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Delegates attending the event in September will be able to visit the Spikes Asia Digital Lounge, sponsored by Microsoft, to see all the entries submitted in the Digital category as well as having the opportunity to see creative examples of work from the Microsoft network and the variety of products and tools they have on offer for the creative advertising community.

As part of their integration into the content presented at Spikes Asia, Microsoft Advertising will host an engaging workshop session and a seminar that looks at the evolving digital marketing landscape making sense of the current trends, challenges and opportunities.

Commenting on the partnership, Kenneth Andrew, Marketing Director of Microsoft Advertising, said, “Asia Pacific is undergoing a momentous shift as consumers have more control than ever before over where and how they consume media and information, and they expect rich experiences across all the screens in their lives. Advertisers need to cleverly combine creative and technology to cut through today’s world of fragmented media and empowered consumers. We are thrilled to be partnering with Spikes Asia to continue to push the boundaries of imagination and consumer experiences by marketers and brands.”

Philip Thomas, CEO of Cannes Lions, organisers of Spikes Asia, added, “We are delighted to have the support of such an important and powerful digital brand as Microsoft Advertising. Digital advertising is in constant development and this awards category is crucial to the industry going forward.”

The Digital category, judged by a panel of six top industry experts led by Rei Inamoto, Chief Creative Officer of AKQA, USA, honours excellence in online communications, awarding a Grand Prix, Gold, Silver and Bronze Spikes trophies to those entries deemed deserving.

As part of the Spikes Asia festival, delegates can view all the entries, attend a full learning and inspirational programme of seminars and workshops and participate in evening networking opportunities.

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Speaking at the Inaugural session of the symposium, Arun Maira – Member, Planning Commission, Government of India said, “Our Children cannot wait any longer”. The Malnutrition problem was compared by many eminent speakers as a ‘Silent Emergency’ in the country that needs to be tackled on priority.

The Symposium comprised of three sessions that focus on learning from success stories in other countries, understanding the science and research into malnutrition, and creating a platform for action in India.

19 experts from India and around the world came together to discuss the issues at hand and to share strategies and success stories that are illustrative of working models and action plans. Experts shared stories from geographies such as Thailand, China, Brazil and Africa to illustrate roadmaps. It was discussed that the Malnutrition problem is a multi-sectoral problem and needs partnerships among the Public sector, the Private sector and the civil society at large.

One of the key themes that emerged through the symposium was the need for a Development indicator that goes beyond GDP and includes Nutritional Status of the population amongst others.

Britannia, India’s leading food company has created the Britannia Nutrition Foundation with the belief that Every Child has a Right to Growth and Development which includes not just the Right to food, but also the Right to Nutrition. The Britannia Nutrition Foundation is also kicking off a unique initiative following the symposium that aims to involve citizens and organizations into raising salience of the Malnutrition problem in the country. For more details log on to www.right2nutrition.org

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The Awards received numerous entries from creative agencies and for the first time media agencies also competed for a new award introduced this year. The award function extended the “Radio – As Tough as It Gets” theme and even the face of the campaign – Grannyji made an appearance at the awards…in a bizarre incident, she was also seen running away with a Kaan trophy! These interesting episodes, playouts of the best radio spots of the year and Vir Das’ wit and humour made the evening a truly memorable one!

Mudra Communications was adjudged the Agency of the Year for its break-through creativity in radio advertising this year .The Crystal Award for the most outstanding radio commercial of the year was won by Mudra Communications for HBO for the spot for Mi2. The two new awards introduced this year – Best Radio Creative of the Year – Client’s Choice also went to Mudra for – ‘Countdown’ created for The Cancer Foundation of India while the award for The Best Use of Radio as a Medium saw a tie between Leo Burnett & Lintas Media group for ‘ The Pleasure of Mixing’ for Bajaj Hand Blenders.

The prestigious ‘Client of the Year’ award was won by Cadbury India Ltd. Lingo India won the “Production House of the Year” and Shreyas Jain was the “Voice of the Year” for Brand ‘Bajaj Mixer’. ‘Radio writer of the year’ was won by Pranav Harihar Sharma.

Sujata Bhatt, EVP Strategy & Marketing ,ENIL (Radio Mirchi) said, “With our 7th Mirchi KAAN Awards, creativity, brilliance and innovation get their due recognition and acknowledgement in the field of radio advertising again. Mirchi feels proud to associate itself with the best minds in Radio. With such eminent jury associated with Kaan, we hope to continue this tradition further and honour radio talent year on year.

This year, the powerhouse jury consisted of established names in the business like Prasoon Joshi, Piyush Pandey, R Balakrishnan, Ravi Deshpande, Agnello Dias, K.V Sridhar, Priti Nair, Bobby Pawar, Josy Paul, Senthil Kumar, Deepa Krishnan, Suguna Swamy, K.S Chakravarthi, Ramanuj Shastry, Ashish Khazanchi, Gullu Sen, Sunil Thoppil, Ramesh Ramanathan, Pratap Suthan, Rekha Nigam and Amer Jaleel.

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The new equity capital will substantially enhance RBNL’s net worth, and augment its borrowing capabilities, if required, thereby enabling greater participation in future growth opportunities, while enhancing overall shareholder value.

Commenting on the development, Tarun Katial, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, said, “The media and entertainment sector is back on an exciting double digit growth path. This resurgent market has brought with it changes in expectations from marketers and advertisers, as well as newer opportunities for media companies. The equity capital infusion is a reflection of the strong confidence of our promoter group in the future growth prospects of the Company.”

The new capital infusion is proposed through a preferential offer of equity shares to the promoter group and other investors. The promoter group will subscribe to approximately 2.90 crore shares aggregating approximately Rs. 250 crore, and investors approximately 1.90 crore shares aggregating over Rs. 150 crore. The preferential offer, which is subject to necessary approvals, will be made at a price of Rs. 85 per share, reflecting a premium of over 25% to the last 26 weeks average market price.

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The contest is being promoted by the afternooner using print, radio, online and on-ground communication. Registration fees are set at Rs. 7,500 per team for the tournament and matches will be held on the 4th and 5th of Sept at the Holy Family Football Ground, Andheri (East). The winning team will get the prestigious trophy and Rs. 50000 while the runners up team walks away with Rs. 25,000 in cash and the golden boot of the tournament will walk away with 10,000 as prize money.

Bollywood superstar Arjun Rampal will be a part of the MiD DAY Corporate Soccer Championship as he will be present for the Finals of the tournament which will take place on Sunday around 4.30 pm and will hand over the trophy and the cheque to the winners.

MiD DAY received over 45 registrations from various corporate for the tournament. First 24 teams who had duly completed their registration requirements have been selected to play. Companies like Radio City, Zycus, Xerox, Jet Airways, Bank of America, British Airways, Kotak Group, Reliance Group to name a few have been selected to play for the championship.

Says Manajit Ghoshal, MD & CEO MiD DAY Infomedia Limited, “Events such as these amplify MiD DAY’s position of being the quintessential MiD DAY break for YUMPI audiences. Be it through our editorial content, or such on ground activities, MiD DAY is committed to engaging the YUMPI in the context of his work life.”

Adds Neville Bastawalla, Head Marketing MiD DAY Infomedia Limited, “Soccer is a huge area of passion for YUMPIs. We know getting together and playing as a team is great for morale at offices, and the spirit of competition just adds to the fun. Through such events we really build loyalty and recall among our target group.”

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The launch of the first-of-its-kind national school connect program, at an event in Mumbai, saw an entertaining and lively mock session conducted by the country’s leading Quiz programmer and Host, Derek O’Brien, engaging school students, while concurrently explaining the program.

Having realized the change in the pattern of Education in India and across the globe, which has become more practical and application based, Idea through the ‘Kaho What’s Your Idea’ initiative aims at initiating a movement which is focused at developing the school children’s all round personality, by engaging them in activities which promote Logical thinking; Weaving a story; Application of Memory skills and Real-Life skills; besides honing their General Knowledge and Current Affairs. Idea’s ‘Kaho What’s Your Idea’ program will reach out to over 2 lakh children in 3,000 schools across 100 Indian cities, with the support of Derek O’Brien & Associates, which is also the content partner for the initiative.

Speaking at the launch, Derek O’Brien said, “The potential impact on children has been a missing element from the debate about of the changing pattern of Education in India. It is very important to rapidly equip the children with greater understanding of the impact of the changing environment and its requirements. ‘Kaho What’s Your Idea’ will provide a platform to the students to come out and put forth their perspectives, thought processes and examine and explain situations logically and rationally”.

The theme ‘Kaho What’s Your Idea’ itself explains the freedom of thought and expression that students will get to present, during the fest. This will not only help them look at situations rationally but would also boost their confidence in public and extempore speaking. The program will be open for students of Standard 8th to 12th; and the members of the jury, during the school and city level screening, would comprise of Principals, Counselors, and Teachers from across the country.

According to Anupama Ahluwalia, Senior Vice President – Marketing, IDEA Cellular, “Brand Idea has always raised concerns of the society and offered a Champion solution to overcome them. Idea has recognized the need for skills beyond academics, among school children. ‘Kaho What’s Your Idea’, a unique and pioneering skills fest will give them a platform to speak their mind and test themselves in a holistic manner during their formative age, for building a better future. This will take our brand to the fastest growing segment in the Indian demographic, and build brand awareness amongst them.”

Idea has realized the potential in the Indian youth and created an engagement program to target this segment, just before they step into the crucial decision making age of 15-18 years, with the new national inter-school skills fest.

‘Kaho What’s Your Idea’ school connect program will be held in 3 stages, starting with a School Contact Program where students will be given 10-minutes Test paper, basis which representatives for the city final will be selected.

The stage 2 will be the City Finals, where the top 6 winners from Level 1 would be shortlisted. They would then have to clear a written semi-final round to determine the Top 10 all- India finalists.

Level 3 is the National Final where the 10 winners, accompanied by one of their parents, will come to Mumbai (or the city decided for the national final) and contest for the Trophy in the final hosted by Derek O’Brien.
‘Kaho What’s Your Idea’ ground activities will take off in September 2010, and will continue till the end of the current academic session. Children interested in participating can contact their school authorities.

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On the special occasion of the launch of Harley Rock Riders, Sanjay Tripathi, Director – Marketing, Harley-Davidson said, “The Harley-Davidson culture is as much about its unique style as the motorcycles themselves. Self-expression is what Harley is all about and that is what connects us with rock music, and we are proud to announce our annual rock music property Harley Rock Riders.”

“We are delighted to provide such a unique platform for Split, a young and budding rock band to showcase their abundant talent. Additionally, Indus Creed’s re-launch through this property stands witness to the experience, passion and dedication that Harley-Davidson has to rock music. This property truly embodies the spirit of Harley-Davidson and will mark the beginning of our association with Indian rock music in the years to come. Watch out for the Music, Motorcycles and Mayhem!” he further added.

This annual unique rock music property has been conceptualized by Harley-Davidson India and Rolling Stone India. Rolling Stone India will provide its expertise of talent sourcing and in the coming years assist Harley-Davidson India in managing and executing the exclusive property.

In sync with the freedom, passion and self-expression, that define Harley-Davidson; Split, a promising rock band has been selected to kick-start the Harley Rock Riders tour from 9th September to 4th December. The three-month rock tour will touch upon the five cities that Harley-Davidson has already ridden into with its dealerships – New Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Thrilled on being selected as the ‘chosen’ band, Split said, “We are pleased and privileged, to be a part of the rock music revolution that Harley-Davidson is bringing to India through their first of its kind Harley Rock Riders platform. Performing at this event and being endorsed by an iconic brand like Harley-Davidson is going to be an unmatched experience for us. We look forward to performing across five cities in India during the tour.”

“It’s the perfect time and an ideal platform to bring back Indus Creed in a new avatar. We love Harley-Davidsons—beautiful machines that exemplify power and exquisite design. And what a sound they make. We’d like the sound of the new Indus Creed to be just that—powerful and exquisite. We are pleased to re-launch the band at the Harley Rock Riders tour,” said Uday Benegal, lead singer of Indus Creed.

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“The power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has been discussed widely by media, academics and practitioners alike. NASSCOM Foundation instituted the NASSCOM Social Innovation Honours (NSIH) in 2008 with the objective of nurturing and showcasing innovation in the use of technology that brings about positive and sustainable social change. We are expecting an even higher number of entries this year”, said Jerry Rao, Chairman, NASSCOM Foundation while talking about the Honours.

Now in its 3rd edition, NASSCOM Foundation (NF) pioneered the NASSCOM Social Innovation Honours in 2008, to recognize innovation in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for social development. The annual Honours aim to showcase projects that demonstrate best practices through exemplary use of ICT in areas of social transformation. It aims to identify projects where innovation could be in the form of a process or an application or product. In looking at the process, NF aims to understand systems based on transfer and sharing of knowledge across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. For NF, a social innovation can be a product, process, or technology as also a principle, an idea, an intervention, or some combination of these using ICT.

The winners will receive their Honours at NASSCOM’s biggest event – NASSCOM India Leadership Forum to be held in Mumbai in early 2011. The deadline for submitting entries is October 1, 2010.

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Enthused about partnering with the competition Sonal Sancheti exclaims, “Being a part of such events is always exciting and gives you a break from routine to witness some interesting thought processes!”

“The program of the competition in context to the boom in the residential sector in India today is extremely relevant and one that has been the subject of a number of projects in my own studio. The house/housing as a typology needs rethinking to bring it abreast with changes in technology, lifestyle and social structures” says Sameep Padora.

With tae we aim to provide a platform that engages students to showcase their work. Talking about the importance of such competitions in the field, Sonal & Manit Rastogi believe that “Design education today has a strong commitment to solving the spatial and functional problems of urban India. Such an initiative would provide the framework for creative investigations and set the ground for evolution and innovation by using design as a strategic weapon.”

Preeti Singh, Editor – TRENDS India says “tae is a wonderful opportunity for us to interact with young architects and designers on the verge of a professional career. Our start with a student ideas competition bridges a gap in the country where creative challenges for students on a platform like TRENDS are next to none.”

The panel of judges comprises of Kapil Gupta (Serie Architects India), Sonal Sancehti (Opolis), Sameep Padora (SP+A) and Sonal & Manit Rastogi (Morphogenesis). Each jury member will choose one winner who will go on to win a two-month internship at that jury members’ firm. The winning entries will be profiled in Home TRENDS magazine once the final results are announced. There is no entry fee to this competition.

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Over the two days, the niceties of event management as an industry were deliberated upon by panel discussions and talks. Imminent personalities like Chetan Bhagat and Harsha Bhogle gave presentations which delved into inspirational and motivational aspects. Neeraj Roy, managing director and chief executive officer, Hungama Digital Media spoke on potency of digital media for experiential marketing and also gave a brief idea how this can be achieved through the new media.

On the first day, the panel comprised of Suhail Seth, Managing Partner of Counselage India and founder of Equus, Virginia Sharma, Director of Events and Interactive Marketing, IBM and Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Founder and Director, Wizcraft with Brian Tellis as the moderator. The topic of discussion was Client Expectations and the role on Event Managers and how fair the system was with regard to work pressure and so on.

“No one understands consumer behavior. How many of you do research on audience without the clients asking? The event management industry must start earning and demanding respect, though I do believe this industry has come a long long way with brighter, younger and more passionate people as a part of it”, said Seth.

On the second day there was a discussion by Minakshi Madhavani, founder and Managing Partner of Spatial Access Media Soltuions Ltd with Mr. Atul Nath, MD, Candid Marketing as the moderator. Also there was a presentation by Meegan Jones on understanding green events.

Brian Tellis along with his new team hopes to develop brand EEMA in the next couple of years. Also he says that value needs to be created for the association in various ways. Another strong point he hopes to achieve is to increase the membership base.

The new executive committee will also chart out a new roadmap for EEMA in a meeting that is scheduled to happen on 9th September, 2010 at Delhi. | By Janees Antoo [janees(at)adgully.com] ]]> http://www.adgully.com/marketing/event-marketing/round-up-two-days-of-eema10-convention.html/feed 0