At the session – May 5 at Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour – he will lay down a challenge to the industry on ‘Creativity & Innovation – it’s time to step up’.

Sampson has been ranked the most influential advertising executive in Australia by the Financial Review and is widely recognised as one of the sharpest strategists in the creative advertising industry in this country.

Organisers say he is acknowledged for his friendly, down to earth and engaging style, with audiences appreciating the way he inspires while also demonstrating how to turn ideas into executable outcomes. He follows the same approach in his own life, which has seen him climb to the top of Australia’s advertising industry in his career, as well as complete an unguided ascent of Mt Everest while pursuing one of his other great loves, mountain climbing.

Accolades include the coveted Titanium Lion at Cannes and B&T’s Creative Campaign of the Year in Australia in 2008, being named one of the most influential men under 45 by Men’s Style magazine and a nomination for GQ’s Man of the Year.

As well as these achievements, Todd – who was born in Canada but is now a proud Australian living with his family in Bondi – was the co-founder of Earth Hour which is recognised as one of the world’s ‘best ever’ ideas and, with more than a billion people taking part in 2009.

Creativity, Sampson says, is one of the last remaining competitive advantages companies have today. His presentation “works form the premise that creativity has the power to change the world, but fear has the power to stop that from happening,” he says. “The most successful leaders and organisations of the future will be the ones that can successfully balance both.”

Following Sampson’s presentation, a panel will reflect on his message in the context of specific challenges faced by the industry and consider whether creativity can again be the strategic window of opportunity for the industry’s future.

For more information on the PrintEx11 Forum Series, to register for PrintEx11 and to book at any of the Forums, go to www.printex.net.au