Agency-client relationships are under new strain: Tighter budgets, project-based work, specialized agency rosters, faster timelines and growing pressure to prove business value. Clients still walk away for familiar reasons: weak strategic thinking, poor account service, shaky reporting and agencies not fully grasping the client business. Now AI is raising expectations even further, with clients expecting faster turnaround, sharper insight and cleaner measurement while also forcing both sides to rethink billable hours, pricing and what strategic value should actually cost. Join us as agency and brand leaders share how to set clearer expectations, write smarter RFPs and build partnerships worth renewing. We'll cover:
- New Trends, Threats and Opportunities: How multi-agency rosters, project work, tighter budgets and faster-moving client needs are changing the relationship model.
- The AI Question: Where AI can improve speed, reporting and insight--plus how it's changing expectations around billable hours, pricing, staffing and value.
- Better RFPs, Better Matches: How to create more tailored RFPs that surface the right fit on business goals, expertise, staffing, workflow and measurement.
- Agency Checklist: The traits that matter most, including strategic thinking, creativity, relevant experience, strong measurement, senior attention and low turnover.
- Client Checklist: How comms directors can give better feedback, set clearer KPIs, keep long-term partners sharp and know when to push, reset or move on.
