The event took place simultaneously in 26 countries, reaffirming Milan’s position as one of the global hubs of contemporary creativity.
Throughout the evening, 15 creative directors from top Italian and international agencies met with around 70 young creatives in a series of seven-minute one-to-one sessions. Each participant had the opportunity to present their portfolio and share a “best idea” inspired by the theme Bring Your Magic.
The jury selected Roberto Schettino, a young copywriter, as the Italian All Stars winner. His mature vision, strong conceptual thinking, and clear, modern visual storytelling earned him access to the Google international bootcamp, scheduled for January 2026. There, he will compete against other global winners for the chance to attend the Creative Week 2026 in New York.
As Samanta Giuliani, Chief Strategy Officer at SBAM, stated:
Portfolio Night has long been a landmark event for new generations of creatives who want to engage with industry professionals, receive feedback, and establish direct connections with leading agencies.
The 2025 edition highlighted a key shift: creativity is no longer confined to advertising. Many participants came from diverse backgrounds—illustration, design, writing, motion—bringing hybrid languages and cross-disciplinary influences from film, comics, and visual arts. This reflects a broader and more fluid understanding of communication—one that thrives on openness, diversity, and contamination.
Luca Grelli, Chief Creative Officer at SBAM, commented:
Seeing these young people who still believe in the purity and beauty of ideas is truly heartwarming. The passion and energy of emerging talent are the driving force behind the future of our creative industry.
Regarding the winner, he added:
The decision was not unanimous. The jury was split between two very different but equally compelling profiles. On one side, Roberto Schettino presented a portfolio that felt ready for the big agency world: solid ideas, a contemporary visual and narrative language, and a confident, professional presentation. On the other, a young creative with a more personal, handcrafted approach: authentic, raw, and full of talent. In the end, the vote went to Roberto for the completeness of his work and his readiness to engage with the industry.
Through this initiative, SBAM confirms its position as a key player in the Italian and international creative community, aligning with JAKALA’s mission to foster innovation and talent through high-impact experiences.