Marketing Shake 2025: Big Ideas, Bold Speakers, and Hands-On Masterclasses

  • 2025-05-20

The largest marketing and communication festival in the Baltics, Marketing Shake, returns with fresh ideas and practical insights on simplifying and optimising our daily lives. Join us on May 22 at the Zuzeum Art and Culture Centre, where local and international industry experts and enthusiasts will gather to craft valuable marketing stories and rewrite their chapters, closing the evening with an exclusive screening of the best Cannes Lions advertisements.

Now in its eighth year, Marketing Shake is where emerging and seasoned professionals come together to explore the latest trends, attend talks and masterclasses, and draw inspiration from one another. This year’s central theme revolves around the narratives that shape marketing’s ongoing story. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions and practical takeaways on topics like communication, creativity, technology, algorithms, and — of course — artificial intelligence.

“Marketing trends come and go, but reliable, data-driven decisions are digital gold,” reminds Zanda Šķēle, the event organiser and head of the marketing and event agency WE ARE VERY. She emphasises that data is key to understanding consumer needs and habits, enabling informed decisions and personalised content. “We’ll go beyond the tip of the iceberg — exploring how to navigate an overflow of information, asking questions, and fostering meaningful discussions.” Alongside inspiring talks, refreshments, and snacks, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and panel discussions, network with peers, and connect with speakers from Latvia, Estonia, the UK, the Czech Republic, and France.

Short, memorable video content continues to dominate and is a vital part of digital marketing. David Duc (ShortPRO) from the Czech Republic will share insights into the essential elements of great video and how to hold attention in the TikTok era. Meanwhile, Nathan Littleton, founder of Paper Plane Labs (UK), will approach the topic from a business development angle, introducing the concept of The You Moment — simple strategies to stay memorable and stand out from the crowd.

E-commerce and export are the backbone of modern business and are reshaping consumer behaviour. Together with Jēkabs Dambergs — Google’s Head of Digital Development in the Baltics — we will explore and analyse growth strategies for 2025. Representing an international company that has helped thousands of partners optimise their online advertising efforts, Jēkabs will share his expert insights.

Storytelling can often be more influential than facts or critical thinking. But what does the audience want to hear, and how should we, as media and PR professionals, respond? Inga Spriņģe, co-founder of Re: Baltica and one of Latvia’s most recognised investigative journalists, will share insights from her 20-year career. Following her talk, Inga will lead an open discussion on “bubbles and bridges” — ways to connect different information spaces. The conversation will also include experts such as Guntis Bojārs, Diāna Silarāja, and Ivars Svilāns.

How do we adapt to a world where algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) become our customers? What are AI agents, and how can they be used to our advantage? Frederic Cavazza, a digital marketing and innovation guru from France, has been helping top brands with digital transformation for over 25 years. In his session, Frederic will explore the risks and opportunities of generative AI and offer a glimpse into future robotics technologies. Meanwhile, Marju Sokman (Bespoke Marketing, Estonia) will take a creative angle, showcasing real-life examples of how brands can optimise content creation and organic growth using AI.

Zigurds Zaķis, one of Latvia’s most experienced communication and brand strategists, will deliver a strategic communication masterclass. How can this essential marketing tool drive change in society, industries, or even at a national level? The founder of Dzeltenā Zemūdene will dive into this and more in an interactive lecture. Other stage appearances will include experts Linda Ezera, Oskars Rozenbergs, Vladislava Romanova, Kristaps Pētersons, Ieva Bauma, Maija Milbrete, and Kerstin Kessu Raidma.

The atmosphere will be made even more exciting by a mystery moderator, while RADIO TEV’s DJ Toms Polakens will provide a musical backdrop throughout the day. The event will conclude with the global avant-garde of top-tier advertisements, presented in collaboration with Cannes Lions. Learn more about the festival, special guests, and tickets at Marketing Shake 2025. See you there!

WE ARE VERY is an event and marketing agency. Years of experience in organising marketing projects and events help companies achieve more. We are only at peace with an event that has become an Event. About the Event for you and those you care about.

Project organisers: WE ARE VERY
Supporters: Art Centre Zuzeum, Cannes Lions, Santa Publishing, Illy, Magnum, Fiteg2, Mežpils Beer, Baltais, BALTS Paper Goods, Preimmu, Hyundai
Online resources: www.marketingshake.lv