DECODE - December 12, 2024

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How Agencies Are Winning New Business in the Ultra-competitive B2B Space (The Drum)

B2B marketing is seeing seismic shifts driven by AI, automation and big data. Code and Theory Head of Brand Strategy Karen Piper says the stakes have never been higher for marketing and businesses to align. "B2B now demands the ability to operationalize big data at scale, transforming vast insights into actionable strategies that drive growth. AI and emerging technologies are redefining what’s possible," says Piper. Learn more in The Drum. 

Counting Down the Top Christmas Album Covers (Muse by CLIOS) 

Just in time for the holiday season — Code and Theory Chief Communications Officer, vinyl lover and early Christmas music listener Kenneth Hein counts down the top 10 greatest-looking Christmas albums of all time. From "Louis Armstrong Wishes You a Cool Yule," to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," he's got you covered for the tunes you should sip eggnog to this year. Read it now. 

Inside Salesforce’s Bold Ambitions to Deploy 1bn Enterprise AI Agents Within a Year (The Drum) 

AI agents are ready to enter the workforce through Salesforce's new Agentforce program. Code and Theory's Dan Gardner says AI agents could positively impact businesses, including eliminating friction and dissolving traditional silos in data, organizational structures and customer touchpoints. "The result? Smarter insights, more efficient media and distribution and more time for creatives to focus on what they do best: creating." Read the article. 

Instrument Gives Back to Local Businesses In Portland (Little Black Book) 

For Giving Tuesday, Instrument relaunched its pro bono program, “Build, Grow, Serve” to help shape a better future for Portland communities. The company held a hackathon-style event called “Build Week” in partnership with Vanport Studio, which was designed to elevate local businesses through collaboration and innovation in just three days. Learn more about how they enhanced Portland BIPOC-owned businesses: Camp Yoshi, Hot Mama Salsa and Pacmodo. Read the article. 

What Does AI Look Like? Google DeepMind’s Visualising AI Demystifies Through Imaginative Artworks (It’s Nice That) 

AI has been a hotly debated topic between creators and brands alike. To foster public understanding of AI and encourage discourse, Google DeepMind’s ongoing Visualising AI project invited pioneering digital artists to creatively reimagine the technology that’s transforming culture. Artists in this fourth iteration of the series explored various topics, including medical breakthroughs, accessibility and sustainable energy solutions. Read the article. 

FAKE FACTS

Poop emoji thrilled Pantone's Mocha Mousse was chosen as color of the year.

After missing out on Juan Soto, Yankees also lose bid for IPG to Omnicom. 

WATCH

2024 in Review (Vimeo)

Companies today don’t need ephemeral advertising created from a transient trend or hype cycle. That’s neither demure nor mindful. Our standard is simple yet uncompromising: We create value for our clients by creating valuable experiences for their customers. In 2024, we accomplished that goal on a level never before seen in our 23-year history. Watch it now.