Gone are the days of bleak, boring speeches from suited marketers to an auditorium of snoozing conference attendees,  now summit-goers have to try to sleep through booming music and video shows. Following hot on the footsteps of nineMSN’s flashy digital summit, The Communications Council has announced a compelling line-up for its ‘Circus’ event next year.

The four-day event is set for February 22-25 and will feature Jose Cabaco – Global Brand Creative Director Nike Sportswear, Rob Campbell – Regional Head of Creative Strategy W+K, Marvin Chow, Marketing Director Asia Pacific & Japan, Google, Jess Greenwood – Director, Contagious Insider, Josh Spear – leading US marketing strategist, and Charles Wigley – Chairman BBH Asia.

Held at Sydney’s Carriageworks, the festival will also include the APG Battle of Big Thinking, where high profile speakers from advertising and marketing, business and government battle it out for the biggest idea, an international keynote program and ‘pencil case’ segment showcasing the importance of creativity in campaign effectiveness. The final event will be the industry’s creative awards night, the AWARD Awards. The phrase “award awards” will be said throughout the night without humour.

Google will also host an interactive showcase of YouTube content and the event will celebrate the industry’s up and coming talent at the SHOTS Director of the Year.

“Our festival will explore some of the latest developments and trends in marketing communications, while showcasing and celebrating popular culture, innovation and inventiveness,” Communications Council CEO Daniel Leesong told Marketing magazine. “Circus promises to be a great forward thinking and inspiring four days.”