We sat down with a few of our favourite speakers from this year's festival to quiz them on all things 2021, Christmas, and their big predictions for 2022.

This week's guest is Richard De Villa, Head of Marketing (UK and Ireland). We find out his thoughts on the continued advance of digital acceleration, his hopes for 2022, and that he is a fan of all things Ryan Reynolds!

1.    2021 in three words?

Travel. Resilience. Sustainability

2.    Plug those three words into What3Words (https://what3words.com) and that is where you are going on holiday next year. Where is it and are you happy?

Right in the middle of the Atlantic. If that means going to North or South America next year then yes!

3.    What do you want in your Christmas stocking?

One new long-haul holiday in each stocking

We wouldn't say no....

4.    How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa?

Who says everyone stopped?

5.   Best advert/campaign of 2021?

Any campaign or advert for Aviation Gin or any of Ryan Reynold’s brands (MNTN, Mint, Wrexham FC)

6.    Which (emerging) trend of 2021 will have the greatest impact on 2022?

2021 saw more communities and brands move online, thus having more content creation and democratisation. This will continue to remain the case in 2022.

7.    What are your 3 big predictions for 2022?

+ More border openings unlocking business

+ More digital acceleration across all verticals

+ Increased brand loyalty

8.    What’s your big wish for 2022?

That there will be no travel restrictions across the whole world, though that is a tad too optimistic.  

9.    Which brand, apart from your own, should we look out for next year?  

MNTN - it will be interesting to see more brands use more connected TV advertising as part of their strategies in the same measurable way as paid search and social. 

10.  2022 is the Chinese Year of the Tiger. Which tiger-like characteristic will you and your brand adopt for next year?

Continuing to be brave and confident despite the never-ending market challenges.

And finally...

11. Mince Pies: Heaven or Hell?

Heaven - it's dried fruit's time of year to shine!