The Brief Ep 18: Escape mode – tapping into the $9.7 trillion escape economy

Whether it’s small moments throughout the day, or a big adventure, the need for escape is a fundamental human behaviour which has resulted in a $9.7 trillion economy. One that brands, both in traditional ‘escape’ industries such as travel and gaming and non-tradition industries like banking, can tap into and foster brand loyalty.

In this episode, we dive into ‘The Truth About Escapism’, a fascinating study from McCann Truth Central. Guests Jess Francis, Research Director at Truth Central, and Joe Stevens, Managing Partner of Strategy at McCann, discuss the what, why, and the opportunities of escapism with Ellis Bird.

What we cover in the episode

• The $9.7 trillion escape economy opportunity
• What escape means today
• How and why are people seeking escape?
• Keeping it meaningful – how brands can connect with audiences in moments of escape
• Using the research to understand your audience
• The rise of ‘stacking’ escapes
• What the future of escapism might look like

Learn more about The Truth About Escapism study here.

About the speakers

Jess Francis is a Research Director at McCann Truth Central, where she develops global interdisciplinary research studies, such as the Truth About Escapism and the Truth About Work. She is an expert in mixed research methods, data visualisation and storytelling, with deep categorical expertise in youth culture, sustainability, and emerging technologies. Prior to a career in advertising, she worked in the social impact and non-profit sector, from democratizing access to tech-education in Iraq and Turkey to helping raise over $3 million USD for Choose Love. A Brit-Filipina raised on a boat in Hong Kong, she’s a conduit for multi-cultural thinking and outside of work, is a hobbyist potter and sourdough baker.

Joe Stevens is Managing Partner, Strategy, at McCann. As an experienced planner with a track record of integrated, digital, social and creative strategies, Joe has worked on leading brands across a range of industries. He's particularly interested in developing strategies that help to anchor brands in cultural, consumer and channel truths across markets and categories.