OFCORES is taking over all of Best of Digital Media's events

With Digital First, the Digimedia Summits, and the IAB Mixx Awards, OFCORES is adding a range of its own events to a portfolio that already includes the BAM Marketing Congress. The fact that OFCORES takes over these events from Best of Digital Media reflects a strategic decision as we continue to expand.

Digital First, the Programmatic Advertising Summit, the Social Media Summit, the E-commerce Summit, the Data & Innovation Summit, the Digital Transformation Summit, the Digital Pharma Summit, and, last but not least, the IAB Mixx Awards. In one move, OFCORES is expanding its portfolio with a wide range of events. Importantly, these are events that we organise ourselves. They are not, therefore, events that we host on behalf of external organisations or companies, as is the case with most of our existing activities.

Digital First: a greater focus on content

The flagship event is Digital First, the conference on digital tools, media, and advertising, which will be held for the 21st time at the end of this year. “In recent years, OFCORES has organised numerous events worldwide on this theme,” says CEO Jean-Baptiste De Bock. “Just think of the European Pavilion at CES in Las Vegas, GITEX in Dubai, or the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. We are very actively supporting the European Innovation Council. It has made us realise that there are plenty of events centred on digital innovation, but not a single one where business and policy truly meet. That, in particular, seems extremely important to us. And of course, no city is better placed than Brussels…

In 2026, Digital First will most likely take place during the week of the BAM Marketing Congress. “This way, we reduce operational costs,” says Managing Partner Jo Dalm, “and invest more in high-quality content and experience. In addition, we will work hard to ensure that a decision-making audience is present. Our three key words – Connection, Network and Content – will ensure this.”

Jean-Baptiste De Bock states: “We want to operate in a similar way to the BAM Marketing Congress. We have improved that event each year. That is exactly what we aim to achieve with Digital First as well. Only here, in just two years, we want to reach the level achieved by the BAM Marketing Congress after five years.”

The Summits are now listed on OFCORES’ event calendar. While Digital First will become an annual event, the Summits will provide an opportunity to explore specific themes more thoroughly, a concept we also aim to develop further.

IAB Mixx Awards: new concept

Finally, the IAB Mixx Awards are being added to the event agency’s portfolio. “This is a different kind of partnership,” says Jean-Baptiste De Bock. “Just like the BAM Marketing Congress, the IAB Mixx Awards involve close collaboration with BAM. We will work with them to see how we can take this event to the next level. The enthusiasm is certainly there. Fleur Parnet, CEO of BAM, is extremely pleased with this transition and sees it as a great opportunity. The perfect moment for renewal and to create the best possible event for the digital advertising ecosystem…”

Proactive strategy

It is certainly noteworthy that an events agency is expanding its range of in-house events. For OFCORES, this is a deliberate decision. Jean-Baptiste De Bock: “It all started when we took the BAM Marketing Congress into our own hands. That’s how we got to know the community, as well as the benefits of the role. After all, you can chart your own course. That ensured the standard of the congress was significantly raised over the years.”

Furthermore, in-house events are also part of an aggressive growth strategy. Jean-Baptiste: “The events market is a turbulent one. The advantage of in-house events is that we have complete control over everything. This allows us to schedule them at times that are typically quieter for us.”

He concludes: “And of course, it’s also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to potential clients what we’re capable of. In our sector, it’s extremely important that people can experience the impact of certain techniques. It’s a strategy that has already borne fruit in the past.”

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