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In pictures: New York City alumni panel discussion

Written byEleanor Harvey
Published date 30 September 2024

Commerciality and authenticity: the brand balancing act

In September, we invited graduates in New York City to a panel discussion all about branding. The topic: the balancing act that brands need to perform between the ability to produce a profit and staying true to their principles. The event was organised in partnership with Great Bowery. It was the first of 2 New York-based events to support creative changemakers.

Following a welcome from Bruce Reynolds, US East Coast Alumni Association President, the panel of experts took to the stage:

Gregg Lhotsky, Global Managing Director (BA and CLM) at leading image consultancy firm Great Bowery
Jonathan Kenyon and John Glasgow, co-founders of global brand design agency Vault49, and both London College of Communication graduates.

The insightful conversation between Gregg, Jonathan and John covered a broad range of topics; from navigating market and cultural changes while still retaining the soul of a brand; to what AI will mean for creative brands and agencies in the future.

Hosted in The Library at the Virgin Hotels, Broadway, there was also a chance for guests to network over drinks and canapes.

One guest said that they “loved the event. It was great for networking and getting advice.” Whilst another told us, “it was great to hear [...] different perspectives and also from people who aren't from the same country.”

Thank you to our 3 speakers, and to the alumni volunteers from the US East Coast Alumni Association for all their support: Bruce Reynolds, Gella Alhassid, Jacqueline Rousseau, Julian Lwin, Marcio Kelmanson and Zara Korutz.