The Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) will host its first diversity webinar for members, which will explore inclusion in national influencer marketing campaigns.
The free webinar, to be held on 30 April, will examine how brands can effectively incorporate diversity and inclusion into their influencer campaigns to resonate with diverse audiences and drive meaningful connections.
The webinar will also feature a panel with TikTok creator Taz Zammit, Paralympian and disability advocate Ellie Cole (fresh from the I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here jungle), motivational speaker and resilience coach Rhiannon Tracey, and Vivienne Smith from creative agency Elastic Group.
Tracey will host the AiMCO event and lead discussions about where efforts should begin and what barriers hinder people from taking action.
Cole and Zammit will share their personal experiences in advocating for meaningful action from brands beyond superficial gestures, urging them to consider genuine impact over mere checkbox exercises. Meanwhile, Smith will discuss the recent Shift20 inclusivity in advertising initiative, addressing the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and insights for future endeavours.
Zammit said that in the AiMCO webinar she will discuss the importance of visible diversity in influencer campaigns and the essential need for authenticity on both the brand and creator side.
“Every campaign we’re part of isn’t just about visibility, it’s about making progress and real changes in how diversity is represented. It’s time we move beyond the surface and drive conversations that create lasting impact,” she said.
“By using our platforms to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion, we’ve seen first-hand the powerful impact of embracing authenticity in influencer marketing. This webinar is a brilliant opportunity for brands to learn how to genuinely engage with diverse communities, not just to expand their audience but to be active participants in driving societal change.
“Representation in advertisements is crucial for brands that want to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. ‘Ticking boxes’ and ‘diversity campaigns’ don’t work anymore, but authentic alignment and genuine support does. In this webinar I will speak openly about how brands and LGBTQI creators can work together in a way that benefits everyone.”
Patrick Whitnall, AiMCO’s managing director, added that authenticity and representation are important in today’s diverse world.
“As an organisation, we’re committed to providing opportunities for critical conversation around diversity and inclusion in influencer marketing. This webinar is an opportunity for our members to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for creating more inclusive influencer campaigns, and hearing from people leading the way in the diversity and inclusion space.
“It also demonstrates our commitment, as an organisation, to educating our members to improve professionalism and boost diversity and inclusion for influencer marketing across the board.”
The free webinar will be held on Tuesday 30 April 11am-12pm.
See also: AiMCO’s Patrick Whitnall on influencer marketing being taken seriously
–
Top image L-R: Taz Zammit, Ellie Cole, Rhiannon Tracey, and Vivienne Smith