McCann Worldgroup, Coca-Cola reveal their brief for AdFest’s “Lotus Seeds” program

ADFEST is now inviting post-secondary students in the Asia Pacific and Middle East to crack the brief for its first-ever Lotus Seeds program, powered by McCann Worldgroup in partnership with Coca-Cola.

A jury consisting of McCann’s top regional creatives, plus key Coca-Cola clients, will select 10 finalists who will travel to ADFEST 2020 to take part in a full-day mentoring program, hosted by McCann Worldgroup, followed by an exclusive Q&A session with the Coca-Cola client. McCann will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the 10 Lotus Seeds finalists attending ADFEST 2020, which runs from 18th to 21st March at PEACH (Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall) in Thailand.

The brief is: to inspire Asian youth to drink coke and bring to life the power of Coca-Cola’s promise – positively uplifting people, bringing them together.

“We’re challenging students to express ‘the power of Coca-Cola’s promise’ in a new, relevant way that makes the next generation of drinkers – the younger, more cynical consumers – understand and connect with Coca-Cola’s promise and ultimately give Coca-Cola a try,” explains Steve Llewellyn, Creative Excellence Head of Design, Coca-Cola Greater China.

From today until 31st January, students can submit their entries online. ADFEST’s vision for the Lotus Seeds program is to unearth and nurture the next generation of creative leaders by giving students the opportunity to work with iconic brands and agencies.

“To be selected as a finalist, we encourage you to think ‘big and iconic’ and research, research, research. You need to really understand your audience if you’re going to nail your insight. The medium is up to you, but your idea needs to get the next generation of drinkers excited and talking about the power of Coca-Cola’s uplifting positive energy. If your idea feels like the kind-of-thing you’d hear about on Reddit, then you are on the right track,” says Alex Lubar, President, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific.

On Day 4 of ADFEST 2020 (21st March), all Lotus Seeds finalists will present their ideas on stage individually. The top three winners, as judged by McCann and Coca-Cola, will win a Lotus Seeds awards certificate at the ADFEST Lotus Awards.

TARGET MARKET

McCann and Coca-Cola are looking for ideas that will appeal to 18-24 year-olds who don’t watch much TV, are skeptical about marketing claims, don’t currently buy Coca-Cola, and didn’t grow up with the values and promise of Coca-Cola. They seek experiences and brands that are real and authentic, and favor brands that add value and make a positive a positive impact on them and their world.

ELIGIBILITY

To take part in the Lotus Seeds program, you must be a post-secondary level student (design school, college, university or equivalent) currently enrolled in academic institutions in Asia Pacific or Middle East region only. There is no restriction on age limit or academic faculty, and the fee is THB1,000 (approx. USD$33) per entry. Students must enter as individuals, not as part of a team.

The deadline for submissions is 31st January, and finalists will be announced in mid-February. To enter, download the brief here or contact LotusSeeds@ADFEST.com for more information.