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29 - 30 April 2025 | JW Marriott, Auckland

SOMO + NZ Social Media Forum

Shaping the future of marketing with social media & content innovation

The world of marketing is evolving rapidly, and so is our approach to social media. SOMO+ 2025 is not just about the latest social media strategies—this year, we’re diving into the exciting intersection of social media, content marketing, and cutting-edge technology to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a social media expert, a content marketer, or a brand strategist, SOMO+ is the event you can’t afford to miss.

CU027 social platforms
CU027 digital content
CU027 data insight

Equipping attendees with actionable takeaways and cutting-edge strategies to excel in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Whether
you’re a social media manager, a content strategist, or a marketing professional, this event is your opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and redefine your approach to engagement.
 

SOMO+ is for everyone

  • Social Media Managers and Specialists 
  • Content creators and strategists
  • Entrepreneurs and small business owners
  • Brand managers and marketing professionals
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What's New for 2025?

Integrated Streams

Seamlessly explore social media and content marketing in one co-located experience 

Future-Focused Topics

Gain actionable knowledge on navigating trends like AI, AR/VR, and the ethics of data and technology in marketing

Fresh Case Studies

Learn from diverse industries with practical examples of innovation and success 

Interactive Formats

Engage with panels, workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration 

What You’ll Learn

  • Social Media Strategy: Stay ahead with algorithm updates, platform trends, and audience insights 
  • AI and Automation: Leverage cutting-edge tools to optimise campaigns and creative content
  • Community Building: Foster authentic, meaningful audience connections
  • SEO & Optimisation: Master search strategies and site performance 
  • Data Storytelling: Use analytics for personalised, engaging content 
  • Sustainable Practices: Focus on quality-driven, impactful content 
  • Future-Proofing: Prepare for trends shaping digital marketing 

Join us at SOMO+ 2025!

SOMO+ isn’t just a conference—it’s a community of forward-thinking marketers who want to stay at the cutting edge. With expert speakers, interactive sessions, and the latest tools and strategies, you’ll walk away with everything you need to elevate your brand’s marketing efforts.

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

JW Marriott, Auckland
22-26 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

Agenda

Agenda to be announced

8:30

Registration opens

8.55

Mihi whakatau

9:00

Opening remarks from the MC

9:10

What does the future of marketing hold in 2025? 

  • Break down the latest platform evolutions and algorithm changes, and how brands can adapt to stay ahead in 2025

  • Dive into the hottest trends shaping social media and content marketing, from social commerce to immersive content experiences powered by AI 

  • Explore how UX design and accessibility are transforming how brands engage with audiences across digital platforms 

  • Discover the role of AI and machine learning in content creation, personalisation, and streamlining customer interactions 

9:50

Panel Discussion: Meeting your audience where they are

  • Analysing current audience demographics, trends, and shifts in popularity across major social media platforms to identify the most relevant channels for your brand

  • Exploring unique features like paid ads, organic reach, video content, stories, and reels, and understanding how to use them effectively for different audience groups 

  • Discussing strategies for adapting a single idea into multiple formats (e.g. short-form videos, carousel posts, podcasts, and blogs) to meet varied audience consumption preferences 

  • Addressing how to allocate marketing resources effectively by understanding each platform’s strengths tailoring investments for maximum impact 

10:30

Morning break

11:00

Social media mastery: Strategies for growth, engagement, and innovation

  • Discussing innovative strategies for increasing engagement, with a focus on new platform features and content formats

  • Optimising ad spend on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – targeting and conversion strategies

  • Understanding how to use AI to automate customer engagement and personalise social media experiences at scale

Content mastery: Captivating audiences and driving success 

  • Unlocking a powerful content strategy framework to align with your business goals and captivate your audience at every stage of the customer journey 

  • Perfecting the art of optimising content across platforms to ensure maximum reach, engagement, and impact 

  • Leveraging the power of data analytics and AI to refine your content strategy, supercharge your audience targeting, and drive success 

Lisa Garrud, Marketing Director, MasterJack Marketing

11:30

Case Study: Creative campaigns that pack a punch on a budget

  • Showcasing how small businesses and startups have pulled off memorable campaigns without breaking the bank

  • Unlocking budget-friendly tools and platforms that can elevate your social media strategy without draining your resources 

  • Sharing real-life examples of brands that let creativity shine

Case Study: Creating content that converts like magic

  • Get inspired by real-life content marketing campaigns that turned heads and delivered results 

  • Uncover the secret sauce for measuring content effectiveness and tracking performance to see what truly works 

  • Walk away with tips to fine-tune your campaigns and turn them into ROI-generating machines that hit your business goals 

12:00

Case Study: Storytelling that sticks - Crafting authentic brand narratives on social media

  • Understand why storytelling is key to social media success 

  • Master techniques for creating emotionally engaging content 

  • Explore impactful case studies of brand storytelling

  • Learn how influencers can amplify your brand’s narrative

Case Study: Creating content that clicks - Engaging, shareable, and unstoppable 

  • Dive into real-world case studies of campaigns that turned heads and achieved impressive results

  • Discussing what content, they created that grabbed attention and sparked sharing across multiple platforms – without losing momentum 

  • Uncovering strategies for riding trends without compromising your brands voice, creating content that feels both timely and timeless

12:30

Lunch break

13:30

The AR/VR revolution: How virtual worlds are shaping brand experiences

  • Explore the exciting world of AR and VR on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and emerging platforms that are changing the game

  • See how AR/VR are taking storytelling to the next level, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences

  • Discover the endless possibilities of AR/VR in transforming brand interactions

Content marketing 2.0: Supercharge your campaigns with AI and automation 

  • Understanding how AI and machine learning are revolutionising content creation and automating campaigns

  • Explore the top tools and platforms for scaling personalised content without the hassle

  • Real-world case studies of brands winning big with AI and automation

14:00

Beyond the buzz: Tracking what really matters on social media

  • Discover the metrics that truly count - think conversions, ROI, and customer lifetime value

  • Learn how top brands measure social media success beyond vanity stats

  • Get the lowdown on tools and frameworks to track and analyse performance like a pro

Boost your content game: Tools and tips for maximum efficiency

  • A hands-on look at essential content marketing tools for scheduling, analytics, and creation

  • Using AI-driven tools to spark fresh content ideas and personalise your campaigns effortlessly

  • Discussing time-saving tricks designed for small marketing teams to work smarter, not harder, and delivering big results

14:30

Afternoon break

15:00

The evolution of social media and its place in society

  • How social media has shaped modern communication and societal norms

  • The balance between fostering free speech and addressing harmful content

  • Examining the interplay between misinformation, the push for regulation, and consumer behaviour

  • Understanding the ethical and practical considerations for platform governance

  • Insights into the Australian Bill banning social media access for under 16’s, specifically user demographics and platform responsibility

  • Key risks and potential opportunities for businesses operating in an evolving social media landscape

15.20

Table Talk: Navigating the shifting landscape of social media regulations and their implications

  • Analysing Australia’s new legislation banning kids under 16 from social media and its potential implications for New Zealand

  • Discussing the ethical, social, and practical implications of age limits on social media platforms and how these changes might influence user behaviour and brand strategies

  • Exploring how evolving regulations could affect content targeting, audience engagement, and compliance requirements, and brainstorming ways to adapt

15:30

Case Study: Sparking change – Social media for a better world

  • Explore how brands have transformed likes and shares into tangible outcomes, using social media to inspire positive social and environmental change

  • Learn how to create campaigns that balance your brands voice with your audience’s values, championing ethical causes, sustainability, and community impact

  • Analysing likes, clicks, and engagement metrics to ensure your customers voice is truly heard and your campaigns are achieving their intended purpose

  • Understand how to access whether your social media strategies are effectively serving your business objectives, fostering long-term loyalty, and building trust with your audience

16:00

Evergreen excellence: Creating content that lasts 

  • Developing high-performing, timeless content designed to maintain relevance and deliver consistent results

  • Unlocking advanced techniques for repurposing content to expand its reach and amplify ROI across multiple channels

  • Leveraging sophisticated tools to analyse content performance and uncover opportunities for evergreen topics

  • Integrate evergreen content seamlessly into complex marketing strategies to drive sustained growth and engagement

16:30

Closing remarks from the MC & Networking Drinks

9:00

Welcome back from the MC

9:10

TikTok 2025: The future of short-form content

  • Exploring the newest TikTok features and tools shaping the 2025 content landscape

  • TikTok's role in social commerce and brand activations

  • Understanding TikTok's evolving algorithm and how it impacts content visability

  • Strategies for building strong, engaged communities on TikTok 

9:30

Table Talk: TikTok - What's new and how are you using it?

  • How are you using TikTok for your brand?

9:40

YouTube 2025: Video trends to watch

  • New YouTube features on the horizon: Shorts, Livestreams, and more 

  • What brands need to know about YouTube’s evolving algorithm in 2025 

  • Tips for creating video content that stands out in a more competitive environment 

  • How YouTube is adapting to the rise of social commerce and user-generated content 

  • Exploring YouTube’s latest monetisation options for businesses and influencers 

10:00

Table Talk: YouTube - New features and engagement strategies

  • How is your brand leveraging YouTube's new updates?

10:10

Morning break

10:40

META 2025: What's next for Facebook and Instagram?

  • A look ahead: How Facebook and Instagram are changing in 2025 

  • What’s new in social commerce and how to leverage META’s shopping features 

  • The rise of AI-driven ad targeting and personalisation across both platforms 

  • How Instagram’s Reels and Facebook Stories will evolve in 2025 

  • Best practices for driving engagement with video, live streams, and interactive content

11:00

Table Talk: Meta - Navigating Facebook & Instagrams latest features

  • Facebook vs Instagram: How do you use these platforms for your brand?

11:10

Google 2025: Search, ads, and AI’s role in the future 

  • What’s next for Google Search: Predictions for 2025 and beyond 

  • Exploring Google’s evolving AI tools and how they’ll affect digital marketing 

  • Key updates in Google Ads and how brands can stay ahead of the curve 

  • Tips for optimising your content for Google’s changing algorithms 

  • The future of voice search, zero-click searches, and Google Discover for brand visibility

11:30

Table Talk: Google - How is Google's new landscape impacting your marketing strategy in 2025?

  • Discuss how you are leveraging Google's latest features to improve visability and performance

11:40

X 2025: The evolution of social media's trendsetter

  • How X (formerly Twitter) is evolving in 2025 and what it means for marketers 

  • The rise of X’s advanced features: From shopping tools to exclusive content 

  • Best practices for engaging X’s user base in a changing social media landscape 

  • Discussing the impact of X’s algorithm shifts and how to boost engagement 

  • Understanding how X is driving brand conversations and real-time marketing 

12:00

Table Talk: X - How are you leveraging X's latest features to drive engagement?

  • How are you using X for marketing success? 

12:10

LinkedIn 2025: The new frontier for professional content

  • What’s next for LinkedIn in 2025? New tools and trends to watch for 

  • Exploring LinkedIn’s growing role in social commerce and thought leadership 

  • How AI and automation are transforming content creation on LinkedIn 

  • Best practices for using LinkedIn’s live video, events, and new advertising tools 

  • Leveraging LinkedIn to build relationships and drive conversions in the professional space 

12:30

Table Talk: LinkedIn - How are you maximising LinkedIN for brand growth and networking?

  • How are you using LinkedIn for brand growth in 2025?

12:40

Lunch break

13:40

AI in social media: Content creation and engagement 

  • Discover how AI is taking the grind out of content creation with tools that generate, edit, and optimise posts in seconds 

  • See how AI tailors experiences for individual users, boosting engagement through hyper-targeted content and recommendations 

  • Explore AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants that are reshaping how brands connect with their audiences in real time

  • Seeing how brands are nailing their AI-driven social media strategies to grow followers and spark authentic engagement 

  • Blending AI innovation with human creativity for campaigns that resonate and deliver lasting impact

14:20

Lights, camera, engagement: Unleashing the power of video on social media

  • Examining why video content dominates platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and its impact on audience behavior 

  • Sharing tips for crafting thumb-stopping, shareable video content that amplifies brand stories 

  • Exploring strategies for leveraging short-form clips and long-form storytelling to drive audience engagement 

  • Highlighting tools and techniques for efficient video production and optimisation

  • Discussing trends like live video shopping, AR-enhanced videos, and vertical-first formats to stay ahead of the curve 

15:00

Closing remarks from the MC and End of Conference

Speakers

Speakers to be announced

Upholding Workplace Safety: Driving Governance Changes

Enhancing Healthcare Access & Equity in New Zealand

Tired of being ‘on mute’? Give your career a boost

Beyond the Click: The Power of In-Person Event Sponsorship

25% GST, low marginal tax: Would it benefit New Zealand

Cyber Security concerns for CIOs a global challenge

Remote work revolution: Is It good for your mental health & the economy? 

Electrifying Lessons from China: Powering Decarbonisation Locally and Globally

AI-powered diagnosis: A game-changer for NZ health, but who bears the liability? 

Apathy in a Tight Economy: Why emotional connection matters more than ever

Engaging your Customers in Today’s Landscape: Can you hear them clearly?

Sponsors

Exhibitor

MasterJack

Gold Sponsor

Umbrella Wellbeing

Silver sponsors

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Exhibitors

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

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This exclusive event puts you in front of a highly skilled audience hungry for insights. Get ready for meaningful engagement that drives results.

Plus, we have some unique opportunities to put your company, products, and services in the spotlight.

Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.

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Masterclasses

Add a masterclass to your conference or book separately

Sharpen up your skills with practical applications in 1 of 3 platform masterclasses

Meta Masterclass:
Mastering the Meta ecosystem

30 April 2025 | 3.30PM – 5.30PM 

Unlock the full potential of the META ecosystem—Using Facebook and Instagram to elevate your marketing efforts, drive measurable ROI, and stay ahead in a competitive digital landscape. Ideal for experienced marketers looking to refine their campaigns and strategy.

Learning objectives

  • Gain advanced insights into META algorithms to boost organic reach and paid performance
  • Learn precision targeting using custom audiences, and advanced segmentation techniques
  • Craft high-performing ad creatives with dynamic personalisation, reels, and carousel ads
  • Use META business suite to automate campaigns and generate cross-platform analytics
  • Explore cutting-edge e-commerce tools like Instagram shopping
  • Master AR/VR tools, Meta’s metaverse initiatives, and first-party data strategies

 Workshop outline 

  1. Outline 1
  2. Outline 2
  3. Outline 3
  4. Outline 4

Facilitated by: XXX

Bio goes here

Dr Tristan Casey

Facilitator Name

Job Title

Organisation

TikTok Masterclass:
Creating viral success

30 April 2025 | 3.30PM – 5.30PM 

Elevate your TikTok marketing strategy with advanced tools and insights to build your brand, create viral content, and drive sustainable growth. Perfect for marketers ready to maximise TikTok’s unique potential in B2C and B2B spaces.

Learning objectives

  • Decode TikTok’s algorithm to consistently land on the For You Page with high-performing content
  • Master advanced video production techniques, trend leverage, and interactive storytelling
  • Build deeper engagement with a loyal audience through challenges and live streaming strategies
  • Learn to create high-performing ads using Spark Ads, Branded Effects, and TikTok Pixel for retargeting
  • Use TikTok analytics to refine campaigns and measure ROI effectively
  • Explore the future of TikTok marketing, including AI-driven content, live shopping, and commerce integrations

 

 Workshop outline 

  1. Outline 1
  2. Outline 2
  3. Outline 3
  4. Outline 4

Facilitated by: XXX

Bio goes here

Dr Tristan Casey

Facilitator Name

Job Title

Organisation

LinkedIn Masterclass:
Building professional impact and driving results

30 April 2025 | 3.30PM – 5.30PM 

Transform LinkedIn into a powerhouse for your marketing campaigns with advanced techniques tailored for experienced marketers. Learn how to use LinkedIn for lead generation, brand visibility, and thought leadership.

Learning objectives

  • Optimise your company page to establish your brand as an industry leader and attract prospects, while leveraging dedicated campaign or product pages to drive targeted engagement and showcase specific offerings
  • Develop a content strategy using LinkedIn Pulse, storytelling posts, and employee advocacy
  • Leverage LinkedIn Ads with advanced targeting, including Matched Audiences and ABM strategies
  • Build and manage LinkedIn groups to foster discussions and create a thriving community
  • Use LinkedIn Analytics and Sales Navigator for data-driven campaign decisions and lead generation
  • Learn to integrate LinkedIn trends, such as collaborative articles and AI tools, into your strategy

 Workshop outline 

  1. Outline 1
  2. Outline 2
  3. Outline 3
  4. Outline 4

Facilitated by: XXX

Bio goes here

Dr Tristan Casey

Facilitator Name

Job Title

Organisation

Want to join this conference?

Register your interest, we will be in touch when tickets are available.

Tickets

Click the following button to secure your spot:

Individual Tickets

2 for 1 - Pre-Sale

$ 1449 per person +gst
  • The displayed price of $1,449 per person is based on the effective rate calculated when booking a full price conference ticket at $2,899 + gst. For valid conference ticket, payment by 31 January 2025.

Super Saver

$2899
$ 2399 +gst
  • Available until 14 March 2025 or until 40 tickets are sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 14 March 2025.

Early Bird

$2899
$ 2599 +gst
  • Available until 4 April 2025. For valid ticket, payment by 4 April 2025.

Full Price

$ 2899 +gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 29 April 2025.

Multi Buy

Multi Buy - 2+ Tickets

$ 1999 per person +gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. Available until 29 April 2025. For valid ticket, payment by 29 April 2025.

Masterclasses

Meta Masterclass

$ 499 +gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 30 April 2025.

TikTok Masterclass

$ 499 +gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 30 April 2025.

LinkedIn Masterclass

$ 499 +gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 30 April 2025.

Registration Conditions

Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.

For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions

Safe events: our live events are run in line with industry best practice and government guidelines

Pre-sale Ticket Terms 

  • Event-Specific: Pre-sale tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. 
  • Payment Deadline: To secure the pre-sale rate, payment must be received by the specified deadline. Late payments will result in cancellation of your registration. 
  • No Refunds or Vouchers: Please note that no refunds or vouchers will be issued for cancellations of pre-sale tickets. 
  • Substitute Delegate: If you are unable to attend the conference, you may send a substitute delegate from your organisation to attend the event at no additional cost. 

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