A milestone that means so much, to so many. A moment that wasn’t the end of our journey, nor the beginning. But a moment full of hope and optimism on the remarkable journey that is the queer story of Ireland. The memorable campaigns that helped secure that historic 'Yes' vote showed us the power of authentic representation and storytelling, establishing a foundation for the decade of advertising that has followed.
Advocates Ireland supported by the Marketing Society of Ireland, BelongTo, Britvic Ireland, Absolut, RIAM, and IAPI are going to mark the occasion the best way we know how: by talking about advertising. Join us on Thursday 15th May from 5.30pm in The Royal Irish Academy of Music as we discuss advertising’s role in LGBTQ+ representation with a keynote talk from Moninne Griffith, CEO of BelongTo and former director of Marriage Equality Ireland. Then, take a look back at some of the best (and worst) LGBTQ+-focussed campaigns of the last decade. From that Dublin Bus ad that brought a tear to all of our eyes, to that influencer beer campaign that just keep getting worse, our expert panel will be taking an in-depth look at what work works, and what work doesn’t.
5.30-6pm: Arrivals with networking drinks
6pm: Keynote speech by Moninne Griffith
Followed by a panel discussion.
Places are limited so early registration is advised, get your tickets via Eventbrite>> Tickets are €10 + Eventbrite booking fees, your full €10 will go directly to BelongTo. BelongTo are our national LGBTQ+ youth organisation. They do phenomenal work to support LGBTQ+ youth in Ireland. Find out more about them here: https://www.belongto.org/
We hope to see you there to mark one the end of decade of visibility and the start of a whole new one. The 10 year anniversary of the referendum marks a decade of change, of love and of visibility, an important moment for us to remember not only as an industry, but as people.
Our journey continues.
Brendan O’Loughlin (he/him)
Brendan is a multi-award-winning journalist and broadcaster, with a wealth of radio experience. Previously, he was Editor in the Newstalk newsroom across its Music & Entertainment brands, including Today FM, SPIN and 98FM. He now wakes up Dublin every morning, co-presenting 98FM’s Big Breakfast alongside Rebecca Shekleton.
Etain Kidney (she/her)
Etain is a senior leader at TU Dublin, where she serves as Head of the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship - a community of more than 70 academics and 1500 students. Her research spans examining LGBTQ+ experiences in the workplace and in business, digital disruption, and the strategic role of marketing in societal transformation. Etain collaborates closely with not-for-profits including Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, and the Dublin Simon Community. She is passionate about driving meaningful change by turning ideas into action.
Adam Brannigan (he/him)
Adam is a seasoned Group Account Director with over a decade of experience spanning both client and agency sides. From grassroots businesses to bold, high-profile brands, Adam brings a rare breadth of insight into building campaigns that not only cut through, but connect.
A passionate activist at heart, Adam has long believed that advocacy isn’t a sideline, it’s part of who he is. He was a vocal champion of the Yes Equality campaign in 2015 and proudly supported Together for Yes during the historic repeal of the Eighth Amendment in 2018.
Today, he blends his marketing expertise with a lived commitment to progress, making him a compelling voice in conversations around advertising’s role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and rights.
Kieran O'Donovan (he/him)
Kieran has 17 years of experience in Client Service roles at Ireland's top creative agencies across a diverse portfolio of international and local brands. He has shown a deep commitment to positive activism, campaigning on the ground for Yes Equality in 2015 and Together for Yes during the successful campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment in 2018. Today, he continues to champion inclusion and representation as a board member of Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland and a council member of The Marketing Society of Ireland.
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Add to Calendar 2025-05-15 17:30:00 2025-05-15 19:30:00 Europe/Dublin Beyond Yes. A Decade of Visibility. Take a look back at some of the best (and worst) LGBTQ+-focussed campaigns of the last decade. RIAM, Westland Row IAPI info@iapi.com
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Add to Calendar 2025-05-15 17:30:00 2025-05-15 19:30:00 Europe/Dublin Beyond Yes. A Decade of Visibility. Take a look back at some of the best (and worst) LGBTQ+-focussed campaigns of the last decade. RIAM, Westland Row IAPI info@iapi.com