CMA Café: It’s 2026, Time to Talk Like a Caveman: The Timeless Power of Visual Humor

Welcoming members Director level and up, to join up to 15 Marketing Leaders in this executive round table discussion.

“No one ever bored someone into buying a product.” 
- Malcolm Duffy It’s the age of AI.

Everything’s faster, smarter, and more automated.
And yet, humans haven’t changed since we were sitting around fires in caves, trying to make each other laugh. Story still wins. Join advertising creatives, marketing directors and brand managers for an open and direct session on why storytelling and humour still cut through the visual noise, especially in photography and video.

In this seriously funny talk, award-winning comedian, photographer, and filmmaker Tony Lombardo breaks down how to build visual jokes that actually make people feel something. Expect sharp thinking, zero fluff, and an uncensored exploration of, not only joke structure, but improv theatre techniques for the visual medium. Come ready to collaborate and push your ideas past “safe” – safe is boring.

Tony Lombardo, Visual Defibrillator

You might know a photographer, but do you know one with three Canadian Comedy Awards and multiple appearances at Just For Laughs? After decades of touring with his hit sketch comedy troupe, Tony brought his comedic instincts into advertising, creating images and films that punch viewers in the eyeballs and rack up viral views. Working as a photographer, writer, and director, Tony is also the Creative Director of Little Blue Lemon Studio, a full-service photo and video studio in Toronto. He’s come to embrace the fact that his offbeat comedic style isn’t just different — it’s his clients’ biggest asset.