Day 1 | Tuesday 20th May
Setting the Scene
A powerful start to the Social Media Festival, Day 1 is all about grounding ourselves in the now. Through honest conversations, expert panels, and practical trend deep-dives, we’ll explore the real state of social media today, from AI to career paths, content, and community. It’s a chance to meet others, reflect, and set your mindset for what’s next. Here you’ll find the main day sessions. We’ll share the breakouts and lightning session details soon!
Main Sessions
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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Registration, Networking & Brunch. Fun Photobooth with Candid
Ease into the day with a relaxed welcome at the incredible immersive world of Phantom Peak. Explore the venue, enjoy delicious brunch bites, snap photos with Candid, and discover more about our partners and sponsors. Take part in fun activities, play games, and make meaningful connections before the sessions begin. This is your time to settle in, explore, and connect.
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12:00 PM | The Social Media Updates You Need to Know About with Luan Wise & Andy Lambert
Staying on top of social media changes can be overwhelming. This fast-paced session will break down the most important trends, data insights, and feature updates across platforms. You'll leave with a clear understanding of where social is heading and how to adapt your strategies with confidence. Perfect for those who want to stay ahead and plan smart.
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12:30 PM | Strategically Cutting Through the Noise on Social Media with Erifili Gounari
Get ahead of the curve with exclusive insights from Metricool's latest study. This session will uncover key data and effective tactics shaping social media success in 2025, helping Social Media Managers and marketers sharpen their strategies and make smarter decisions. Expect actionable takeaways you can apply right away.
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1:00 PM | AI in Social Media The Big Discussion Hosted by Nicole Mezzasalma
This panel hosted by Nicole Mezzasalma explores how AI is being used in social media marketing, from ad performance to consumer insight. Featuring James Armstrong (Social Firefly) and Tina Thompson (Sweet Spot), the session unpacks the pros, cons, and real-world impact of AI.
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1:30 PM | The Return of Joy: The Revolution In Social Commerce - Heather Bowen, Pinterest UK
Heather Bowen (Pinterest UK) shares how Pinterest is bringing the joy of discovery back to online shopping. Learn how visual search and authentic content are reshaping social commerce and how your brand can thrive in this new era.
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2:00 PM | Social Media: It’s Not That Deep with Hannah Anderson
In this refreshing closing keynote, Hannah Anderson cuts through the noise of overcomplicated strategies. Discover how organic social success really comes down to creativity, consistency, and common sense and why listening to social media managers matters more than ever. Expect straight-talking insights on when to go big on branding and when to keep it real.
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2:30 PM | Meet the Expert - Facilitated Round Tables
Join our facilitated mini roundtables for the chance to connect directly with experts, brands, and tool providers. In small groups, you’ll discover products and services designed to help you work smarter, boost productivity, and stay ahead in your role. A brilliant way to ask questions, get insights, and find solutions that fit your needs.
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2:30 PM | Lightning Session - The Power of Community and Growing a Brand
DescriThis lightning session will explore how Lorna and Polly have scaled Enterprise Nation’s user base to reach millions — all while staying grounded in purpose and connection.ption goes here
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3:30 PM | Channel 4: How we grew our YouTube and TikTok audiences - Janine Smith, Channel 4
Join Janine Smith as she takes us behind the scenes of Channel 4.0’s five-year journey, from launch to standout success. Discover how the team built a thriving presence on YouTube and TikTok, the strategies that fueled audience growth, and what’s next for digital-first broadcasting.
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4:00 PM | Anni Mueller From Innocent Drinks: The Power of Social Media
Anni Mueller will explore Innocent Drinks' approach to social media, focusing on the balance between proactive and reactive strategies. She'll share insights on how to prove social media’s value to stakeholders and decision-makers while highlighting its role in shaping business outcomes.
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4:30 PM | Building the Future: Skills and Careers in Social Media Hosted by Daniel Rae
Featuring Sophie Lee, Ashleen Narula, and Esme Rice, this panel explores the essential hard and soft skills for a successful career in social media, now and in the future. Expect insights to help you recognise your strengths, spot growth areas, and shape your next steps with confidence.
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5:00 PM | Day 1 Wrap Up - Drinks and Networking
We’ll wrap up Day 1 with drinks, networking, and more time to explore the immersive world of Phantom Peak. A chance to wind down, connect with fellow attendees, and reflect on a brilliant day of learning and inspiration.