Getting ready for Two + Two 2026!

Lisa Jones has almost 20 years’ experience of Recruitment, HR and L&D gained from businesses large and small in the Creative Sector. From big networks like Havas and McCann to independent and smaller group agencies, Lisa’s experience has seen her work with new graduates through to senior management teams. Lisa will share her tips for how to take the Two + Two experience and make the most of it when you’re applying for your future roles in her talk at the end of the day.  Here is her advice for students prepping for Two+Two 2026.

 

If you’re reading this then it’s because like the Creative Resource team, around 40 Mentors from agencies and client side marketing teams across the North West, your Client for the day, an amazing group of judges, and myself, you’re preparing for Two + Two 2026! I’ve seen the brief and read the research and I’m excited for the creative thinking, problem solving and ultimately, really interesting ideas that we’re going to see this year. As the mother of a son, I’m even more intrigued!

Every year, Julie Ollerton and I take an hour with the Mentors before the event to help them to prepare for their role in supporting the 150+ students involved. We did that this week. We discussed how they can help you to get the most from the experience and how ultimately, you get the best possible chance of winning!

This year, one of the questions that came from a Mentor was in relation to managing even contributions across the group. By which I mean ensuring that everyone gets a chance to contribute. That got me thinking about how we help you to prepare, because each year I talk to the students about getting the most you can from Two + Two after the event, but actually until now, I’ve not stuck my nose in at this point. So here we go.. some unsolicited advice for you, to help you on the day!!

1. Read absolutely everything that Creative Resource have sent to you. You will no doubt have heard that it’s a busy day. It’s very true. When you arrive, you’ll be registered, and you’ll be given the brief for the first time. This is the problem that you’re spending the day solving. You’ll be much better equipped to tackle that brief if you have the research under your belt already.
2. Take notes in the presentations. You’ll hear from your Client, and the Chair of the judges. Both will give you insight that adds to the research and helps you to tackle the brief. So focus, listen, take notes and benefit from those talks.
3. Contribute. You might be feeling a bit nervous, so my tip is to introduce yourself to those in your group early – start by telling them your name and what you’re studying. They might not look it, but they’re probably nervous too. By speaking early in this new group setting you get to hear your own voice and to become more comfortable sharing it. Speaking up early shows you that you’re able to speak up later, and helps you to feel more confident.
4. Allow others to contribute. If you’re naturally enthusiastic and verbal, please remember that sometimes others are not. So encourage quieter members in your team by asking what they think and then waiting and listening to their input.
5. Be rested. Finally, prepare physically and mentally by arriving rested. Have something healthy to eat in the morning and be ready for a busy, challenging, but oh so much fun day ahead.

Thank you! I hope that’s helpful and I look forward to meeting you on the 29^th April for Two + Two 2026!