Jim Chiang

Today The Trade Desk expanded our partnership with Instacart in Canada, giving both endemic and non-endemic brands access to high-intent ecommerce audiences and closed-loop measurement to drive real business impact!

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When I was first asked to take part, my immediate reaction was, “I’m far from an AI expert.” But when Aaron asked whether I had a point of view as a creative and agency owner, it felt impossible not to say yes. AI comes up everywhere now - on social, industry articles, network events (like this one), business planning meetings... It has become the dominant topic in so many conversation. I don’t know all the latest tools and tricks. Like most of us, I’m doing my best to keep up and not get left behind. There’s a lot of pressure right now to be “doing AI,” but what does that actually mean? It is so big I don’t have all the answers. What I do know is that I’m trying to figure it out while balancing a mix of optimism and concern about what’s coming, both as a creative and as an agency owner. Hopefully, my perspective helps others feel they don’t have to have everything figured out—that we’re all just trying not to get left behind, and that sharing our experiences can help us do that together.

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IT'S HERE! The Walmart Connect Canada Academy. A Retail Media certification program for advertisers and media enthusiasts. For us, this is a commitment to industry advancement —to equipping brands and agencies with practical tools and product fluency so teams can plan smarter, activate faster, optimize with confidence, and prove impact where it counts.     This is how growth happens: through capability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Earn a LinkedIn-ready credential while deepening expertise in the solutions that drive outcomes for Canadian shoppers and the brands that serve them. 🚀 Start here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gbDf-qFs #WalmartConnectCanada #RetailMedia #Certification #AdTech #Canada 

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I recently wrote this piece for The Drum. More than ever - despite these tough economic times - now is the time for marketers to resist slamming on the investment brakes. The data supports doubling down and redirecting resources to strengthen your brand position, especially tapping meaningful differentiation and cultural nuance as growth accelerators. Research points to measurable, positive short and long term growth impact. https://lnkd.in/gWJKJUYf #StandAgainstBland UM Canada

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As brands pull back on marketing spend this year, the effects have been trickling down to the production industry. So how can producers navigate this? 🧐 Focus on “RAAS” > Results as a service. Brands more than ever want to understand how their investments align with their marketing goals. 🎯 #torontoproduction #brandcommercials #commercial #setlife #videoproduction #raas

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Canoo was proud to connect newcomers to Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) Futureproof Conference, where industry leaders from Google, Pinterest, LG2, Cossette, and others shared insights on the evolving future of marketing in Canada. A key theme throughout the day was the importance of authenticity in connecting with Gen Z audiences, alongside broader conversations on leadership and industry transformation. Through Canoo’s partnership with CMA, members gain access to more than experiences, they gain exposure to industry conversations, networking opportunities, and pathways for upskilling and professional growth in Canada. Canoo continues to focus on helping newcomers not only settle, but build meaningful connections and opportunities within their new communities. #Canoo #CMAFutureproof #MarketingCanada #Newcomers #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #CommunityBuilding

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We're delighted to announce that Intents & Purposes, an independent, Toronto-based, purpose-driven creative and marketing agency, is our Creative Agency of Record! Through this partnership, they will support us in developing a brand refresher and brand identity strategy as well as provide ongoing creative support. Together we look forward to launching our work throughout 2026 and 2027. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gcrFdYJq Kelly Small Tina Fernandez Rebecca Davies

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72% of Canadians say most brand advertising looks and sounds the same. 73% lose trust when brands jump on trends that don't fit who they are. In 2026, boring is a risk. Reckless is a risk. The brands winning are the ones living boldly in between. That's exactly where we work. Tomorrow, we’re putting a name to that space. #Credibility #BrandTrust #MarketingStrategy #PRAXIS

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🎯Go larger than life with your Canadian OOH campaigns! 🇨🇦 In today’s busy streets—from downtown Toronto to Vancouver’s main thoroughfares—brands must think big to break through the noise. Here’s how to elevate your OOH game and maximize impact: ⸻ 1. Digital Takeovers: Responsive, Real-Time Displays • Own an entire screen network in hotspots like Yonge-Dundas Square or Granville Street. • Instantly tailor your message—weather, events, or trending topics—in real time… making ads feel live and relevant. ⸻ 2. Massive Murals: Design Instagram-Worthy Moments • Transform walls into shareable experiences—encouraging organic, user-generated content. • Murals in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver become destinations themselves, extending your message far beyond foot traffic. ⸻ 3. Airports: Canada’s Underrated OOH Powerhouses • Reach millions of travelers annually at hubs like Toronto Pearson, YVR, and Montréal‑Trudeau. • Gain diverse exposure—local commuters and international visitors alike—using digital screens, kiosks, and immersive displays. ⸻ 🔗 Scale + Location = Impact Large scale formats placed in high-traffic, high-stay environments mean your message not just reaches—but resonates deeply. ⸻ 🔄 Blend OOH with Digital & Social Turn viewers into advocates—encourage shares 📱, track hashtags, and pivot messaging in real time based on social engagement. Explore multi-channel synergy to amplify campaign reach and buzz. ⸻ Result: A coast-to-coast Canadian OOH campaign that grabs attention—and stays talked about. BLOG POST: https://lnkd.in/gX8W-GQr #OOH #DigitalOutOfHome #Airports #Murals #CanadaMarketing #BrandAwareness #SocialIntegration

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Big news from our Creative Services Team! We’re continuing to strengthen our creative capabilities with new additions and an internal promotion, further expanding the team that supports our stations and clients across Western Canada. These moves reflect our ongoing commitment to creative excellence, strategic storytelling, and delivering effective advertising solutions that help our clients stand out and drive results. Read the full press release below. 👇

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Whether you’re stepping into a brand leadership role or collaborating on a cross‑functional team, strong brand planning is essential to driving meaningful impact. This course will offer practical insights and tools to help you confidently lead or actively participate in brand planning, including: ✔️  How to navigate Canadian promotional regulations ✔️  Strategies to shape and accelerate brand success throughout its lifecycle ✔️ Insights into pricing, reimbursement, and environmental influences impacting commercialization ✔️ Approaches to leveraging data and channels to maximize performance ✔️  Techniques for effective audience segmentation and targeting ✔️ Real-world case studies from seasoned industry executives If you’re looking to strengthen your strategic thinking, enhance cross-functional collaboration, or simply bring more impact to your brand planning efforts, this course is an incredible opportunity to learn, apply, and grow alongside industry leaders. 2026 Spring Toronto 🗓️ April 13, 14 & 27, 28 👉 Enroll now and elevate your impact: https://lnkd.in/gNzjir48

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Stop trying to sell products. Start selling stories that understand them. For too long, brands just pushed promises of perfection and convenience. But the power has shifted. Women aren't listening to what brands say anymore. One important thing that transforms attention into true connection is empathy. Brands like Laurier, Wardah, and Lovepink proved it. When you get her struggles, she stops just buying. She starts belonging. So, do you wanna turn your sales into a real connection? Swipe to learn how these brands win!

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Micro-communities are becoming vital for brand growth on social media. By engaging with these niche groups, brands can foster deeper connections, encourage loyalty, and drive meaningful interactions. Explore strategies: https://heyor.ca/eJxeoG #MicroCommunities #SocialMediaStrategy #THEAgency #BrandGrowth

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Just launched: A unified, design-forward digital experience for Home Société Group. We're proud to partner with Home Société Group to deliver a game-changing e-commerce platform that unifies five iconic Canadian brands—MUST, Maison Corbeil, Jardin de Ville - membre du groupe Home Société, Home Société and La Galerie du Meuble—under one elevated digital roof: mustsociete.com. Designed for seamless flow at every touchpoint, this new experience delivers: 🔗 One unified cart 📱 Mobile-first, ultra-fast experience 🧠 AI-powered support with Gorgias 🛋️ A digital reflection of their sophisticated showrooms This launch is more than a site, it’s a retail transformation built on Shopify and composable commerce, designed to scale. “Valtech translated our in-store experience into a refined, modern digital journey,” said Walid Laaraba, M.Sc., President, Home Société Group. Congratulations to our commerce, design, tech and strategy teams who brought this vision to life. 👏 Read more: https://okt.to/dpxlAu

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Mother’s Day marketing is more than flowers and brunches. For brands in Canada, multicultural moms are powerful household decision-makers, trust-builders, and cultural influencers. Our latest DV8 blog explores why brands need to understand their real influence. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eTHQCkSe #MulticulturalMarketing #MothersDay #CanadianMarketing #BrandStrategy #ConsumerInsights #DV8Communication

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Inside the Agency | Episode 1: TITAN ONE 🎥 Introducing Inside the Agency — an original series by TRMA that takes you behind the scenes of marketing agencies across Toronto, revealing the questions, the work, and the careers taking shape behind closed doors. Episode 1, featuring Titan One Inc., looks inside an agency that blends strategy, design, and performance-driven marketing to build impactful brands. #TitanOne #InsideTheAgency #TRMA

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