Speakers Digital PR Summit

HOME Speakers TICKETS Event Accessibility digitaloft. 2024 event

Our 2025 Speakers

JAMES BROCKBANK

Digital PR’s Dirty Little Secret: Google’s Ignoring Most of the Links You Earn

FOUNDER

Digitaloft

James Brockbank

Founder

Digitaloft

James Brockbank is an experienced SEO professional and is the Managing Director & Founder at Digitaloft. James is a specialist in content-first SEO and digital PR.

With more than 15 years of experience in SEO, a career spanning both the technical and creative sides of the industry, and having spent the last 10 years growing an agency at the forefront of the digital PR and content-led SEO space, James offers valuable insights into proven tactics as well as being an advocate for the importance of building a positive agency culture.

James has previously spoken at or written for events and publications including SMX, BrightonSEO, Pubcon, WordCamp, State of Search, Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land and Semrush.

James Brockbank

Founder

Digitaloft

Digital PR has become one of the most widely used, and most impactful, link building tactics.

The goal?

Earning authoritative editorial links that drive SEO success.

But what if many of those links aren't doing what you think they are?

In this session, James will explore why Google ignores lots of the links that are earned with digital PR — and what you need to do to ensure your efforts actually have an impact on rankings, traffic and revenue.

This talk will leave you with a fresh perspective on how to make digital PR work harder as part of your SEO strategy—and ensure every link you earn truly counts.

James Brockbank

Founder

Digitaloft

Understand Why Google Ignores Links: Learn how Google evaluates links and why many earned links don’t actually contribute to increased rankings.

Learn How to Think About Links as Being About Reputation Building: Discover why not all links are created equal and how to focus your efforts on the ones that matter.

Shift from Link Metrics to SEO Impact: Stop chasing vanity metrics like the number of links you earn or the DR of those links and align digital PR efforts with measurable SEO outcomes.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Find and fix the mistakes that undermine the SEO impact of your digital PR efforts.

Kirsty Hulse

AFRAID TO HIT SEND? WHY OVERTHINKING IS KILLING YOUR CAREER (AND HOW TO STOP)

CEO

NEUROWORX

KIRTSY HULSE

CEO

NEUROWORX

Kirsty Hulse runs companies that make work better. She’s helped more than 60,000 leaders, teams, and C-suite executives build confidence and communicate better, speaking in over 20 countries and working with companies like LinkedIn, Amazon, and Meta. As CEO of Neuroworx, she’s fixing hiring by making it simpler and fairer. She also runs Roar!, turning boring corporate training into something people actually enjoy. She created Confidence Live, the world’s largest conference dedicated to confidence, where CEOs share stages with comedians and drag queens perform alongside poets, drawing people from around the world to the unlikely setting of her hometown, Stoke-on-Trent. Her first book predicted the flexible working revolution back in 2016 (nobody believed her then - yet here we all are, directing global operations in paint-splattered yoga pants). Kirsty is a stand-up comedian and brings that energy to everything she does. When she’s not fixing workplaces, she’s making corporate PowerPoints funny - because someone has to.

Kirsty Hulse

CEO

NEUROWORX

Kirsty Hulse

CEO

NEUROWORX

Why workplace anxiety happens: understand what really causes that constant “walking on eggshells” feeling.

How to spot (and ignore) pointless workplace rules: identify which office norms help and which just hold you back.

When to trust your gut: practical ways to speak up and share ideas without second-guessing yourself.

KATY POWELL

HOW TO GET YOUR BOSS TO SIGN OFF ON PR IDEAS

FOUNDER

BOTTLED IMAGINATION

KATY POWELL

FOUNDER

BOTTLED IMAGINATION

Since entering the PR world 7 years ago, Katy Powell has gone from content and campaign executive to founding her own agency, Bottled Imagination – leading its PR offering. She specialises in creating innovative PR campaigns for clients across all sectors including interiors, fashion, jewellery and B2B tech.

Katy Powell

Founder

Bottled Imagination

In this talk, I will discuss the steps I take throughout the onboarding, ideation and pitching stage to ensure your boss (or client) signs off your PR ideas. I’ll cover both b2c industries and b2b which can be more challenging.

Katy Powell

Founder

Bottled Imagination

A process to remove the subjectivity from ideas at ideation stage

A template of how to actually pitch the idea

Some anecdotes from times I’ve got this wrong that’ll make you feel better about your own ideas pitches.

MARK ROFE

HOW TO BUILD LINKS LIKE A BILLIONAIRE

DIGITAL PR SPECIALIST

DIGITAL PR COURSE

MARK ROFE

DIGITAL PR SPECIALIST

DIGITAL PR COURSE

Mark teaches Digital PR through his online course and newsletter. His work has been featured in thousands of publications, and his face has appeared on TV screens reaching millions worldwide. Chances are, you’ve encountered one of his campaigns or creative stunts.

Mark knows how to get links and media coverage, and he's excited to show you everything he's learned so you can too.

MARK ROFE

DIGITAL PR SPECIALIST

DIGITAL PR COURSE

You wouldn’t think it, but working in PR and investing in the stock market share some surprising similarities. Both are unpredictable, results are uncertain, and success often depends on perfect timing. Here’s the catch, 97% of day traders lose money, yet their frantic, high frequency behavior mirrors how many of us approach PR, constantly churning out campaigns and press releases just to hit KPIs.

Mark reveals how adopting a billionaire investor’s mindset can minimise wasted efforts while maximising results, leading to more impactful PR coverage and better links.

MARK ROFE

DIGITAL PR SPECIALIST

DIGITAL PR COURSE

Discover how to identify the most impactful PR opportunities that focus on high value moments.

Learn how to turn uncertainty into your greatest ally.

Learn how doing less (fewer campaigns and more targeted outreach) can actually deliver stronger results.

LAU MIGUEZ

SO YOU’VE PROMISED A CLIENT YOU CAN DO SPAIN… NOW WHAT?

SENIOR DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST

LAU MIGUEZ LTD

LAU MIGUEZ

SENIOR DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST

LAU MIGUEZ LTD

Lau Miguez is a Senior Digital PR Strategist with a proven track record of successfully transitioning her expertise from the UK to Spanish and international markets. Leveraging her deep understanding of cultural nuances, she has secured coverage in top-tier publications across Spain, Mexico, and Chile. Lau specialises in developing campaigns that not only generate coverage but foster meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Her work combines creativity, strategy, and cultural insight to deliver results that resonate across diverse markets.

LAU MIGUEZ

SENIOR DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST

LAU MIGUEZ LTD

Spain is one of Europe’s most exciting yet misunderstood PR markets. Running a successful campaign here requires more than a copy-paste of UK strategies. In this talk, Lau Miguez shares actionable insights on how to ideate, pitch, and execute campaigns tailored to Spain’s vibrant culture and media ecosystem.

Whether you’re just starting in Spain or want to take your campaigns to the next level, this session will give you the tools and strategies you need to thrive in Europe’s fourth-largest market.

LAU MIGUEZ

SENIOR DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST

LAU MIGUEZ LTD

Ideate campaigns for the Spanish market by considering its rich mix of cultures, subcultures, and regions.

Navigate distribution in a multiplatform media landscape, including digital, regional, and traditional channels.

Manage expectations: Learn why PR success in Spain looks different and how to measure impact effectively.

DANIELLE NEAH AMPONSAH

DIGITAL PR DILEMMA: SHOULD YOU DIY OR BRING IN THE PROS?

DIGITAL PR CONSULTANT AND CO-FOUNDER

HANDNOTE

DANIELLE NEAH AMPONSAH

DIGITAL PR CONSULTANT AND CO-FOUNDER

HANDNOTE

Danielle is a skilled Digital PR Consultant and co-founder of Handnote, with over 10 years of experience in digital PR and marketing. She began her career as an SEO and Content Marketing Junior at a leading search agency and advanced to in-house roles at Perkbox and Le Cordon Bleu. With a track record of boosting the presence of over 50 brands across diverse industries - from K-pop to tech, Danielle is passionate about integrating digital PR into every brand's marketing strategy.

DANIELLE NEAH AMPONSAH

DIGITAL PR CONSULTANT AND CO-FOUNDER

HANDNOTE

Many businesses grapple with whether to handle digital PR in-house or outsource it to an agency or freelancer. According to the Muck Rack 2024 State of PR Report, only 2% of brands rely solely on external PR agencies, emphasising that most companies either manage PR internally or adopt a hybrid approach for cost-effectiveness and control. This talk will weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, helping business owners and marketing managers make an informed decision based on their unique needs and resources. It’s a must-see for companies evaluating their digital PR options.

DANIELLE NEAH AMPONSAH

DIGITAL PR CONSULTANT AND CO-FOUNDER

HANDNOTE

Cost Efficiency: We'll explore the trade-offs between upfront savings with DIY digital PR and the potential for faster, more impactful results from outsourcing, helping you weigh short-term budgets against long-term gains.

Skillsets and Team Dynamics: We’ll examine the critical roles needed for successful digital PR be it in-house or with external experts. E.g. strategists, data analysts, content creators, and outreach specialists. And how their effectiveness depends on the right training, collaboration, and expertise.

Framework for Decision Making: You will leave with a framework to assess which approach; DIY, outsourced, or a hybrid best aligns with your goals, resources, and growth aspirations.

BRI GODWIN HUYKE

ACROSS THE POND AND INTO THE PRESS: MASTERING U.S. PR

Senior Manager of Digital PR

JOURNEY FURTHER

BRI GODWIN HUYKE

Senior Manager of Digital PR

JOURNEY FURTHER

Bri Godwin Huyke is a Senior Manager of Digital PR at Journey Further, leading a team of exceptionally talented professionals, championing both client and team success.

With an impressive track record of nearly a decade in the industry, she has consistently secured coverage for her clients in highly authoritative publications. Her expertise lies in crafting captivating and newsworthy content that not only generates press coverage but also improves her clients’ brand awareness and SEO. Bri's keen eye for the news cycle and her deep understanding of the media landscape enable her to consistently put her clients in the middle of trending conversations.

Her strategic insight and execution have helped businesses succeed and grow, delivering impactful press coverage and meaningful brand growth.

BRI GODWIN HUYKE

SENIOR MANAGER OF DIGITAL PR

JOURNEY FURTHER

While the US and UK share a common language, the differences in digital PR practices can be significant. Understanding these nuances is essential for success in the US media landscape. Flying all the way from sunny Florida, in this session Bri will provide actionable strategies to help you navigate the evolving media environment, tackle regional and cultural differences, and master the art of securing coverage that drives tangible performance. Walk away with the tools you need to break through the noise and make a real splash across the pond.

BRI GODWIN HUYKE

SENIOR MANAGER OF DIGITAL PR

JOURNEY FURTHER

Leverage a comprehensive understanding of regional differences and their influence on US media through native experts and on-the-ground research.

Adapt to the always-evolving media landscape in the U.S., including industry layoffs, pay-for-play models, and decentralization through practical outreach strategies.

Learn how to measure tangible growth and impact beyond just mentions and link volume, using a combination of brand and performance metrics.

Millie White

WHY LINK KPIS AREN’T AN ACCURATE MEASURE OF SUCCESS ANYMORE, AND WHAT IS

SENIOR DIGITAL PR MANAGER

Digitaloft

Millie White

SENIOR DIGITAL PR MANAGER

Digitaloft

Millie is an experienced digital PR professional bringing almost 6 years of industry knowledge to the table. Initially starting out in traditional PR in 2019, Millie transitioned into digital PR in 2021 before joining Digitaloft in 2022.

Millie is a Senior Digital PR Manager at Digitaloft and oversees a couple of teams of digital PR specialists in driving success and leading on dedicated strategy implementation across a range of clients within the agency. With a passion for fostering creativity and encouraging strategic thinking, she brings both her traditional and digital PR knowledge and expertise to her role, offering valuable insight to the team to ensure our work always delivers impactful results for the agency's clients.

MILLIE WHITE

SENIOR DIGITAL PR MANAGER

DIGITALOFT

As digital PRs, we’re constantly keeping up with the many changes and challenges within the industry, and what should be considered as ‘impactful’ work. Adjusting our reporting in line with these changes can really help to educate our clients on what success looks like as we move away from relying on vanity metrics such as link numbers.

In this session, Millie will dive into the key success metrics your clients should really care about, how to identify them (and educate your clients on which metrics should matter most to them as a brand), and more importantly how to report on them impactfully.

Looking beyond link KPIs and at the wider impact of your digital PR activity, this talk will leave you with lots of useful insight that is actionable and easily implemented within your reporting.

MILLIE WHITE

SENIOR DIGITAL PR MANAGER

DIGITALOFT

Why link KPIs should no longer be looked at as a success metric: Understand why we should move away from setting link KPIs, and instead introduce soft metrics that align with your clients’ wider business goals.

Identify which metrics should matter most for that brand: Learn how to dig deeper into brands and their wider business goals to educate your clients on which metrics will be most indicative of real success for them.

Reporting with impact: How to report on impactful and relevant successes for your clients without using link KPIs as a core metric, helping to shift your client's focus away from vanity to impact.

Sophie Rhone

DIGITAL PR: IDEAS THAT WIN LINKS AND WOW CLIENTS

DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST & OWNER

CUPID PR

SOPHIE RHONE

DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST & OWNER

CUPID PR

Sophie Rhone is a seasoned digital PR strategist and owner of Cupid PR. With a strong track record of delivering high-impact campaigns, Sophie specialises in creating content that captures journalists' attention and drives backlinks for brands across a variety of niches. She’s passionate about blending creativity with strategic thinking to solve real-world challenges, helping brands amplify their message while connecting with their audience. Sophie is also an advocate for knowledge-sharing, regularly speaking at industry events and running workshops to empower others in the art of ideation and storytelling.

SOPHIE RHONE

DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST & OWNER

CUPID PR

Learn how to create content ideas that grab attention and secure links, even in the most specialised niches. In this session, Sophie Rhone will share her proven framework for generating link-worthy campaigns tailored to diverse industries and audiences. You’ll discover how to tap into consumer pain points and journalists’ priorities to develop stories that truly resonate. Sophie will also provide actionable tips on building tailored media lists, ensuring your ideas reach the right journalists and publications. This session is ideal for digital PR and SEO professionals looking to elevate their niche content strategies.

SOPHIE RHONE

DIGITAL PR STRATEGIST & OWNER

CUPID PR

Spot Opportunities in Any Niche: Master the process of uncovering audience pain points and trends to fuel content ideas that drive links and engagement.

Angle Your Content for Coverage: Learn how to shape stories with journalist-friendly hooks and angles that align with media priorities.

Target the Right Media: Explore effective strategies for building focused media lists that connect your campaigns with the right publications and reporters.