Purpose vs Profit: Perth agency leaders go head-to-head at WAMA’s Great Debate

The WA Marketing Association’s (WAMA) Great Debate returns to Fraser’s, Kings Park, on Thursday 22 October, bringing together six Perth agency leaders to debate the proposition: “The era of purpose-led marketing is over.”

Taking part in this year’s agency edition are Amy Sutton, Founder & CEO of Anthologie; Dav Tabeshfar, DIRECTER, Creative Consultants; Sara Oteri, Executive Creative Director at 303; Tim Woodsmith, Director of Strategy at Rare; Paul Coghlan, In House Creative Performance Coach at Rudder; and John Linton, Managing Partner Strategy at Berlin.

The debate will put purpose-led marketing under the spotlight, with the six industry leaders tasked with defending their assigned positions at the WAMA event.

Two teams will argue opposing sides, bringing the persuasion, conviction and competitive instincts usually reserved for a pitch. This time, inconveniently, the other agencies will be in the room.

Keeping proceedings in order is Kate O’Hara, CEO of Foodbank WA, whose moderator’s brief includes managing six people who make a living having a point of view.

Beneath the banter sits a serious question for the industry: what role should purpose play when brands are under pressure to demonstrate commercial results? Expect strong arguments, sharp rebuttals and a rare opportunity to watch agency leaders challenge each other’s thinking in public.

As WAMA’s final breakfast event of 2026, the Great Debate offers the marketing community a chance to catch up, take a side and watch the argument unfold over breakfast.

Tickets are selling fast. Book now to see who wins the room and who insists it was a positioning problem.

WAMA Great Debate: Purpose vs. Profit.
Thursday 22 October 2026 | 7.30am start
Fraser’s, Kings Park
Tickets: Book here