No matter how you’ll be attending this week’s IHAF Conference & Awards, you’ll be immersed in a celebration of resilience, reinvention, creativity and grit as we recount the challenges and celebrate the wins in-house agencies experienced over the past year. We kick things off tomorrow—you’ll find our full agenda here.

A Hybrid Experience If you’re joining us in person, you’re sure to enjoy the elegant Boston Marriott Long Wharf—situated along the city’s historic waterfront. From face-to-face networking to cocktails and conversation to a Boston Trolley Tour, we’re making the most of our time together while safeguarding our members. Virtual eventgoers will have their own sights to see via a dynamic online platform that offers easy access to all the same content and connections in real time from the comfort of wherever you’ll be.

Here’s some of what you have to look forward to over the next two days:

Keynote Sessions. These in-depth presentations feature in-house agency leaders speaking directly to this year’s conference theme, Resilience to Reinvention. Our keynote presenters hail from Bright Horizons, Taco Bell, Universal Parks & Resorts, and Wayfair. Check out their session summaries here.

Lightning Talks. In case the name isn’t clear, these mini-sessions strike like lightning—pithy but powerful. You’ll hear from in-house agency pros at Adobe, Nationwide, Optum and Vanguard, sharing stories from the pandemic including how you might build on the lessons they learned.

Timely Workshops. We’re also offering two instructional workshops this year—one on resilience, the other on reinvention. Our subject-matter experts will help attendees discover and apply an assortment of skills at both an individual and a team level.

IHAF Awards. Day one wraps with the In-House Creativity Awards, and a gallery for viewing over 900 entries across 41 categories online and in person. Then join us to hear who won Gold, Silver and Honorable Mentions, along with the coveted Best of Show. On day two, we’ll announce three finalists for In-House Agency of the Year, with one high-performing team walking away with the award.

Sponsor Booths and Prizes. Of course, there couldn’t be an IHAF conference at all without our loyal sponsors. Their generosity and support are why we refer to them as value-added partners to the in-house community. If you’re in the market for new resources, tools or services, visit the on-site and virtual event booths for the following companies.

• Adobe (Title Sponsor)

• EKCS (Premier Sponsor)

• Aquent Studios

• ELEMENT

• Extreme Reach

• Genero

• Pica9

• stensul

• Tylie Ad Solutions

• Upwork

• ViralGains

(The more booths you visit, the more points you’ll earn toward this year’s conference give-away.)

See You Inside
After a tumultuous year, we’re thrilled to reunite as community in person and online. There’s much to be gained when we take time to connect and learn from one another. Let’s keep the conversation going long after this week’s sessions conclude. Keep an eye out for posts on assorted social channels throughout the event—and weigh in with your perspective as we make our way.

It’s conference time, everybody. We’ll see you inside!