Deakin University’s annual advertising graduate showcase, Young Bullets, has announced Emma Robbins, executive creative director at Droga5 ANZ in Melbourne, as this year’s guest speaker.
Robbins will take the stage at the Garden Restaurant at the NGV on September 29, joining an audience of emerging creatives and advertising industry professionals.
Her appearance will give Deakin’s graduating advertising students the opportunity to hear directly from a renowned industry voice as they prepare to move from university into the advertising world.
With more than 30 years of experience across the Australian advertising industry, Robbins has held senior creative leadership roles at M+C Saatchi and Clemenger BBDO, helping shape major creative work and building a reputation as one of the industry’s leading creative voices.
Robbins has also played an active role in nurturing the industry’s next generation through AWARD School, where she has served as a tutor and mentor to emerging creatives.
Ben Crockett, lecturer in Communication (Advertising) at Deakin University, said Robbins’ approach would resonate with students preparing to enter the industry.
“We’re thrilled to have Emma as our guest speaker this year. I was fortunate to hear Emma speak at the Victoria AWARD School graduation recently, where she brought a down-to-earth perspective, usable advice, and a good dash of comedy to her talk. Something I’m sure our students will value and enjoy,” Crockett said.
Alongside Robbins’ appearance, Young Bullets will bring Fresh Takes to the night: a magazine curated by Deakins advertising students, packed with perspectives, opinions, and cultural insights from Gen Z, straight from the generation itself.
A first for Young Bullets, the magazine forms a part of this year’s trade with industry: students will share their fresh takes on Gen Z and showcase their portfolios, in exchange for industry guests sharing their own perspectives, experience, and advice.
The special guest speaker announcement comes as Young Bullets 2026 approaches a sell-out, with only a limited number of tickets remaining for this year’s event.
