
29 - 30 April 2025 | Rydges, 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.



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

What's New for 2025?

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, table chats 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

Coffees & Content
No-Fluff Social Media & Marketing Insights
Loren’s expertise in navigating the ever-shifting digital landscape is unparalleled, and we know her insights will be invaluable to attendees of both SOMO+ and Comms & PR. To give you a taste of what to expect, we highly recommend checking out her podcast. Plus, follow Loren on social media to learn how you could win a ticket to SOMO+!
In Coffees & Content, you’ll get bite-sized, no-BS strategies, real talk on social media trends, and expert insights to help you stay ahead, scale smarter, and make marketing work for you. Expect the latest platform updates, must-know strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights from industry experts — all delivered in a way that’s easy to digest and instantly actionable. So grab a coffee, hit play, and let’s dive in. ☕ Follow & connect: @coffeesandcontentpod & @loren_thesocialcollective
Venue
The location and how you can get there
Address
Rydges Auckland
59 Federal Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Agenda
Agenda to be announced
8:30 | Registration opens | |
9:00 | Opening remarks from the MC Chelsea Le Roux, Content Creator & Freelance Social Strategist | |
9:10 | What does the future of marketing hold in 2025?
Richard McRae, Head of Media & Digital Marketing, One NZ | |
9:50 | Panel Discussion: Meeting your audience where they are
Loren Tomlinson, Director, The Social Collective Cynatra Major, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Manager, BLUNT Umbrellas Travena Addenbrooke, Marketing Transformation & Gen AI Lead, Spark NZ | |
10:30 | Morning break | |
11:00 | Social media mastery: Strategies for growth, engagement, and innovation
James Stirling, Social Media & Campaign Manager, Mosh Social Media | |
11:40 | Content mastery: Content frameworks for long-term results
Lisa Garrud, Content Director, MasterJack Marketing | |
12:20 | How to integrate AI to reduce your social content production cost by 10X
Kale Panoho, Managing Director, K&J Growth, Rugby Bricks & Protocols | |
13:00 | Lunch Break | |
14:00 | Reality vs. Algorithm: Aligning brand vision and customer perception, without losing your audience
Melanie Evans, Head of Marketing, Brightstar | |
14:30 | Storytelling that sticks - using the power of storytelling to elevate your content
Julian Thompson, Head of Strategy, Mosh Social Media | |
15:10 | Content marketing 2.0: Supercharge your campaigns with AI and automation
Travena Addenbrooke, Marketing Transformation & Gen AI Lead, Spark NZ Adam Sarkar, Creative Director & AI Artist | |
15:40 | Afternoon Break | |
16:00 | Telling our stories with immersive tech: Reclaiming culture through AR/VR
Amber Taylor, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ARA Journeys | |
16:30 | Evergreen excellence: Creating content that lasts
Darren Jarrett, Co-Owner, Ashby Pies | |
17:00 | Closing remarks from the MC & Networking Drinks Chelsea Le Roux, Content Creator & Freelance Social Strategist |
9:00 | Welcome back from the MC Chelsea Le Roux, Content Creator & Freelance Social Strategist |
9:10 | TikTok 2025: The future of short-form content
Olivia McIver, Director, DoneBy |
9:40 | Table Talk: TikTok - What's new and how are you using it?
|
9:50 | META 2025: What's next for Facebook and Instagram?
Lisa East, Managing Director, Matter |
10:20 | Table Talk: Meta - Navigating Facebook & Instagrams latest features
|
10:30 | Morning break |
11:00 | Google 2025: Search, ads, and AI’s role in the future
Jamie Giles, General Manager, Conversion Marketing |
11:30 | Table Talk: Google - How is Google's new landscape impacting your marketing strategy in 2025?
|
11:40 | LinkedIn 2025: The new frontier for professional content
Igor Portugal, Fractional Executive & Best Selling Author |
12:10 | Table Talk: LinkedIn - How are you maximising LinkedIn for brand growth and networking?
|
12:20 | Lunch break |
13:20 | Beyond the platform: Creating an omni-channel strategy
Loren Tomlinson, Director, The Social Collective |
14:00 | Table Talk: Multi-platform strategies - How are you connecting your social efforts?
|
14.10 | AI at the coalface: Supercharging web management & digital marketing
Matthew Miller, Co-Owner, Mogul Digital |
14:50 | The evolution of social media and its place in society
Sophie Dawson, Account Director, Social & Influencer, Breakout Room |
15:20 | Closing remarks from the MC and End of Conference Chelsea Le Roux, Content Creator & Freelance Social Strategist |
Speakers
Speakers to be announced

Melanie Evans
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Amber Taylor
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Adam Sarkar
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Adam is an award-winning Creative Director, Director, and AI artist with over 15 years in the game. He is a member of Luma Labs’ Creative Partner Program and part of the global AI collective WeAreHumain. He has launched brands, led 360° campaigns, directed ads, and driven narratives across major entertainment and sports properties.
Adam loves bringing new tech into the creative process and AI is the latest shiny toy that both excites and challenges. He loves this new era and what is possible but thinks the best ideas come from humans.

Jamie Giles
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Cynatra Major
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Richard McRae
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Igor Portugal
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Travena Addenbrooke
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Kale Panoho
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Loren Tomlinson
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As the Founder of The Social Collective, Loren’s mission is to help female-driven businesses thrive in the digital space.
With her fresh, holistic approach to marketing, Loren crafts strategies that are perfectly aligned with your business goals. She’s all about empowering business owners with the tools and knowledge to grow their online presence with confidence.
Marketing is more than just a job to Loren – it’s her passion, and she’s here to make it feel like an exciting adventure for your business.

Julian Thompson
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James Stirling
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Hannah Carr
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Matthew Miller
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Lisa East
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Olivia McIver
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Darren Jarrett
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Chelsea Le Roux
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Lisa Garrud
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Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!
Live B2B events are your chance to shine. Showcase your thought leadership, solidify your market position, and forge valuable connections with potential customers – all at once.
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.

Masterclasses
Due to unforseen circumstances, the Masterclasses have been cancelled.
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
- Outline 1
- Outline 2
- Outline 3
- Outline 4
Facilitated by:

Lisa East
Managing Director
Matter
Bio goes here
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
- Outline 1
- Outline 2
- Outline 3
- Outline 4
Facilitated by:

Olivia McIver
Director
Done By
Facilitated by: Olivia McIver, Director, DoneBy
Bio goes here
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
- Outline 1
- Outline 2
- Outline 3
- Outline 4
Facilitated by: XXX
Bio goes here

Facilitator Name
Job Title
Organisation
Facilitated by:

Igor Portugal
Fractional Executive
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 Tickets
Cause it's more fun with your mates!-
The displayed price is the effective rate per person when booking a full price ticket at $1,999 + gst. For valid ticket, payment by 28 April 2025.
Super Saver
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Available until X month 202X. For valid ticket, payment by X month, 202X.
Early Bird
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Available until 11 April 2025. For valid ticket, payment by 11 April 2025.
Multi Buy
Multi Buy - 2+ Tickets
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Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. Available until 29 April 2025. For valid ticket, payment by 29 April 2025.
Masterclasses
Registration Conditions
Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($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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