The Marketing Academy celebrates 2024 Scholars and a decade in Australia with ‘10 Years Young’ party at Luna Park Sydney last night

Last night, The Marketing Academy (TMA) celebrated its 2024 graduates and a milestone decade of impact in Australia with a vibrant ‘10 Years Young’ party, attended by marketing luminaries from around the country. The event was a whimsical tribute to childlike wonder, embracing the unorthodox bravery and creativity that have defined the Academy’s journey over the past 10 years.

Heritage-listed Luna Park Sydney was the perfect venue for evoking childlike wonder for all attendees; bespoke tailor-made creative lit up Sydney’s Immersive Big Top, with spatially mapped audio and projections. The Big Dipper, Carousel, Hair Raiser and iconic Ferris Wheel all operated for the use of near 600 guests – mixing C-suites with aspiring leaders across the marketing and media industry for a night of fun, frivolity and nostalgia.

Heritage-listed Crystal Palace, currently home to ‘Sonic Neon’, Sydney’s premium sound and light attraction – was taken over by ARN – highlighting 90’s party music – where every sound could be seen and light could be heard. Catering was inspired by carnival delights and childhood nostalgia, with Pernod Ricard and Asahi Beverages fueling the party with beverages.

In keeping with the theme of 10 Years Young, guests received a unique take on the classic Magic 8 ball. Named The Underthinking 8 Ball – it serves as a creative reminder of the power of naivety – something we lose as we grow up. Younger brains try, experiment, fail and try again. The playful gift synced perfectly with the event’s message of embracing the inner child, providing a light-hearted antidote to the common threat of strategic paralysis.

Sherilyn Shackell, Founder and Global CEO of The Marketing Academy commented: “Growing professionally whilst retaining our childlike curiosity is what our programmes are all about. The Marketing Academy has elevated marketing as a serious discipline by investing in emerging leaders and unleashing their potential. This journey is about more than just personal growth; it’s about equipping the next generation to step confidently into boardrooms and lead with impact and purpose. I’m proud of our legacy and excited for what lies ahead.”

Since its inception, The Marketing Academy Australia has empowered over 340 individuals working in marketing, media, and advertising through its various programs. This includes over 300 participants in its prestigious Scholarship program, aimed at developing the best emerging leaders, and 40 Fellows who have completed or are currently in program with the Fellowship program now in year two in the APAC region and designed for CMOs seeking to advance into CEO or board roles. The Academy now operates in APAC, the UK, EMEA and the US.

The Marketing Academy Australia in Numbers:

• • 2250 hours of coaching sessions conducted
• • 2400 hours of mentoring sessions
• • 2795 years of experience amongst the programme mentors
• • 376 speakers at the bootcamps

Nominations for the 2025 Marketing Academy Scholarship Programme close soon on 22nd November 2024. Head to https://themarketingacademy.org/au/scholarship-nomination/ to nominate an emerging leader or for more information.

The Marketing Academy Australia Scholarship Program is funded by long time sponsors Salesforce, Google, Commonwealth Bank, IAG and Optus. Sponsors of the Graduation event included ARN, Publicis / Spark Foundry, Val Morgan, Ooh! Media and Astus.

Here’s the list of The Marketing Academy Australia Scholarship Class of 2024:

Full details of the Scholars, Alumni, Mentors, Coaches and Selection Panel can be found at www.themarketingacademy.org/au