eight&four's Pitchfest 2026 - Open House
About this Event
What Marketing can learn from Art.
Pitchfest Open House is eight&four’s once a year reset for marketers who want to make work people don’t just see – but feel.
This year, eight&four is throwing open its offices for Pitchfest ‘Open House’. Across our 3 floors in Soho, we will welcome you to an afternoon of creative talks, panels and exhibits, finishing with a celebratory mews party.
This year our theme is Art vs. Advertising… What can commercial persuasion learn from pure expression? If we get closer to Art in advertising, do we see greater impact? And can advertising ever be considered an Art form? Exploring all these questions and more has never been more critical in modern marketing where:
Creators are brands | Brands need to behave like entertainers | Advertising is judged like culture | Platforms reward feeling, originality and distinctiveness
The afternoon is designed to be a combination of creative escapism, industry truths and inspiration to serve as fuel for marketing teams as we all head into the second half of the year.
- Complimentary tickets are available to to clients and friends of the agency on a first come, first served basis.
- We recommend coming with colleagues to get the most from the interactive sessions and programme on offer.
- This is a play-as-you-go programme, feel free to sign up to as many sessions as you like and use our agency hot desks in ‘The Pub’ to catch up on emails between sessions.
Session bookings go live 10am 22.06.2026
Agenda
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
The Art of Attention – The Exhibit
Info: Explore the agency offices, meet the artists, discover hidden stories and challenge your assumptions about creativity, persuasion and what makes people care.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Welcome and Introduction – The Main Stage
Info: A short introduction exploring why artistic thinking has become the commercial advantage.
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:10 PM
Can Marketing still be Original in 2026? – The Main Stage
Info: eight&four’s Amy McCulloch will be joined by industry leaders from the worlds of travel and gaming - Sabrina Cendral (Sandals Resorts) and Sian Finnis (King Candy Crush) to explore what happens when creativity has a commercial objective.
🕑: 03:15 PM - 05:45 PM
Bookable Sessions (Details in Speakers section)
Info: Please note, if you are not attending all sessions, the eight&four Arms is available for hotdesking and refreshments.
🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM
Open House Closes
Info: We close the event with key takeaways, a look at the results of a live creative challenge set by eight&four’s Creator Lab, and a special surprise.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
The After Party
Info: As the afternoon closes, it's time to spill out into the street, for our own private after party. Expect street food, elaborate drinks and guest DJ's.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 109.05
