The Indie Summit 2027,
Madrid, Spain

Since the Indie Summit launched in 2017, it has been the leading international conference for owners and leaders of independent agencies from all communications disciplines – earned, paid and owned. Agency leaders come together from all continents of the world, to learn, to share experience and to be inspired to explore new possibilities.

It’s a relaxed and informal forum to discuss new trends and to stay ahead of the curve in what is next to come in our communications industry.

It’s a lot of fun, but it’s serious too. Most participants end up working with other people they meet there, from other countries or with different skill sets.

Many delegates return, year after year. There is a generous spirit of partnership and mutual support, because everyone shares a belief in the Indie Summit’s core value: independence.

Madrid, Spain

This year’s conference heads to Madrid, one of Europe’s most energetic creative capitals and a natural bridge between Europe and Latin America. Spanish agencies, networks and clients have long been the gateway into LatAm markets, and Madrid is where those relationships are made, so it’s the right place to bring our members together. Beyond the business, the city rewards anyone with a spare day either side: world-class art at the Prado and Reina Sofía, the tapas bars of La Latina, and a nightlife culture that starts late and finishes later. Venue details to follow shortly.

Who should attend?

If you are an agency owner or CEO – the Indie Summit is definitely for you. We also welcome other members of your Senior Leadership Team – Directors of Strategy, Creativity, Finance and Marketing.

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What will you learn?

The Indie Summits focus on the key business issues of the day – as well as the need to plan for the longer term.

In 2025/26, we dug deep into, AI, Digital Transformation, huge data and lightning-speed analytics, all being the nature of what we do most. Many traditional jobs in agencies were being lost: but others are being created, just as fast.

Partners

What is an Indie Summit like?

They are inspiring and energising. Come prepared to share your experiences, and you will go home with a myriad of new ideas and practical guidance on how to make your energy succeed in 2026 and beyond.

Take a look at these two short videos to get a sense of the atmosphere:

Our last Indie Summit in the UK – London 2025

Our last Indie Summit in Asia – Singapore 2023

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The Indie Summit Agenda

The welcome cocktail

The Indie Summit traditionally begins with an evening cocktail – this year on Sunday evening, March 15th. You don’t need to be there, but it’s highly recommended, and included in your ticket price.

This year it will be in the spectacular State Room on the 67th floor (yes, you read that right) of the Lebua hotel, with the Chaophraya river and the amazing, vibrant city of Bangkok spread out beneath you.

It’s what our Thai hosts call a “heavy cocktail” – finger food and bowl food, enough that you will not need a dinner afterwards (though no-one will stop you, if you want one), but not a large formal meal that goes on for hours. We want everyone bright and fresh in the morning.

Day One: A Day of Learning and Sharing

You’ll hear from expert speakers from all around the world: Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. They are pioneers of the latest trends in marketing and communications – but they are pragmatic, realistic business people. You won’t get a 1000 page McKinsey style report, but you’ll get a phone full of notes and screen shots that you can’t wait to put into practice when you get back home.

At the end of the day, you’ll be invited to join one of our legendary Curated Dinners: not a big traditional gala, but a group of ten or twelve other Summit participants at one of the most fashionable restaurants in Bangkok. You’ll arrive as delegates and leave as friends.

Day Two: A Day of Inspiration

Some conferences pack in so much information that they leave you overwhelmed. Not ours. We’ll inspire you with new ideas, entertain you with amazing case histories and introduce you to people who have made stuff happen – and are here to tell you how. Success stories, case histories, and previews of ideas and technologies still in the making. An agency’s “wow factor” is what drives our clients – here's some wow factor, especially for you.

The end of the day will be informal – if you need to get to the airport, that will be arranged – if you can stay for a little longer, that’s even better. The discounted room rates we’ve negotiated in the Lebua hotel are valid for another couple of nights before or after the Summit itself.

Or maybe you’ll discover some of Thailand’s beautiful mountain regions, islands and beaches. And this year, there’s another option: the best (we think) creative festival in Asia, Adfest, will run from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21. It’s just two hours by taxi (we’ll arrange that) in the resort city of Pattaya – it’s open to agencies and clients of all kinds, but it has an indie vibe and we think you’ll love it too. We’re going. Would you like to join us?

Contact maddie.pluck@thenetworkone.com for details of discounted rates and transportation options.

View the Agenda

Where can I stay?

For your accommodation, we have a terrific “first come first served” offer on high-floor suites, with amazing views from their balconies and access to the Club Lounge with all-day snacks and drinks.

Once you have booked and paid for your delegate place, we will email you a link and instructions to book bedroom accommodation at a specially discounted rate, exclusive to Indie Summit delegates and accompanying guests.

Early Bird offer: Book now, to be sure of your place!

The cost to attend the Indie Summit 2026, Thailand starts at the early bird price of GBP £795 per person for thenetworkone members and GBP £895 per person for non members.

thenetworkone Member, Early Bird Rate, GBP £795 per person
thenetworkone Member, Standard Rate, GBP £845 per person
thenetworkone non-Member, Early Bird Rate, GBP £895 per person
thenetworkone non-Member, Standard Rate, GBP £995 per person
Welcome Cocktail / canapes and bowl food, Sunday evening 15th March: FREE OF CHARGE for conference delegates
Welcome Cocktail / canapes and bowl food, Sunday evening 15th March, for people accompanying a delegate: GBP £50 per person
Curated Dinners, Monday evening 16th March: GBP £125 per person

Notes:

GBP 1 = USD 1.31 = Thai Baht 43.00, rates approximate at time of going to press, check with your bank or broker for today’s rate.
If you wish to bring a person who is not a paying conference delegate, for example another adult travelling with you, please book them in for the Welcome Cocktail and/or the Curated dinners.
Once you have booked and paid for your delegate place, we will email you a link and instructions to book bedroom accommodation at a specially discounted rate, exclusive to Indie Summit delegates and accompanying guests.

Book your tickets today

Partners and Sponsorships

The Indie Summit has never been a “pay-to-play event”, but we do encourage carefully chosen service providers with something new and different to say to independent agencies, to join our Summit. We have a very limited number of speaker slots available and also some packages which include meeting opportunities rather than appearances on the main stage.

Below are some examples of companies who have joined us more than once – so presumably, they found good value in it. Costs range from £500 to £2500. Please contact julian.boulding@thenetworkone.com or alfie.buisson@thenetworkone.com if you are interested in being considered.

View the sponsor pack here

The Indie Summit Madrid

The Indie Summit 2027, Madrid, Spain