It was apt that the power of consistency topped the agenda at the IPA Talent and Diversity Conference in the fifth edition of the event, held at Tobacco Dock in East London.

While anti-DEI rhetoric has continued to grow, the conference underlined the commercial reality that connecting with diverse audiences is fundamental to business growth.

Opening the conference, Leila Siddiqi, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the IPA, pointed to the fact that the IPA Census has been running since 1960. While the first Women in Advertising Report was published in 1990. Industry changemakers are in it for the long-term.

The IPA Census shows evidence of change over that time, with over 40% of C-Suite roles now being held by women.

As Siddiqi explained: “It is possible to make change,” adding: “This work is not about perfection.”

The power of cultural fluency

From the global phenomenon that is K-pop Demon Hunters to Bad Bunny’s breathtaking Super Bowl halftime show, Siddiqi highlighted the importance of cultural fluency in cutting through with consumers.

“Agencies that lack cultural fluency risk being displaced by those who understand audiences in a social-first era,” she explained.

Silence is complicity 

Xavier Rees, Group CEO of AMV BBDO and Group Chair of the IPA Talent Leadership Group, named the elephant in the room: the challenges that remain unspoken. He noted that the conversation on diversity is ‘less welcome’ than it was five years ago.

He pointed to the Edelman Trust Barometer, which revealed a growing lack of trust in government and a global descent into insularity. “Silence is complicit with allowing insularity to grow,” Rees explained.

However, he believes there is an opportunity to reject insularity and speak up for an inclusive workforce. “When done well, advertising can change minds. The conversations we have and the people we bring together can make a difference,” he says.

Rees shared that one of the most inspiring days of his year was interviewing the candidates for the 2026 iList. The list is a celebration of 30 industry gamechangers championing diversity, equity and inclusion, supported by Campaign.

“This year's iList reinforced my view of this industry as a force for good,” he shared. Praising the winners for the depth of their work and level of commitment, the iList underlines that beyond the industry-wide doomscroll, there are many reasons to be positive and people to be proud of.