ABOUT THE WEEK

We’re coming back together in Chicago for our second DC Week!

What makes DC Weeks special isn’t just the programming — it’s the people. Our creativity, curiosity, and drive to shape what’s next sets us apart. We’ll lean into what makes us unique: bold ideas, open minds, and a shared commitment to shaping what’s next. Get ready to be energized and inspired. 

This year we have three unique themes to guide our discussions during the week: 

  • Day 1: Our Creative Ambition
  • Day 2: Accelerating What's Next
  • Day 3: Power in Partnership

Each day will include select programming blocks, where attendance is highly encouraged. Please review the schedule and plan your week accordingly.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

 

AGENDA

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
OPENING SESSION: SETTING OUR CREATIVE AMBITION

We’ll kick off the week by framing our shared creative ambition, anchored in the belief that every great idea begins with creativity. This session introduces the business case for creativity with insights from our partners at System1, and the big moves that will shape our journey, laying the foundation for bold thinking, collaboration, and transformation ahead.

Speakers:

  • Abbey Klaassen, Global Brand President & US CEO
  • Phil Gaughran, President Global Creative Product, Growth & Strategy
  • Jamie Shuttleworth, Chief Strategy Officer
  • Matt Owens, System1
LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
LUNCH
 
LOCATION: 19th Floor - East Kitchen
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
ELEVATING OUR OUTPUTS: CONNECTED SYSTEM STORYTELLING

Today, what marketers want and what agency business is often won or lost over, is not just a powerful brand idea, but the ability for that idea to connect with people through a series of carefully choreographed, emotionally resonant, creatively crafted and highly adaptive experiences through the funnel, spurring action from people and results for businesses.

Join the cross functional team (strategy, creative, business leadership) previously thought of as “performance” to learn how DC is elevating our ability to deliver full funnel storytelling bringing together creative, media and audience intelligence to create storytelling that adapts with consumers and culture and moves at the speed of business

LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
ROADMAP TO CREATIVE EXCELLENCE: Q&A WITH JOHN MESCALL

Join for a Q&A with Global Chief Creative Partner, John Mescall, where you’ll get an advanced look at his approach to creative excellence. Submit your questions in advance via our anonymous survey here.

Speakers:

  • Phil Gaughran, President Global Creative Product, Growth & Strategy
  • John Mescall, Global Chief Creative Partner
LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
MICROSOFT COPILOT: EVERYDAY UNLOCKS

Now that everyone at the agency has Copilot licenses, we’ll partner with our experts and reps from Microsoft to break down some of the best tips and tricks, outlining a few different use cases and hands-on practical application. Bring your laptop! 

Speakers: 

  • Amy Thorne, Chief Future Officer
  • and our experts from Microsoft
LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
 
LOCATION: 19th Floor - East Kitchen
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
HUMANIZING BRANDS - CREATIVITY IN THE AGE OF AI WITH YASU SASAKI

Join Yasuharu “Yasu” Sasaki, Global Chief Creative Officer at dentsu, for a session on how to humanize brands using creativity in the age of AI.

Speaker: 

  • Yasu Sasaki, Global Chief Creative Officer
LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
CREATIVE ACCELERATION LAB: ADOBE FIREFLY

Our teams are on the forefront of Adobe applications, like Firefly, seen as experts even by Adobe. In this session, we’ll make sure you know how to access the tool and through creative application workshops, you'll have time to play around in it too. Bring your laptop!

Speakers: 

  • Octavio Maron, EVP, Head of Content & Creative
  • Jovan Dupor, EVP, Performance Strategy
  • Emma Dowling, Creative Director, Performance Creative
  • Ethan Skelton, Associate Creative Director, Performance Creative
  • Marina Biglione, EVP Client Leadership
  • Michael Ross, Adobe Solutions Lead
LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
IDEA BUILDER SHOWCASE

We’ve heard about the tool—now, as launch nears, it’s time to dig in. This session brings Idea Builder to life through hands-on demos and real use cases that show how it unlocks creativity across teams. Bring your laptop! 

Speakers: 

  • Robin Ashford, Product & AI
  • James Thomas, AI, Innovation and Creative Technology Officer
  • and our experts from Google
LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
LUNCH
 
LOCATION: 19th Floor - East Kitchen
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
UNCOVER MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS WITH REDDIT INSIGHTS

An interactive session with Reddit, where they'll showcase their new AI powered Reddit Insights Tool and how it uncovers meaningful conversations, trends, and cultural signals. We'll take a look at some of our own clients & briefs, so you can see firsthand how these insights can inform sharper, more resonant creative decisions.

 

LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CLOSING SESSION + HAPPY HOUR

We'll close out the week by bringing everything full circle—from setting our creative ambition and understanding why it matters, to exploring how we're accelerating and activating for what's next. Then, we'll come together to raise a glass! 

 

LOCATION: 22nd Floor - The Point

FAQs

Q: How can I get badge/building access? 

A: Please contact the Workplace Experience Team at WE.TeamCHI@dentsu.com to request a badge. Badge requests require a few days’ notice. Since the elevators require a badge, if you don’t have one, you’ll need to ask to be added to the building security list.

 

Q: Do I need to register to attend DC Weeks sessions?

A: We do not have a registration form this time around. All employees are welcome to join us for all sessions. You will receive calendar invites for each sessions a few days prior to the event.

 

Q: How can I request my Copilot license? 

A: Make sure you have requested your Copilot license in advance, so you can make the most of our workshop sessions. 

Request your license via GoTo:  👉 REQUEST COPILOT LICENSE HERE ON GOTO  

When requesting a license, you may be prompted to fill in the BPC & Finance Approver fields. If this happens, please enter BPC US004 and enter Steven Tanenbaum as the finance approver.  

 

Q: Will meals be provided?  

A: Lunch will be provided all three days from 12:30pm-1:30pm in the 19th Floor East Kitchen. We will host a Happy Hour on Thursday where there will be refreshments and light snacks. 

 

Q: Am I expected to go to all of the programming?  

A: Please plan to attend the daily sessions to get the most out of the DC Week experience. Where possible, please avoid scheduling internal meetings, but as always, please adhere to client responsibilities. Floorplans, Wi-Fi details, Building Info, and more – can be found here: CHI Office Sharepoint

 

Q: Is there parking available / how do I get to the office / will I be reimbursed for transit? 
A: There is a discount at the garage located at 401 N. State. Using the ParkChirp app, simply enter the promo code 515Tenant. Parking is currently $9 for the day. You can also find additional parking through Spothero. Parking is not covered by the agency

Located at the corner of North State and Grand Avenue, employees can easily connect to I-90/94 and nearby major thoroughfares. For a more carbon-efficient commute, employees can access the Red Line on-site, as well as multiple bus lines. Transit is not covered by the agency

For any additional questions, please contact katherine.giannotti@dentsu.com.