ADWKDC is a week-long event which runs through Oct. 3 and showcases more than 34 sessions and 30 speakers.  The two-day ADWKDC conference, which started Thursday, Oct, 1, featured Derek Thompson, a senior editor at The Atlantic, where he writes about economics, labor markets and the entertainment business. Thompson shared insights on millennials as employees and consumers.

Bob Johnston, Jr., another conference keynote speaker, has helped executives spur company-wide innovation and creativity that has contributed to success at major companies such as Procter & Gamble, 3M, IBM, Chevron, BMW, Eli Lilly and Barclays. He shared four pillars for any innovation practice, the invisible forces that limit creativity and innovation in every organization and how to move past them to forge success.

“As communication professionals, we’re constantly being challenged to come up with new and effective ways of communicating with a variety of audiences,” said Greg Kihlström, founder and CEO of Carousel30 and current president of DC Ad Club. “ADWKDC provides us with a great opportunity to stay ahead of the trends while being inspired to find creative success for ourselves and our clients.”

Other ADWKDC presenters include Anthony Shop, chief strategy officer, Social Driver; Vanessa Fortier, senior vice president and creative director, The Martin Agency; Joanna L. Jenkins, Ph.D., Howard University; Donna Murphy, senior VP of consumer strategic insights, Discovery Communications;  and, Wally Snyder, executive director, Institute for Advertising Ethics.

The final ADWKDC event, CREATE, will take place, Saturday, Oct. 3, at the D.C. office of Facebook. At this one-day event, teams of DC-area communication professionals and college students will work together to create advertising campaigns for selected nonprofits.

In addition, DC Ad Club, in collaboration with the American Advertising Federation, presented the prestigious Silver Medal Award to Paul Duning, publisher and co-founder of Capitol Communicator. Recipients of the Silver Medal Award are recognized for their contributions to their companies, the general advancement of advertising, and the community and for their creative ability.

For a complete schedule and details about ADWKDC events, click here.