The Debating Group discusses the contentious political issues which surround marketing.
The Debating Group discusses the contentious political issues which surround marketing.

Previous Debates

By 2030, advances in AI will render half today’s marketing workforce unnecessary, forcing a redefinition of marketing

Tuesday 7th July 2026 Organiser: Chartered Institute of Marketing Motion: “By 2030, advances in AI will render half today’s marketing workforce unnecessary, ...

Creativity should be a mandatory part of the national curriculum

Tuesday 24th March 2026 Organiser: Institute of Practitioners in Advertising

Motion: “Creativity should be a mandatory part of the national curriculum” ...

We no longer need to speak directly to people to understand them

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Organiser: Market Research Society

Motion: "We no longer need to speak directly to people to understand them." ...

AI should be seen as a partner to the promotional marketing industry, not a disruptor

Tuesday 25th November 2025 Organiser: Institute of Promotional Marketing

Motion: "AI should be seen as a partner to the promotional marketing industry, not ...

The privacy battle has been lost and your personal data will never be safe again

Tuesday 28th October 2025

Organiser: Data & Marketing Association

Motion: “The privacy battle has been lost and your personal data will never be safe ...

Campaigns that include print are more effective

Wednesday 9 July 2025

Organiser: Independent Print Industries Association

Motion: "Campaigns that include print are more effective" (carried)

In the chair: Rachel Gilmour MP ...

Merit is the most important consideration when making hiring decisions

Wednesday 21 May 2025

Organiser: Advertising Association

Motion: "Merit is the most important consideration when making hiring decisions" (defeated)

In the chair: Natasha Irons ...

The pitching process is no longer fit for purpose

Tuesday 28 January 2025

Organiser: Alliance of Independent Agencies

Motion: “The pitching process is no longer fit for purpose.” (carried)

In the chair: ...

Marketers’ fears of being accused of greenwashing hinders environmental progress.

Tuesday 26th November 2024

Sponsored by: Chartered Institute of Marketing & International Advertising Association

Motion:"Marketers' fears of being accused of greenwashing hinders environmental progress." ...

The anti-woke agenda is fuelling creativity

Date: Tuesday 29th October 2024

Sponsored by: Institute of Practitioners in Advertising

Motion: “The anti-woke agenda is fuelling creativity.”
(carried)

In the chair: Baroness Sater ...

Despite the EU, US and China’s dominance, the UK can still influence the global AI governance agenda.

Date: Tuesday 21st May 2024 Sponsored by: Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Motion: Despite the EU, US and China’s dominance, the ...

The real problem with polling is the way it is reported

Date: Tuesday 26th March 2024 Sponsored by: the Market Research Society Motion: The real problem with polling is the way it ...