New York Festivals launches Torch Awards Creative Pitch Challenge

New York Festivals has announced that it invites young creative talent from the ages of 18-25 to take part in the first annual Torch Awards, a unique competition that explores a creative challenge; this year it’s the art of the pitch. The first annual Torch Awards is now open for entries.

This newly launched competition offers entrants the opportunity to develop a promotional campaign for a non-profit and, if selected as a Finalist, pitch that campaign in-person to some of the most renowned international chief creative officers. They’ll perfect their presentation with an intensive mentor session with a member of the 2014 Executive Jury.

“The launch of the Torch Awards allows New York Festivals to continue our commitment to the development and promotion of the next generation of creatives,” said Michael O’Rourke, President, New York Festivals, “and the opportunity to cultivate the world’s best talent and connect the world’s best creatives—of today and tomorrow.”
For the first Torch Awards creative challenge, New York Festivals has partnered with Road Recovery, a non-profit organization “dedicated to helping young people battle 

There is no entry fee for the Torch Awards. Teams of two to four people (18-25) may enter to review a brief outlining a marketing opportunity to assist Road Recovery. Five finalist teams will be invited to New York City to polish their pitch during an intensive work session with a very exclusive mentor: a member of the New York Festivals World’s Best Advertising™ Executive Jury. They will then compete in a pitch challenge presentation judged by NYF’s Executive Jury members and Road Recovery representatives.

The Torch Awards submission deadline is March 18th. The five winning teams will be announced Monday, March 31st. Finalist teams will convene in New York City April 30th and the winning team will be announced live and will accept their trophy at the New York Show on May 1st.
For more information on the Torch Awards and to access the 2014 brief please visit: www.newyorkfestivals.com/torchawards. For more information on Road Recovery please visit: www.roadrecovery.org

The 2014 New York Show™ events will take place on May 1st and will feature creative panel discussions, keynote speakers, networking events, the awards ceremony, and an after-party to honor the winners. All New York Show events, and the 2014 awards ceremony, will be held at the New York Public Library’s Beaux-Arts landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman building located at 455 Fifth Avenue in New York City.

NYF’s International Advertising Awards is recognized worldwide as a touchstone for global creative excellence in advertising and marketing communications. Since 1957, NYF has received entries from over 100 countries in all media in the following competitions: Avant-Garde, Branded Entertainment, Collateral & Direct, Creative Effectiveness, Design, Digital, Film & Film Craft, Integrated, Outdoor, Print, Public Relations, Public Service, Radio, and Student.