In 2017, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer for a week at Social Media Week São Paulo, the biggest marketing event in Brazil. This experience was both professionally enriching and personally rewarding. Social Media Week São Paulo is renowned for its focus on communication, marketing, and advertising, offering professionals in the field a platform to improve their skills through a variety of formats such as lectures, case presentations, workshops, and panel discussions.

During the event, held from September 11th to 15th at the ESPM Joaquim Távora Campus in São Paulo, I was part of a dynamic team of volunteers. The theme for that year’s edition was “Language and Machines”, which opened up discussions on a broad range of subjects within the digital marketing realm. With over 200 activities, the event offered a deep dive into trending topics like #Fintech, #Influencers, #ArtificialIntelligence (AI), #Chatbots, #SocialCommerce, #Innovation, #GameMarketing, #VirtualReality (VR), #EdTech, and #VideoMarketing.

Throughout my week as a volunteer, I assisted with event logistics, helping to manage sessions, coordinate attendees, and ensure smooth transitions between the various activities. It was a fast-paced and dynamic environment, but it gave me the chance to connect with industry leaders, speakers, and fellow professionals, as well as observe high-level discussions on the future of communication and digital strategies. The atmosphere was electric, filled with creativity, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

One of the highlights was seeing firsthand the Social Media Week São Paulo 2017 Awards, where companies and agencies were recognized for their outstanding digital communication projects. Watching these innovative case presentations was truly inspiring, and I felt privileged to be a part of such a prestigious event that pushes the boundaries of digital marketing.

This experience allowed me to expand my network, gain insights into the latest trends in digital marketing, and contribute to an event that promotes the continuous development of professionals in the field. Volunteering at Social Media Week São Paulo was a pivotal moment in my career, reaffirming my passion for marketing and my desire to keep learning and growing within the industry.