MxMIndia

Category: Top Stories

  • Set up with a mission to "redefine advertising"

    New digital agency called Itch is born

    Itch, a new digital agency has been started by three industry professionals. Their mission is to “create work that not only sparks curiosity but is remembered for time to come”.

    Said Naman, Co-founder and Creative Director at Itch: “Our goal with itch is not just to do different things but to do things differently, we’re at a point where people are saturated with overt messaging, so we’re constantly asking ourselves, how can we deliver a message that doesn’t feel like one? It’s about crafting stories that people want to engage with where the creative work doesn’t scream ‘ad.”

    Added Apoorva, Co-founder, who spearheads growth and talent at Itch: “At itch, it’s as much about the people as it is about the brands. We’re building an ecosystem that fosters bold ideas, nurtures talent, and challenges norms. Agility is key in today’s market, where brands seek more than just surface-level marketing, and hence quick adapting becomes essential.” explained how the itch community operates.”

    Said Surbhi, co-founder and operations lead: “Running an agency is a delicate balance between structure and freedom. We wanted to bring a level of process that makes it easier for creativity to thrive, allowing our team to execute bold ideas efficiently and consistently. Our approach is all about making things work smarter, not harder.”

  • For platform for direct video access

    Ipsos unveils Consumer Voice

    Ipsos, the market research and analytics company, has launched the Ipsos Consumer Voice – the platform for direct video access to real consumers, via the large Crownit platform in over 40 cities. The platform allows clients to schedule video interactions for depth interviews, immersions, shop-alongs, product research and home audits of consumers with their selection of target group, age group and gender, in a DIY format.

    Said Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India: “The Ipsos Consumer Voice provides clients the freedom of accessing a vast universe of respondents (approx 3 Mn) from SEC A & B, aged 18-45 years by matching consumers with the requirement at their convenience, in 40 cities and at a mere click. Enabling and addressing clients’ ask, where they seek quick and fast access to real consumers for understanding consumer motivations, behaviour, shopping, consumption/ ownership patterns, and executing product research. The platform also allows moderation, translation and transcription analysis and is a gamechanger that reaffirms the Ipsos value of putting clients’ interests first. Especially when they constantly seek access to core TG, efficiencies and pumping back consumer insights into strategy.”

    Added Sameer Grover, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Ipsos Crownit: “Ipsos Consumer Voice uses the Crownit platform and Crownit mobile-first consumer panel which was acquired by Ipsos in June-2024. The Ipsos-Crownt online solutions backed with Gen AI, make us nimble in supporting growing clients’ needs.”

  • To showcase rural India’s 'Pragati Ke Rang'

    Asian Paints spotlights small-town stories with YouTube creators

    Asian Paints is presenting ‘Pragati Ke Rang’, a content series that spotlights small-town stories honouring creators making a real impact and mission for positive change. The 4-part series has been conceptualised by Monk Entertainment and Next Narrative and produced by SOL Entertainment.

    Said Amit Syngle, MD and CEO, Asian Paints: “At Asian Paints, we are dedicated to fostering growth and progress across relentlessness/” title=”India will hopefully learn lessons of relentlessness”>India. Our value-offering, Asian Paints NeoBharat has been an ode to the millions of Indians who are in pursuit of a better life. With NeoBharat we expanded our footprint wider & democratized the category further. Our new content series, ‘Asian Paints Pragati Ke Rang,’ highlights the inspiring journeys of individuals from small towns who are shaping their futures andadding to the progress of India. This vision closely aligns with NeoBharat, our Latex Paint designed to offer an affordable solution for creating beautiful homes & spaces. Through these compelling stories, we hope to spark aspirations by bringing alive these inspiring stories of India. Our goal is to turn every space into a symbol of progress, empowering people and communities throughout the country.”

    Added Viraj Sheth, CEO and Co- founder of Monk Entertainment: “We are thrilled to partner with Asian Paints on such a meaningful project. ‘Pragati Ke Rang’ is not just a show but a movement that reflects our shared commitment to creating content that drives real change. By collaborating with creators like Ankit Baiyanpuria and R Rajesh who resonate deeply with rural audiences, we’re able to bring forward stories that inspire and uplift while also showcasing the superior quality of Asian Paints NeoBharat.”

    Adding to this, Mohit Jagtiani, Founder of Next Narrative, said, “YouTube serves as a vast and inclusive platform where creators can connect with their audiences in a genuine and impactful way. This rural content IP transcends traditional advertising; it’s about creating a show for Asian Paints from the ground up while simultaneously transforming community spaces in rural India. We are honoured to be part of this journey, contributing to meaningful progress, and fostering authentic connections.”

  • For Peace to Mark International Peace Day

    IOAA Joins the Global Initiative Essays

    The Indian Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA) haws joined the global movement Essays for Peace in commemoration of UN International Peace Day.

    Said Pawan Bansal, Chairman, Indian Outdoor Advertising Association & Chief Operating Officer – Jagran Engage, a unit of Jagran Prakashan Limited: “IOAA is delighted to mark International Peace Day as part of the global initiative and movement, “Essays for Peace.” This initiative is not only relevant and essential in today’s world but also part of IOAA’s broader mission to integrate into the global World Out of Home community, aiming to elevate the Indian out-of-home industry to international standards. Going forward, we will witness several such events on the Indian Out of Home platform. One key initiative being spearheaded by IOAA is the plan to make OOH India an eco-friendly and sustainable industry, with the goal of achieving ad-net zero by 2030.”

  • Planning a getaway often means leaving your furry friend behind or struggling to find pet-friendly facilities, rues Sanjeev Kotnala

    Sanjeev Kotnala: A Delightful Stay for Pets with IHCL Seleqtions

    Sanjeev KotnalaTravelling with pets in India is a challenge. There are limited options for transport and accommodation. Planning a getaway often means leaving your furry friend behind or struggling to find pet-friendly facilities. Tata IHCL Seleqtion is a new experience in pet-friendly accommodation.

     

    Pet Travel

    In local travel, most cabs on hire refuse to allow pets. Drivers of Ola and Uber scoot and refuse the ride the moment they see a pet. I don’t know why they cannot add a pet button in their app so drivers who are comfortable with pets pick the service.   The cars you hire do not want your pet friends. The pet transport services available in limited cities are too costly. While three-wheeler autos in Mumbai tend to be more accommodating, they’re okay for short rides and are restricted to the suburbs. The only viable option for outstation travel is the First AC on trains, which is restrictive and often unavailable. And then you have to have the whole cabin or the coupe, or you could be denied travel at the last minute of any passenger objects. I have first-hand experience with it, and here is how to travel with Pet on the train. And there are simple steps to make it even better.

     

    Pet Accommodation

    When it comes to finding a hotel that welcomes pets, it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. The situation is improving with time, and there is a definite business field there for pet-friendly accommodation.

    The Tata IHCL Seleqtions Hotels have changed the canvas. This pet-friendly chain across the country has opened doors to a new travel experience, and my recent stay at their Mumbai property, The President, was nothing short of exceptional.

     

    Welcoming the Furry Pet Friends

    From the moment we checked in, the hospitality extended to the family and my pet, Milo Kotnala, a 7-year-old Beagle, was heart-warming. We got the room on the top floor with the brilliant view of the bay and port because of Milo—as there were two other rooms where pets had checked-in and maybe pet-friendly rooms are on the upper floors.

    Our room had a special ‘PAW SPOTTED HERE’ tag on the door, letting the service staff know a pet was inside. A small but thoughtful detail set the tone for the experience ahead. Inside the room, my pet was greeted with his own set of amenities—a pet bowl, pee pads,  a complimentary meal pack, a poo bag, and even a cosy pet bed. The little touches announce loudly that pets here aren’t just tolerated but genuinely welcomed.

     

    Pet-Friendly Spaces and Dining

    What stood out further was the allowance for pets in designated lobby areas, where we could enjoy breakfast and meals together. It was a relief not to have to worry about leaving my pet behind while dining, a common challenge at other hotels. Watching other pet owners with their furry companions share this unique experience was heartening. It’s rare to find such spaces in India, but Tata IHCL Seleqtions sets a brilliant example of what pet-friendly hospitality should look like.

    Taj President has Herb-House, a poolside pet-friendly bistro that offers a curated menu for pets, pet brunches, and hi-tea. It also has pet minders, a special menu for pets, and more – though in our short stay, we could not experience them all.

     

    The Pet-friendly Room Experience

    The superior room, though small—a characteristic of Mumbai’s space constraints—was perfect for a couple and a small pet (under 20 kg). The layout was functional, the bedding was plush, and the ambience was comfortable for humans and pets alike. For larger pets or more spacious settings, there were other rooms that one could check in. However, other Tata IHCL Seleqtions properties across the country promise even bigger and more open spaces. But given that we were in the heart of Mumbai, this size at President IHCL Seleqtion was more than satisfactory.

     

    Expanding Horizons for Pet Owners

    IHCL Seleqtions has paved the way for stress-free travel with pets, a much-needed respite for pet lovers across India. Their network of pet-friendly properties is growing, and with it, the hope is that travelling with your pets will no longer be an obstacle ( at least for accommodation) but a joy. If you’re a pet owner looking to explore without leaving your furry friend behind, Tata IHCL Seleqtions hotels are a fantastic option.

     

    NETNET

    In a country where pet-friendly accommodations are few and far between, IHCL Seleqtions is a breath of fresh air—a chain that accommodates and celebrates the bond between pet and owner. It covers many cities like Agra, Ajmer, Chikmagalur, Coonoor, Goa, Jaipur, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ooty, Pune and Varkala, and the list will only increase. These are for ‘Pawfect Pawcation’. There is an additional charge for the pet- but that is worth it.

    ITC Hotels (the ‘Petcaytions’ initiative) and Marriott International also have a few pet-friendly hotels. All Vivanta hotels and the bungalows under the homestay brand Ama Stays & Trails are pet-friendly.  These cater to a small high-end demand- but a bigger opportunity lies in the mid-range pet-friendly hotels.

     

    Add-on:  One thing that created dissonance was that the hotel did ask me to sign a liability statement covering any possible damage to property or otherwise- but did not insist on seeing the Pet Licence, Vaccination, Fit-to-travel Vet letter and Insurance papers. I know this would add to the pet parents’ workload- and the paper I signed most likely covered these areas. I know such small things can help in proper pet care and hotel property peace of mind. They may even ask it to be uploaded digitally or shown at a different time- but it should not be taken for granted.

  • To manage key messaging and communication strategies for the Mumbai 2024 concalve

    Crosshairs bags mandate for India Today Conclave

    Crosshairs Communication has bagged the PR mandate for the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2024. As the official PR partner, Crosshairs Communication will lead the charge in managing key messaging and communication strategies for the event.

    Said Stuti Jalan, Founder & Managing Director, Crosshairs Communication: “We are thrilled to be associated with the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2024 for over a decade now. We look forward to the conclave as its one of the pioneers in the country that brings critical national conversations to the forefront. Our focus is to elevate the discussions and amplify India’s voice in this global dialogue.”