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Tag: Abbys

  • The Advertising Club gears up for 54th edition of ABBYs

    By Our Staff

     

    The Advertising Club revs up to announce the 54th edition of ABBYs, South Asia’s Gold standard, which has been recognizing creative excellence in advertising for over five decades. Held over three days, The ABBY Awards, are scheduled to take place on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of May during Goafest at Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa.

     

    The preeminent awards for Creativity, Media, and Communication have once again partnered with The One Show, the award program, to upheave the global standards of judging, jury selection, and transparency to the already revered and celebrated ABBY Awards.

     

    With a promise to bring global recognition to outstanding achievements in creative advertising, the ABBYs make for a highly coveted award property. Undoubtedly, the biggest and the most prestigious ad award show in the country, wins at the ABBYs, over the years, have further gone on to win international recognitions at Cannes and One Show, setting new benchmarks on scale and innovation.

     

    With preparations in full momentum, The Advertising Club also announces the Awards Governing Committee for the 54th edition of ABBYs which includes:

    1. Partha Sinha, President Times of India Group and President of The Advertising Club

    2. Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India & Chairman, The ABBYs Award Governing Council

    3. Ajay Kakar, Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club & Co-chair, The ABBYs Award Governing Council

    4. Ajay Chandwani, Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club

    5. Shashi Sinha, CEO-India, IPG Mediabrands

    6. Malcolm Raphael, Senior Vice-President, The Times of India Group

    7. Prasanth Kumar, CEO, Group M South Asia

    8. Jaideep Gandhi, Founder, Another Idea

    9. Mohit Joshi, Managing Director,  Havas Media

    10. Anupriya Acharya, CEO South Asia, Publicis Groupe

    11. Sam Balsara, Chairman & Managing Director,  Madison Communications

    12. Rohit Ohri, Group Chairman & CEO,  FCB Ulka Advertising

     

    The list of international judges will be announced by The One Show after the process of selection of both Indian and international juries. The Abby Awards will represent the South Asia region that includes India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and has been doing so since 2004.

     

    Providing in-depth recognition and increasing participation opportunity, the ABBY Awards has witnessed the introduction of new sub-categories in Digital Technology, Mobile, Design, and Audio Technology based on valuable feedback from the creative professionals of the industry in the annual town hall conducted by The Advertising Club.

     

    The Radio category has now evolved into the Audio category with the introduction of Content, the new sub-categories are in Use of Music, Sound Design, Script, Casting, Performance, Audio Technology, Voice Activation, Branded Content, Podcasts, and Content placement.

     

    Speaking on the initiative, Partha Sinha, President Times of India Group and President of The Advertising Club, said: “With ABBYs, we at The Advertising Club, owe it to the industry and colleagues to present an award show that is authentic, transparent, and of global standards. For 54 years, ABBYs have been pivotal in recognizing creativity and innovation in India’s communication industry. To elevate its presence on the global stage, we continue to augment its significance, and therefore associating with ‘The One Show’ once again provides the necessary impetus. We look forward to witnessing a lot of innovative work this year that will go on to live up to the repute of being the most coveted award property in South Asia.”

     

    Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India & Chairman, The ABBYs Award Governing Council, and Ajay Kakar, Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club & Co-chair, The ABBYs Award Governing Council added: “In addition to being a significant platform for young creative professionals in the industry to exhibit their ground-breaking work accomplished throughout the year, the ABBY Awards have consistently been the most anticipated event at Goafest. We look forward to seeing outstanding creative work being recognized and appreciated at ABBYs this year.”

     

    The Abby Awards will be a part of the Goafest 2023 and will mark the fourteenth Abby Awards at Goafest.

     

  • The Leo Burnett Group was Creative Agency, Famous Innovations was runner-up

    Goafest 2022 ends with some partying, a new Creative Agency winner & some stars in the house

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    Saturday, May 7 saw curtains drawn on the 15th edition of Goafest. The three-day fest saw several marketing and glamour stars, master classes and parties and of course awards on each of the evening. Around 1500 delegates are reported to have been in attendance.

     

    Day 3 began with Mithali Raj – Indian women’s cricket captain in conversation with Sharlene Lobo, Anchor, Mirror Now.  This was followed by a digital conclave an introductory address by Gowthaman ‘Gman’ Ragothaman, CEO, Aqilliz & Co-Founder, Web3 Marketing Association. And then there was Sandeep Bhushan, Director and Head of India GMS for Meta.

     

    Later, there was a fireside chat on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Rathi Gangappa, CEO, Starcom India, Dheeraj Sinha, CEO & Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia, Leo Burnett, Rohit Ohri, Chairman & CEO FCB Ulka and Suhela Khan, Country Program Manager, We Empower Asia, UN Women on the panel. Post the lunch break, actor and comedian, Aiyyo Shraddha regaled the house with her stand-up act.

     

    Later then was a session on influencers with Ranveer Allahbadia, Niharika NM, Raj Shamani, and Madan Gowri moderated by Viraj Sheth, Co-Founder & CEO of Monk Entertainment.

     

    There was also Rujuta Diwekar, Nutrition Expert and Author in conversation with Anupriya Acharya, CEO-Publicis Groupe, South Asia.

     

    The highlight A&M session of the day was by Kash Sree – Executive Creative Director / Writer who was later engaged in a Q&A by Rana Barua.

     

    The last session for the day had actor Madhuri Dixit in conversation with actor Tisca Chopra.

     

    The mastercasses through the day were conducted by Keigan Pinto, Chief Creative Officer, FCB Ulka, Amaresh Godbole, CEO, Digital Technology Business, Publicis Groupe India, Ram Cobain Creative Shop, Meta, Prakash Jha, Indian film Producer, Actor, Director, and Screenwriter in conversation with Mayank Shekhar, journalist and film critic. The last of the masterclasses on YouTube Shorts by Google.

     

    At the Creative Abby, a total of 32 Video Craft ABBYs, 2 Radio Craft ABBYs, 29 Branded Content ABBYs, 13 Brand Activation & Promotion ABBYs, 4 Diversity ABBYs, 17 OOH ABBYs including 1 Grand Prix, 19 Still Print and Still Craft ABBYs, 4 Still Digital ABBYs, 20 Audio Visual TV/Cinema ABBYs, 41 Audio Visual Digital ABBYs, 1 Young ABBY, 2 Red ABBYs, 11 Integrated ABBYs and 3 Green awards ABBYs were handed out to deserving winners.

     

    Speaking about Goafest 2022, Anupriya Acharya, President – Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) said, “Goafest 2022 had an electrifying start by celebrating the superpower within. It has grown to become the magnum opus event for the industry. With meaningful sessions and evenings filled with entertainment and fun, the last 3 days of the festival and the ABBYs, truly celebrated excellence and creativity, making Goafest a unique and enthralling experience. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards making Goafest 2022 a huge success with their encouragement and moral support. I’d also like to congratulate all the participants and winners in making the ABBYs’ an eventful evening at all three days.”

     

    On awarding the ABBYs at Goafest 2022, Partha Sinha, President – The Advertising Club said, “Goafest has once again proven itself to be an extravaganza that brings together the entire media and creative fraternity. Reinvigorating Goafest after a break of two years was a challenge that we successfully sailed through. After months of dedication and relentless work by the AAAI and The Advertising Club teams, bringing international jury and the enthusiasm witnessed from all has resulted into yet another marvellous festival this year. Our collaboration with The One Show this year proved to be a game changing proposition, making the ABBYs’ even more aspirational. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and also thank the jury for their meticulous and fair evaluation that makes Abby Awards more globally recognised.”

     

    Added Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman, Goafest 2022 Organising Committee: “After two difficult years, Goafest 2022 came together to celebrate the true essence of happiness and cheer amongst the industry. Over the last three days, not only did we witness some of the best speakers deliver insightful and encouraging talks, we also witnessed stories of empowerment and futuristic innovation. We also saw some of the brilliant creative minds engage and interact with each other, reiterating the true spirit of the festival. I’d like to congratulate each and every one for their incredible win.”

     

    Said Rana Barua, Chairman, Abby Awards Governing Council 2022 & Vice President of The Ad Club: “As we come to the conclusion of Day 3 and of Goafest 2022, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the speakers and delegates for taking out time in to make the conference and the awards a great success. This year, we have witnessed an overwhelming response in terms of participation but what is heartening to note is that agencies are making their presence felt, showcasing some brilliant work.”

     

  • A total of 15 Publisher ABBYs and 87 Media ABBYs were presented

    Media & Publisher Abby Winners

    By Our Staff

     

     

    Day One of Goafest ended with a total of 15 Publisher Abbys and 87 Media Abbys being presented. For Publisher Åbby, 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 7 Bronze were awarded and 4 entries were given a Certificate of Merit.. For Media ABBYs, 21 Gold, 28 Silver, and 37 Bronze were awarded.

     

    Lodestar UM won the Grand Prix for Mumbai Police for its campaign, ‘The Punishing Signal’

    Link to Media Abby List of Winners

    Link to Publisher Abby List of Winners

     

     

  • The Ad Club and AAAI have jointly announced an 11-member Awards Governing Council (AGC) for the Abby Awards at Goafest 2017

    Ramesh Narayan to continue as chair of Goafest Awards Governing Council

    The Advertising Club and Advertising Agencies Association of India have announced the Awards Governing Council for the Abbys at Goafest 2017.

    Ad veteran Ramesh Narayan, founder of Canco Advertising Pvt. Ltd, has been once again appointed Chairman of the AGC. The other members elected to the Council are:

     

    • Nakul Chopra, CEO – South Asia, Publicis Communications India & President, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAA’s of I)
    • Ajay Chandwani, Director, Percept Ltd
    • Ajay Kakkar, Chief Marketing Officer- Financial Services, Aditya Birla Group.
    • Ashish Bhasin, Chairman Goafest 2017 and ‎Chairman & CEO South Asia Dentsu Aegis Network
    • CVL Srinivas, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, GroupM
    • M G Parameswaran, Founder at Brand-Building.com
    • Nagesh Alai, Founder, Independent Business Advisory and Chairman of C4A
    • Partha Sinha, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, McCann Worldgroup
    • Pradeep Dwivedi, CEO Sakal Group
    • Shashi Sinha, Chief Executive Officer, IPG Mediabrands

    Said Raj Nayak, President of The Advertising Club: “We are pleased to announce that Ramesh Narayan will be the Chairman of the Awards Governing Council of the Abbys for the upcoming 2017 edition of Goafest.  Under his leadership, Goafest 2016 emerged as a huge success with increase in participation and highest standards of ethics and governance. We are sure that with once again taking on the reigns of the awards, he will take this key industry event that is the gold standard in advertising awards, to greater heights”

    Welcoming the announcement Nakul Chopra – President, Advertising Agencies Association of India (3As of I) said “It is great to once again have Ramesh in the driver’s seat of the governing council.  His experience of leading multiple industry bodies and awards gives him great perspective and foresight to be able to drive excellence, in the judging and execution of this year’s awards”

    Said Ramesh Narayan on being appointed as Chairman of the Awards Governing Council: “The Abbys are the Oscars of Indian advertising. The Awards Governing Council has a wealth of experience and expertise and I feel privileged to lead such an august panel. It will be our endeavour to engage actively with all constituents and ensure that creativity is properly judged and celebrated.”

     

  • A weekly column by Paritosh Joshi, until recently CEO, Star CJ. Given his varied experience in the media and industry bodies, Mr Joshi will analyse issues concerning the business of media, measurement and research

    Paritosh Joshi: Who will cast the first stone?

    By Paritosh Joshi

     

    You’ve got to give it to Aamir Khan. Any theme he raises through his cinema, and now his television show, instantly becomes the issue du jour. Dyslexia (Taare Zameen Par), rigid education practices (Three Idiots), anguish at the political establishment (Rang de basanti), morality of terrorism (Fanaa) and now in rapid fire succession the weekly episodes of Satyameva Jayate (everything from female foeticide to medical malpractice). If the worlds of the social media are anything to go by, people in the Media & Communications industry are particularly engaged in Aamir’s weekly broadsides. Minutes after the week’s episode goes on air at 11am on Sunday, Twitter is deluged with views and opinions agreeing, and less often disagreeing, with Mr. Khan.

     

    You would imagine, looking at the stridency of tone that characterizes a lot of the chatter, that we belong to an industry that has solid claim on the high moral ground. Does it?

     

    I became involved with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) about 6 years back. As a communication professional, I was conscious of the close and incessant scrutiny that our industry attracted and of the permanent Damocles’ Sword of statutory regulation that hung over it. The ASCI charter’s commitment to self-regulate resonated strongly with me and joining the Consumer Complaints Council, which gives force to the Self Regulatory Code of the ASCI, was a natural next step.

     

    If Awards Functions like the Abbys and Cannes are the Halls of Fame of the industry, CCC must qualify as its identification parade for the Rogues’ Gallery. Education institutions that claim their superiority, not based upon quality of education facilities they offer, but the acreage of their campus. Cooking oils that assure you of defence against cancer. Fairness potions promising enhanced employability. Malted beverages that deliver anything from height gain to better grades in the exams. A whole spectrum of beers and spirits veiled very thinly under guises of ‘Music CDs’, ‘Unique Events’, ‘Golf Equipment’ or ‘Soda’. Apparatuses that promise the benefits of a cardio workout by merely placing your feet in a harness and allowing them to shake about for a few minutes. Perfumes and deodorants that will instantly cause the user to become a sexual dynamo around whom people of the other gender experience spontaneous orgasms. Plastic beads and metal baubles that will ‘guard against the evil eye’, pacify irate planetary deities and result in a shower of wealth. Or in a particularly horrifying instance, a hospital that advertised radical hysterectomies as a permanent solution against pre-menstrual syndrome. We’ve seen them all.

     

    While some offenders are no-name businesses, the largest majority are big and prominent businesses that we all hold in high esteem. Indeed, we must look well beyond the brand owners to understand the circle of culpable accessories that enable the offending communication to reach the consumer. The creative work originates in an advertising agency. A marketing team approves it for release. A media agency sets up a media schedule. Multiple media outlets finally convey it to the consumer. In many cases, all the organisations that are involved through this value chain are members of the Advertising Standards Council by virtue of which they are presumably committed to the ASCI Code. While the complaint is made and upheld against the brand owner, the actual burden of guilt correctly lies with all the accessories that participated in the process.

     

    Interestingly, whenever the issue of legally dodgy, false, misleading or vulgar advertising crop in professional discourse, the ASCI is indicted forthwith, for its abject failure in bringing the perpetrators to book. Of recent days, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has joined the chorus, promising a ‘National Consumer Protection Agency’ aka the other NCPA, to become the consumer’s paladin against advertising mischief. Apparently the phrase ‘Self-regulation’ is indecipherable to the average communication industry professional.

     

    Self-regulation begins by a body representing all stakeholders in a particular context agreeing to a code of ethical practice. This code is then widely shared with all stakeholders so that they may understand and assimilate its letter and spirit. Once this has been done, self-regulation transfers the burden of compliance upon the practitioner. The overseeing authority is not a policeman. It is a conscience keeper.

     

     

    This is an exhortation. A humble request. How clean is our own escutcheon before we pronounce moral judgment on all and sundry? Or as Aamir might say, “Apne ghirebaan mein jhaank kar dekha hai kabhi?”

    Paritosh Joshi was until recently CEO, Star CJ. He has been a marketer, a mediaperson and been a key officebearer on industry bodies. He can reached via his Twitter handle @paritoshZero