AWIA:Offline Melbourne - Recap

Over the past year, we’ve recognised an increasing desire from our AWIA members and the Australian Digital community for more opportunities for ‘in-person’ connection.  So - we created our new series of free, casual events: ‘AWIA:Offline’ and held the inaugural event at the very cool ‘Welcome To Brunswick’ venue in Melbourne last month. 

The event featured a Q&A session on ‘All Things Agency’ with an expert panel including Marty Drill, Kathleen Gunther, Megan Simpson and Simon Blangiardo. 

We’ve included some of the highlights from the discussions below, if you have any experience, feedback or advice you’d like to share on the topics below, please Contact Us!

• Software  - can get in the way.  Be clear on what software you use and ensure it's scalable; don't use too many software solutions at once. Select one or two and learn how to use them to their full potential. 

• Quotes - time spent on providing quotes and proposals. Audience members commented that they were noticing an increase in potential clients ‘ghosting’ after requesting quotes.   This is frustrating as it can be a huge time investment with no benefit of feedback.   It’s also not uncommon for potential clients to canvas at least 6-8 agencies for quotes.  Is pricepoint now becoming the most critical consideration? 

• WFO vs WFH.  While Covid has allowed more flexibility and WFH options, trying to bring people back to WFO (Working FRom the Office) is a challenge.  The consensus in the audience appeared to be that WFO is very effective with big complex challenges, and while we can communicate remotely, getting everyone in a room together seems to encourage more effective communication and synergy.  Many agencies are looking for strategies to encourage staff back into the office without resorting to ‘forced fun’. 

• Skills Shortages & Staff Retention is a very real problem many agencies are experiencing at the moment.  We  are facing the biggest skills shortage yet some of the highest wages in the world here in Australia.  Agencies who have recently been through a recruitment process commented that apart from salary, work flexibility appeared to be high on the priority list for candidates.  For example, 4.5 day working weeks, a WFH arrangement, flexible hours etc. 

• AI is now a more accepted part of life, and several people commented they are finding it useful for assisting with admin tasks, kicking off process flows, creating content and more.  some content that then requires a lot of human editing but AI gets the ball rolling.   There is less fear now around AI replacing us in our roles - and more around people who know how to use AI effectively replacing you.

• Networking and Industry Connections are important.  A participant who recently sold their agency commented "Networking is everything. People buy people”. 

And don't be afraid to lean into other agencies to help plug gaps you have if you are tendering for business.  We are all here to help the Australian Digital industry grow and improve, so the more we can help each other, learn from each other - the better!

A huge thank you to everyone came along to a very successful and enjoyable evening.  Special thanks to Optimising who sponsored the event, and to James Richardson who led the discussions for the evening. 

The next Offline event will be held in Sydney in February 2025, however, details are being finalized. If you’d like to be kept informed of our Offline events, please subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn