of the future.
    Florian Weischer (born 1958) is Partner and Co-Chairman of the Weischer Group, a leading German media company. Honoured as “Media Personality of the Year” and connected with the Cannes Lions for over 20 years, he is now committed to sustainable projects, UN SDG initiatives and regenerative agriculture on his Haidehof near Hamburg.

  • Sebastian Pattis

    Creative Director Art, Innocean Berlin

    From a storyboard artist and illustrator to visual designer and now international creative director in art. Worked with major brands like Volkswagen, Bosch, Sony, Hyundai, and Kia. His recent projects “The Vulva Spaceship”, “Kia Instrument” and “Camdom” by Billy Boy, were celebrated at renowned industry festivals.

Moving Moments 2025

Proud Partner