TLDR: The IAB Hong Kong’s annual C25 Digital Marketing Conference, themed ‘AI in Action,’ will take place on September 24, 2025, at the HKCEC. The event will gather over 1,500 industry leaders to explore real-world AI applications, featuring keynote speeches, expert panels, and the inaugural ‘Agentic AI Challenge’ and ‘VIP Speaker Lounge.’ A recent survey indicates over 70% of local bank customers use generative AI daily, underscoring AI’s rapid integration into business and daily life.
Hong Kong is set to host a pivotal event in the digital marketing landscape as the Interactive Advertising Bureau Hong Kong (IAB Hong Kong) announces its annual flagship conference, ‘C25,’ scheduled for September 24, 2025. Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the conference, themed ‘AI in Action,’ aims to bring together over 1,500 industry leaders, marketing professionals, business executives, and technology innovators from Hong Kong and across Asia to delve into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital marketing.
The rapid integration of AI into daily life and business models is evident, with a recent local bank survey revealing that over 70% of customers utilize generative AI daily. Businesses are increasingly adopting AI to enhance customer experiences, optimize data analytics, and uncover new growth opportunities. The C25 conference is designed to provide actionable insights into these developments, showcasing real-world AI business applications through a comprehensive program of keynote speeches, expert panels, and practical case studies.
The conference agenda is structured across four dynamic tracks:
AI HORIZONS: Focusing on big-picture trends, future-shaping innovations, and keynotes from top AI chiefs on search, disruptive applications, and practical deployment.
AI DRIVERS: Offering sector-focused strategies with deep dives into finance, retail, travel, and global video content, demonstrating AI’s role in personalization, efficiency, and overseas expansion.
AI ACCELERATORS: Exploring breakthroughs in health, entertainment, and culturally-inspired marketing, illustrating how AI is reshaping industry practices and audience experiences.
AI CATALYSTS: Presenting innovative solutions for smarter analytics, omni-channel ad automation, and AI-enabled influencer strategies to maximize business effectiveness.
A significant highlight of this year’s C25 is the introduction of the inaugural ‘Agentic AI Challenge.’ This groundbreaking competition is designed to bridge the gap between AI theory and practical application, tasking participants with developing advanced AI agent solutions capable of autonomously planning, executing, and optimizing complex tasks. The challenge, structured in two phases—proposal submission and live presentations—will be judged by a panel of experts from leading organizations such as Google, Adobe, Microsoft, HKT, Cherrypicks, and Votee, alongside university professors. Winners will receive cash prizes and industry accreditation, recognizing both technical excellence and strategic creativity.
Further enhancing networking and collaboration, C25 2025 will debut the ‘VIP Speaker Lounge.’ This exclusive platform will facilitate in-depth dialogues, interactive discussions, and small-group forums among senior leaders from brand management, advertising, technology startups, and academia, fostering knowledge exchange and accelerating the development of Hong Kong’s AI marketing ecosystem.
The Exhibition Zone will feature advanced AI and advertising technology solutions from top local and global providers, including intelligent SEO tools, AI-powered analytics platforms, and digital transformation services. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience these innovative platforms firsthand and connect with solution experts. The entire event will also leverage AI-driven real-time translation to ensure seamless communication and promote technology-business integration.
According to Tania Lau, C25 Organising Committee Chair, ‘Agentic AI has transcended its role as a supporting tool to become a transformative force, redefining how businesses operate and roles are shaped. In Hong Kong, we’re witnessing workflows revolutionized, roles reimagined, and new opportunities unfolding at an unprecedented pace. This evolution doesn’t replace human creativity—it elevates it, empowering marketers to achieve more, drive groundbreaking innovation, and set new benchmarks for our industry.’
The conference boasts a stellar lineup of over 50 industry leaders and tech innovators from marquee names such as Amazon Web Services, Google, Meta, WPP, Microsoft, and Baidu. Participating exhibitors include Adzymic, Airwallex, AnyMind Group, Appier Hong Kong Ltd, AsiaPac, Cherrypicks, CMRS Group, DigiSalad, Digital Zoo, EternityX Marketing Technology Limited, HKT, Ingenium Digital Hong Kong Limited, Integral Ad Science, JoJo Ventures, Omnichat, South China Morning Post, SeenThis, SHOPLINE, Starry, Taboola, Teads, Votee, and Vpon AI Big Data Group.
Also Read:
- Appier Propels Hong Kong Brands into Agentic AI Marketing Era with GenAI-Powered AdCreative.ai
- AI’s Transformative Grip on Mobile Apps and Digital Advertising Unveiled in 2025 Reports
IAB Hong Kong, a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the digital marketing industry and cultivating talent, is a key driver behind this event. Its founding members include comScore, Meta, Google, South China Morning Post, and Yahoo!, with PwC as a strategic partner. Registration for IABHK C25 is currently open, inviting industry professionals to secure their spot in this new wave of AI-driven marketing.
