Montreal’s creative class raised a toast to collaboration on Thursday, October 23rd, as Marketing & Martinis took over the stylish Studio Cuero inside Château Saint-Ambroise. Hosted by Brand’s Media Group and Le Marketing Club, the evening blended networking, artistry, and a touch of old-school glamour, proving that when creative agencies and marketers come together, the results can be downright intoxicating.
From 5 PM to 9 PM, Studio Cuero’s moody, candlelit loft-like space was transformed into a playground for connection. More than 100 guests from the city’s marketing, design, and content creation scenes arrived dressed to impress in corporate, classy, and chic attire.
Conversations flowed as easily as the lychee, espresso, and dirty martinis from the open bar, with every clink of glass echoing the night’s theme: collaboration over competition.
The New York-style event was the brainchild of Sharon Brand, founder of Brand’s Media Group, and Athena Correa, founder of Le Marketing Club. Both are dynamic forces in Montreal’s creative industry, known for bridging the gap between freelancers, agencies, and brands. Together, they envisioned Marketing & Martinis as a safe, stylish, and social space where ideas could mix as freely as the drinks. “Our goal was simple,” they shared, “to break the stigma that agencies and creatives can’t collaborate, and show what happens when they do.”
The evening’s soundtrack came courtesy of a live saxophonist, Sam Bags, whose smooth jazz riffs complemented the sultry vibe. A gourmet charcuterie table was catered by Ristorante Da Vinci, offering a feast of local cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and seasonal produce. Midway through the night, waiters with silver trays circulated Bâton Rouge fries, a playful, crowd-pleasing touch that had guests reaching for seconds between conversations.
But this wasn’t your typical networking affair. Instead of business cards and elevator pitches, attendees exchanged genuine stories and creative sparks. Many remarked on how refreshing it felt to connect in a setting that prioritized authenticity over formality. “This is what our industry has been missing,” one guest noted. “A space where creativity feels human again.”
Throughout the night, Sharon and Athena floated through the crowd, ensuring everyone felt seen and included. Their shared vision, to foster community rather than competition, was evident in every detail, from the welcoming energy at the door to the laughter spilling out onto the hallways of Château Saint-Ambroise.
In a heartfelt post-event message, the hosts summed up the spirit of the night:
“Last night, two agencies came together for a night of cocktails and connections. This is Marketing & Martinis. The energy in the room was everything we hoped for: genuine conversations, new connections, and a reminder of how much our industry thrives on collaboration. When we imagined this night, two things came to mind: 1) Create a space that feels friendly, not intimidating; 2) Bring back the kind of event our community truly needs. You proved just how much these moments matter. Until the next one, xoxo.”
Indeed, Marketing & Martinis did more than serve drinks. It served a reminder that creativity flourishes when walls come down and people come together. For those eager to keep the conversation going, the organizers launched a post-event community group, ensuring the connections made that night continue to grow long after the martinis stopped flowing.
With its seamless blend of sophistication, sincerity, and synergy, Marketing & Martinis left an indelible impression on Montreal’s creative map. Here’s to more nights that celebrate not just what we do, but who we become when we collaborate.
Brand’s Media Group
Instagram: @brandsmediagroup
TikTok: @brandsmediagroup
Website: brandsmediagroup.com
Le Marketing Club
Instagram: @lemarketingclub.co
TikTok: @lemarketingclub.co
Website: lemarketingclub.co