EQUITY
UPFRONT

August – November 2025

Equity Upfront is an annual industry event that connects brands with media companies owned by diverse groups to help address longstanding inequities in media investment. Now in its fifth year, the program highlights both its past impact and future direction under the theme “Now and Next.” The event brings together clients and diverse-owned media partners, fostering new partnerships and inspiring more consistent, equity-driven investment. Its influence has contributed to new collaborations and the development of tools that help guide brands toward more intentional media choices.

The fifth-year identity leaned into the milestone by incorporating the number 5, tally marks, and forward-moving arrow motifs that reinforced the “Next” narrative. Bright, energetic colors paired with a modern typographic system created a dynamic, future-focused aesthetic. This visual language extended across a full suite of print, digital, and environmental materials – including event communications, presentation tools, signage, and large-scale installations – resulting in a cohesive and engaging experience that elevated the event’s mission and presence.

ROLE | Lead Designer

CONTRIBUTORS | Lindsay Guim, Autumn Polk, Tian Chen, Gelisa Henry, Abbe Sublett

DELIVERABLES | Event design, creative strategy, branding, signage, web, social media

Colorful abstract graphic with bands of blue, green, purple, and black and the text '5' and 'NOW & NEXT' in the center.
Interior view of a modern building lobby with a glass door entryway, colorful geometric wall posters, digital signage, and a sign indicating 'WorkLife TOWN HALL & Lounge'.
Modern hotel lobby with seating area featuring a white sectional sofa, blue and gray chairs, and pink flowers on tables. Digital screen displays 'Now & Next' with neon signs and promotional banners, and staff or guests visible in the background.
Conference badge with colorful geometric design and black lanyard, featuring the text 'Equity Upfront,' 'Now & Next,' and '@Mediabrands'.
Multiple conference badges with the logos 'Now&Next' and 'Equity Upfront' are displayed on a black surface.
Digital display screen showcasing the logos of Equity Upfront, Now & Next, and MediaBrands with phrases 'Partner' and 'Lookbook' in bold purple and white text on a black background.
Conference stage with a large screen displaying 'Equity UpFront Now & Next' and an audience seated in front.
An empty auditorium with black seats and a large digital screen displaying event information, surrounded by tall windows with city buildings outside.
DJ woman with long braids wearing headphones, operating a Pioneer DJ controller at an event with colorful signs and large text in the background.
A retail checkout counter with a digital display reading 'NOW&NEXT' in pink and black, with a wooden surface and electronic equipment in the background.
Display of stacked cubes with colorful geometric and text designs next to a transparent podium with similar designs, set in an indoor space with large windows.
A bar area with a large mirror framed by a chevron pattern, glassware neatly stacked on the counter, and digital tablets. The mirror reflects a room with hanging lights and a sign that reads 'NOW & NEXT' with additional text 'EQUITY UPFRONT.' The space features black marble surfaces.
Event invitation for Equity Upfront Now & Next conference on November 13th, 2025 at Penn 2, 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, with a blue and white design, including RSVP details and event information.
A colorful signboard in an indoor setting advertising the event 'VOW & EAT' organized by MediaBrands with the phrase 'WELCOME' repeated at the bottom.
Event table sign with number 05, labeled CANELA MEDIA, featuring a QR code, displayed on a stand in a modern venue with blurred background.
A digital menu board displaying drink options at a cafe, including coffee, espresso, signature drinks, and hot chocolate.
Stacked boxes with colorful designs and text on a table in a modern indoor space, with a windowed background, a woman, and a table with items on it.
Black plastic baskets containing pamphlets and papers on a wooden table.
People sitting and standing in a modern hotel lobby, with a coffee station in the background and decorative flowers on tables.
Three smartphone screens displaying social media posts about the Equity Now & Next event, featuring quotes, a speaker photo, and an interview excerpt.
A woman with dark hair and hoop earrings sitting in an audience, wearing a black blazer and a bright green top, attentively listening at an event with other women in the background.
Audience seated in a theater or conference hall listening attentively, with diverse individuals in attendance.
A panel discussion on stage with six people, five seated on white chairs and one standing at a clear lectern, under a large screen displaying 'FUTURECAST LIVE! Brought to you by Brilla Media'. The stage has a black carpet, and the background is dark. The panelists are diverse in gender and appearance, and the scene appears to be at a conference or event.
Two women smiling and holding banners at an indoor event, with digital screens and plants in the background.
A collection of presentation slides with colorful geometric designs, various layouts, and placeholders for titles, subtitles, and content. Some slides feature cityscape nighttime images with vibrant neon lights, while others have icons, tables, and text blocks on dark backgrounds.
A person with a shaved head wearing an orange shirt and green pants standing on a stage with boxes that have text such as NOW & NEXT and EQUITY. The stage has white chairs and a small table with a yellow flower in the background.
A woman standing on stage in front of a large screen displaying logos of various media companies at a conference. The stage has white furniture and decorative flowers, and there are colorful banners on either side with the text 'NOW & NEXT'.
Four women standing together at an event, smiling, with colorful signage that reads "NYT" and "City of the Future" behind them.

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