We’re back with another unmissable evening of marketing insights, networking, and giving back!
On Thursday, 10th of July, we gathered at the iconic Aspex Gallery in Portsmouth’s vibrant Gunwharf Quays for the latest South Coast Digital Marketing event
This time around, not only did we bring together brilliant speakers and lively debate, but we also did it all for a great cause. Instead of charging for tickets, attendees’ donations went straight to The Brain Tumour Charity, funding life-saving research and support. It’s always amazing to see our digital community come together to learn, connect, and make a difference.
Let’s dive into what happened on the night:
Kicking Off With AI And Courage
The evening began with Lee Macklin, a familiar face from BrightonSEO, who delivered an inspiring talk:
From Fear to Fearless: Breaking the Code Barrier with AI
Lee unpacked how marketers can harness AI without needing to be coding experts, and shared actionable ways to become more confident using AI tools in everyday campaigns. A lot of note-taking and a few lightbulb moments later, we could tell the audience left feeling braver about embracing new tech!
Next Up: Brand Bidding Decoded
Maggie Carrol, founder of Vixen Digital, took to the stage next with Bidding on Brand Terms: It’s Not About Stealing Your SEO Traffic!
She debunked some of the common myths around bidding on brand terms and showed why it can actually complement rather than cannibalise organic efforts. Plenty of nods of agreement around the room and quite a few minds changed by the end of her talk!
The Ultimate Showdown: Personal vs Company Brand
After a short networking and drinks break (thanks to our sponsors for keeping everyone refreshed!), we gathered for the night’s most interactive session:
A lively panel debate featuring Jade Arnell and Izzy Fletcher on the topic:
Personal vs Company Brand – Which Really Holds the Power in 2025?
The discussion sparked lots of audience questions and plenty of laughter, as both sides passionately made their case. In the end, it was clear there’s value in both, but the debate definitely got everyone thinking about where to focus their branding energy going forward.
Why we love this event
Aside from the inspiring talks and the chance to chat with fellow marketers, this event was special because it combined learning with giving back. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who came, we supported The Brain Tumour Charity.
Big shout out to our sponsors Mexa Solutions, Delivered Social, and Rebellion Marketing for making the night possible (and for the complimentary drinks).
Thinking Of Coming Next Time?
This event takes place every other month on a Thursday and always features fresh, exciting speakers along with a lively panel debate. Thanks to the strong support of sponsors like Mexa Solutions, Delivered Social, and Rebellion Marketing, our community continues to grow stronger.
To stay updated on upcoming events, be sure to follow the South Coast Digital Marketing Meetup LinkedIn page and sign up on our new event platform.
There, you can see who is attending, get all the event details, and keep track of future meetups so you will never miss out.
Our next event will be on 11th September, once again at the Apex Gallery.
FAQ’S
Is the event free to attend?
Yes, attendance is currently free thanks to the support of our amazing sponsors. However, spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
What kind of speakers do you feature?
We invite experienced professionals across branding, SEO, social media, strategy, design, content, and more. Our goal is to offer both inspiration and practical takeaways.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, Gunwharf Quays has a large car park nearby, and it’s also accessible by train and bus. Check local transport before the event to plan your journey.
