The Gerety Awards have returned to London in collaboration with VCCP, hosting an event titled "How Creative Leaders Can Unstop AI." This evening brought together the Gerety jury, community, and this year’s winners for a celebration of creativity, community, and connection. Attendees enjoyed drinks, networking opportunities, and the presentation of Gerety statues to some of this year’s London winners, recognising the outstanding campaigns and creative talent that have influenced 2025.

Central to the evening was a panel discussion exploring the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the creative industry, entitled "How Creative Leaders Can Unslop AI." Moderated by Nicola Kemp, Editorial Director at Creativebrief, the panel delved into how creative leaders can ensure the industry remains boldly human amid the rapid technological changes brought by AI. The panel featured prominent voices including Ciara O’Meara, Deputy Executive Creative Director at VCCP; Valentina Culatti, Global Director of Creative Strategy and Production at Snap Inc.; Prudence Beecroft, Managing Director and Executive Producer at Not Just Any; and Mark Eaves, CEO of Gravity Road.

This event not only celebrated creative excellence but also sparked important conversations about how AI is reshaping creative processes and leadership. The discussion emphasised the importance of human insight and emotional intelligence within creative industries as AI tools become more integrated. The dialogue highlighted challenges and opportunities, suggesting that embracing AI thoughtfully can amplify creativity rather than diminish human elements.

According to reports from various industry sources, the event was fully booked, although a waiting list was maintained for those hoping to attend. The Gerety Awards have increasingly positioned themselves as a platform for recognising boundary-pushing creativity while engaging with timely themes affecting the industry, with this year’s focus on AI reflecting a significant shift in creative leadership thinking.

The prominence of figures like Ciara O'Meara and Valentina Culatti underlines how major agencies and global platforms such as VCCP and Snap Inc. are prioritising AI’s impact on creative strategy and production. The participation of a diverse panel from different areas of the creative ecosystem – production, strategy, and agency leadership – provided a comprehensive perspective on how to integrate AI into creative workflows without losing the human touch.

The evening thus served as both a celebration of individual and collective achievement and a forward-looking forum addressing one of the most critical issues facing the creative sector today: navigating the balance between technological innovation and human creativity.

📌 Reference Map:

  • [1] (Branding in Asia) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
  • [2] (Creativebrief) - Paragraph 2, 5
  • [3] (Adobo Magazine) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3
  • [4] (Complete AI Training) - Paragraph 3
  • [5] (Roastbrief US) - Paragraph 1, 2
  • [6] (Little Black Book Online) - Paragraph 1, 3
  • [7] (Ads of Brands) - Paragraph 3

Source: Noah Wire Services