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 Keynote Speaker

Erica Francis

Future Festival Coordinator
Articles
262
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2,587,000
Location
Toronto
Member Since
Apr 2016
Erica is a Jane of All Trades and brings a diverse skill set to Trend Hunter. Education wise, she has earned a diploma in Fashion Business from George Brown College and a degree in Marketing with a minor in Law from Ryerson University. When it comes to careers, she's had the opportunity to work in fashion, analytics, banking, and marketing. She truly is both left-brained and right-brained.

Trend hunting came naturally to Erica. While in university she found a way to connect her love for fashion with her education in marketing. Recognizing the impact of social media in its early stages she capitalized on it in 2009 and launched her first blog based on fashion and lifestyle.

Although Erica is a Toronto native, after moving to the UK for half a year, she now considers England her second home. Her passion for traveling is undeniable and she loves discovering new places and cultures. In her down time you'll see Erica chasing fun experiences like taking dance classes, trying new restaurants or attending one of a kind events.
What is unique that's not in your bio?
My love for travel has taken me to every majorly inhabited continent in the world.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
Being able to pay for my first car and my education, including my university exchange to the UK, and still graduating debt free.
How do you define cool?
I think the concept of "cool" is really subjective but the underlying aspect for me is a level of confidence exuded by a person or brand.
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
Curiousity.
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
The insane amount of content that shows you how innovative and diverse humans are.
What is your favorite trend?
Divergent fashion
What are your tips for writing a juicy post?
Research! You need to take the time to understand your topic.
How do you reset to be creative?
Recently I disconnected myself from social media for a month and in doing so I found new ways to keep myself busy.
What inspires or excites you?
Seeing opportunities where I can be creative and be able to learn about topics I find appealing. Music, being with amazing people, traveling....really the list can go on.
Predict something awesome for 2020?
Digital passports (one can hope)!
The Heineken F1 Experience
The Heineken F1 Experience
How Heineken Used a Racing Event as a 'Celebration of Moderation'
It was a crazy whirl-wind Labour Day weekend for me as I was whisked away for the ‘Heineken F1’ experience at the Italian Grand Prix. After an overnight flight, I landed in Milan Friday... MORE
Earthy Office Interiors
Earthy Office Interiors
This Nature-Inspired Co-Working Space Brings the Outdoors Into the Office
Shanghai-based Vermilion Zhou Design Group developed a nature-inspired co-working space that references the beautiful outdoors. The design firm used the influence of a “farm land” theme... MORE
Stereotype-Defying Healthcare Ads
Stereotype-Defying Healthcare Ads
Planned Parenthood Highlights Its Health Services in This Ad
Planned Parenthood wants to break away from its stereotype of being an abortion clinic and shed light on the other services the organization offers. In a commercial for the company’s Great... MORE
Humorous Innuendo Ads
Humorous Innuendo Ads
SiriusXM Canada's 'Dick's Pizza' Ad is a Cheeky Way to Promote a Contest
SiriusXM Canada is promoting its ‘Top Comic’ contest using a tongue-in-cheek commercial created by ad agency Taxi Toronto. The commercial, clearly targeting Millennial and Gen-X adults,... MORE
Coaching Basketball Sleeves
Coaching Basketball Sleeves
The 'SOLIDshot' Basketball Sleeve Improves Player's Aim with Sensors
The ‘SOLIDshot’ basketball sleeve is an innovative wearable tool that teaches players how to improve their aim when shooting hoops. Tested on NBA and NCAA players, the SOLIDshot uses... MORE
Missing Letter Ads
Missing Letter Ads
NHS Blood and Transplant Drop Letters from Everyday Signs to Encourage Donors
NHS Blood and Transplant released a new commercial for it’s ‘Missing Type’ campaign that emphasizes the importance of all blood types. At first glance, one can’t be sure what... MORE
Soulful Visual Albums
Soulful Visual Albums
Frank Ocean Drops His Much Awaited Visual Album 'Endless'
Frank Ocean surprised fans by dropping a visual album entitled ‘Endless’ as part of the precursor to the release of his ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ album. The suspense around the... MORE
Forgettable Celebrity Ads
Forgettable Celebrity Ads
Footlocker Uses C-List Stars to Prove That It's Important to "Stand Out"
Footlocker humorously uses forgettable c-list stars to promote the company’s unique product lines. The commercial starts out with two basketball players talking about the need to stand out:... MORE
Personified Food Pop-Ups
Personified Food Pop-Ups
This Human Fast Food Vending Machine Surprises People at a Laundromat
American fast food chain Bojangles has been putting a lot of time into creating unique brand activations for its ‘Random Acts of Bo’ campaign and recently turned things up a notch with a... MORE
Comedic Rap Releases
Comedic Rap Releases
Kevin Hart's 'Chocolate Droppa' Character is Releasing a Real Rap Album
Comedian Kevin Hart’s alter ego ‘Chocolate Droppa’ just signed with Motown. Most people would never think a comedian’s character personality would actually spawn a record... MORE
Daring Granny Documentries
Daring Granny Documentries
Grandmas Smoke & Get Introduced to Youth Culture on This Channel 4 Show
British TV broadcaster Channel 4 is trying something pretty unconventional and has created a show about seniors being introduced to modern youth culture. If someone ever wanted to watch grandmas... MORE
Inconsiderate Donor Ads
Inconsiderate Donor Ads
'Donate Life' Shows Even Rude People Can Save Lives with Organ Donation
‘Donate Life’ and ‘The Martin Agency’ created an unexpected commercial to promote organ donation. When initially watching the ad, it’s hard to figure out what it’... MORE
Familial Fast Food Commercials
Familial Fast Food Commercials
McDonald's South Africa Focuses on Sibling Love in This Commercial
McDonald’s South Africa alongside ad agency Leo Burnett, created a touching commercial that demonstrates the loving bond between brother and sister. With the soundtrack of ‘Stand by Me&#... MORE
Fast Food Luggage Ads
Fast Food Luggage Ads
Bojangles Gave Travelers Full Meals on Airport Luggage Conveyor Belts
American fast food restaurant ‘Bojangles’ surprised tired travelers at the airport with family-sized meals appearing on the luggage conveyor belts. The company has been running a... MORE
Criminal Car Rental Ads
Criminal Car Rental Ads
This Commercial Features Prisoners Escaping with a Rented Car
Copenhagen-based car rental agency ‘Lej Et Lig Biludlejning’ used the TV series ‘Prison Break’ as an inspiration for this criminal car commercial. The ad starts out with... MORE
Interactive Koi Ponds
Interactive Koi Ponds
This Digital Pond Features Dancing Fish Interacting with People's Movements
Art collective TeamLab created an interactive digital pond featured at ‘Odaiba Minna no YUME-TAIRIKU 2016 -A World of Wonders.’ The artists wanted their pond to work off of the movement... MORE
Celebrity Storytelling Ads
Celebrity Storytelling Ads
'Wild Turkey Bourbon' Shows Its History Through Authentic Short Films
Kentucky-based Wild Turkey Bourbon uses a short film to tell consumers about its history. Actor Matthew McConaughey is the star of the documentary and recounts his discovery of the company and touts... MORE
Floating Kitchen Installations
Floating Kitchen Installations
This Art Installation is Built Upon Pots and Plates
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma created a beautiful ‘Floating Kitchen’ art installation for the ‘Venice Architecture Biennale.’ The artwork is featured as part of the ‘... MORE
Earthquake Memorial Museums
Earthquake Memorial Museums
This Landscape Museum Mimics the Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Lines
The Wenchuan Earthquake was one of the deadliest quakes in China in the last 30 years where 70,000 people lost their lives. To commemorate the event, the Chinese government commissioned a memorial... MORE
Abstract Beach Saunas
Abstract Beach Saunas
This Futuristic Wooden Sauna Gives Patrons Views of the Ocean
Architect Emmett McNamara built a beautiful abstract wooden sauna upon the beaches of Inisheer, Ireland. The interesting unit was built as an exhibition for the ‘Drop Everything’ festival,... MORE
Deconstructed Desert Housing
Deconstructed Desert Housing
Sanjay Puri Architects Developed LEGO-Like Housing Units
Mumbai-based ‘Sanjay Puri Architects’ created an interesting housing project called ‘Studios 18’ in the deserts of Raj, Rajasthan. The Studio 18 housing project was developed... MORE
Artist-Inspired String Chairs
Artist-Inspired String Chairs
This Two-Seater is Based on Leonardo da Vinci Sketches
Designer Clara Schweers created an interconnected two-seater steel chair called ‘Saitens’ for university and her inspiration for the furniture came from Leonardo da Vinci sketches. The... MORE
Selfie-Inspired Cocktails
Selfie-Inspired Cocktails
Smirnoff Mixed Up Creative Cocktails Based on People's Selfies
Smirnoff New Zealand got a mixologist to pour some creative cocktails all based on selfies for its ‘Pure Potential’ campaign. The premium vodka brand invited New Zealanders far and wide... MORE
Smart Home Wi-Fi Controls
Smart Home Wi-Fi Controls
Logitech 'Pop Home Switch' Manages Smart Home Products with a Few Taps
Turning things on or off at home can literally be done with the press of a button with Logitech’s new ‘Pop Home Switch.’ The tech company is putting out a new smart button that... MORE
Fruit-Shaped Treehouses
Fruit-Shaped Treehouses
This Treehouse is Shaped Like an Apple & Features a Periscope for Spying
Sweden-based ‘Anders Berensson Architects’ created a unique fruit-shaped treehouse on top of a dead apple tree. As one might guess, the treehouse—aptly named ‘Apple... MORE
Anti-Abuse Beer Ads
Anti-Abuse Beer Ads
'Cerveza Tecate' Defines Men By How They Treat Women in This Commercial
Mexican beer brand ‘Cerveza Tecate’ sends an immensely powerful message to men in its ‘Domestic Violence’ commercial. In its campaign to end violence against women, the brand... MORE
Oceanic Audiovisual Exhibits
Oceanic Audiovisual Exhibits
The Interactive 'My Whale' Art Installation Mimics Whale Sounds
St. Petersburg-based audiovisual artist collective ‘Tundra’ created an incredible interactive art installation entitled ‘My Whale’ for the ‘9 Lights in 9 Rooms’... MORE
Exam-Based Brand Activations
Exam-Based Brand Activations
'Bojangles' Restaurant Surprised Students with Food After Their Exams
‘Bojangles’ restaurant, an American fast food chain originating from North Carolina, combined a brand activation and commercial spot to reach consumers in a sentimental way. The... MORE
Anime Hunting Game Features
Anime Hunting Game Features
The New 'Nearby Pokémon' Feature of Pokémon Go Makes FindingAnime Easy
Niantic’s popular mobile game Pokémon Go is getting an upgrade; the company is testing out a new way for players to hunt for Pokémon using the GPS-based ‘Nearby Pokémon’ feature.... MORE
Multi-Use Sleeping Bags
Multi-Use Sleeping Bags
The 'Kachula' Sleeping Bag Can Turn into a Pillow and a Hoodie
Utah-based company Coalatree’s ‘Kachula 2.0’ is a sustainable sleeping bag that can be transported practically anywhere. The sleeping bag is large enough to work as a blanket but... MORE
Sophisticated Athletic Wear
Sophisticated Athletic Wear
Tim Coppen's Designs for Under Armour Includes Suiting and Chinos
New York-based Belgian menswear designer Tim Coppens’ collection for ‘UAS,’ a line from Baltimore-based athletic brand Under Armour, is a major departure from Under Armour’s... MORE
Olympian 3D-Printed Shoes
Olympian 3D-Printed Shoes
Adidas is Giving Rio 2016 Olympians Their Own Futurecraft Shoes
Some adidas-sponsored winning Rio 2016 Olympians are going to be receiving a special pair of adidas’ new 3D printed shoes. The 3D-printed line called ‘Futurecraft’ will now have a... MORE
Giant Squid Art Installations
Giant Squid Art Installations
'Vernie' is an Interactive Squid Art Piece Focused on Audio & Sound
Attendees of the ‘Walk & Talk Festival’ in Azores, Portugal were treated to a giant squid art installation called ‘Vernie.’ The cute underwater monster was created by a... MORE
Tribal Headwear Mirrors
Tribal Headwear Mirrors
The Marabout-Inspired Tribal Mirror Reflects Headpieces onto Viewers
A tribal mirror would be an exciting addition to any space, and interior designers might be interested in Teddy Mossiant’s new mirror collection. The French-based designer twisted string and... MORE
Oceanic Luxury Car Designs
Oceanic Luxury Car Designs
'Garage Italia Customs' Designed a Wave-Inspired Alfa Romeo 4C
Garage Italia Customs’ Alfa Romeo 4C Hokusai is an ode to Japanese culture. The body is stunning and references an important piece of Japanese art called ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa&#... MORE
80s Feline Commercials
80s Feline Commercials
'Temptations' Uses Nostalgia & a Cat Band to Promote its Kitty Treats
Cat food brand ‘Temptations’ and ad agency ‘Adam & Eve DDB’ created a hilarious commercial to promote Temptations treats in the UK using an all cat band. The advert is a... MORE

Featured Ideas

Anime Gaming Taxis
Anime Gaming Taxis
Pokemon GO Players Can Hitch a Ride to Catch Pokemon
Pokemon GO players can up the ante by getting a personal driver to help them capture Pokemon. Pokemon GO frenzy is spreading around the globe so it only makes sense that companies and entrepreneurs... MORE
Comedic Music Video Parodies
Comedic Music Video Parodies
BBC Radio 1 Puts a Humorous Spin on Kanye West's Famous
The music video for Kanye West’s Famous features a bunch of celebrities, or their wax figures, lying in bed together with the artist and his wife Kim Kardashian—completely naked. BBC... MORE
Desexualized Body Portraits
Desexualized Body Portraits
Lovis Osternrik's Photo Series Features Contorted Human Bodies
‘Vexconcav’ is an artistic nude body portrait series by Berlin-based photographer Lovis Ostenrik. His main vision behind the curated images was to “address social taboos evolving... MORE
Amorous Interracial Portraits
Amorous Interracial Portraits
Nude Photographs of This Elderly Interracial Couple Have Gone Viral
American photographer Jade Beall has tastefully captured images of an elderly interracial couple and the photos have gone viral. 75-year-old Gerry and 70-year-old Darwin lovingly embrace each other... MORE
Location-Based Olympic Highlights
Location-Based Olympic Highlights
Twitter's Olympic 'Moments' Customizes Coverage for Global Users
Twitter ‘Moments’ is a newly added feature that allows users to see curated tweets, Vines, videos and photos that have been shared on the platform. Moments are essentially summaries of... MORE
Phone-Charging Smart Bags
Phone-Charging Smart Bags
These Lorna & Bel Bags Introduce Women's High-Fashion to Technology
Australian duo, Lorna Swinstead and Bel Wood, have teamed up and created smart bags. The bags are not just fashionable, they are also equipped to charge practically any mobile phone on the go. The... MORE
Missing Letter Ads
Missing Letter Ads
NHS Blood and Transplant Drop Letters from Everyday Signs to Encourage Donors
NHS Blood and Transplant released a new commercial for it’s ‘Missing Type’ campaign that emphasizes the importance of all blood types. At first glance, one can’t be sure what... MORE
Summer-Centric Beer Activations
Summer-Centric Beer Activations
This Beer Campaign Focuses on Millennial Summer Activities
Miller Lite’s new beer campaign called ‘Summer Kick Back’ is choke-full of brand activations being deployed across the US. The company went to a bar and took all the patrons to a... MORE
Golden Mall Installations
Golden Mall Installations
Hong Kong's K11 Features Inflatable 'Golden Bubbles' Across the Mall
Walking into the ‘K11’ mall in Hong Kong is almost like walking into a dream. The multi-floored space features beautiful shimmery golden objects all across the interior that were created... MORE
In-Flight Movie Premieres
In-Flight Movie Premieres
United Airlines Surprised Passengers with a Movie Premiere While Flying
In partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, United Airlines surprised its passengers with a movie premiere on a flight between Newark Liberty to Chicago O’Hare. The screening was for the... MORE
Comedic Kids' Fashion Ads
Comedic Kids' Fashion Ads
This Old Navy Back to School Ad Features Amy Schumer as the Cool Aunt
Comedian Amy Schumer stars as the cool but confused aunt in Old Navy’s new back to school ad. The commercial starts out with a bunch of preteens hanging out in the mall with the sole boy in... MORE
Kid-Driven Car Ads
Kid-Driven Car Ads
BMW Korea Got Little Kids to Drive a Car Around a Race Track
BMW Korea and ad agency INNORED released a heartwarming ad featuring three young boys getting to drive for the first time. The boys are first seen speaking about their love for cars and their dream... MORE
Anime Game Trackers
Anime Game Trackers
The Pokéball is a DIY Pokémon Tracker for Pokémon Go Players
Having a Pokémon tracker would be a dream for any avid Pokémon GO player. The concept of the augmented reality game is to capture as many different types of Pokémon by hunting them down via GPS.... MORE
Heartfelt Ramadan Taxi Ads
Heartfelt Ramadan Taxi Ads
This 'Go-Jek' Ad Focuses on Families to Show the Importance of Drivers
‘Go-Jek,’ an Indonesian rideshare scooter service, focused on the holy Islamic period of Ramadan. Indonesia is predominantly Muslim so it would make sense that the company would create a... MORE