The inaugural Marketing Achievement Awards – an event that celebrates excellence in the science and art of marketing – will recognise and reward those innovative marketers whose work demonstrates the intrinsic value inherent to this crucial discipline, whilst simultaneously raising marketing’s profile and elevating it to the position it rightfully deserves within South Africa’s businesses. As Yvonne Johnston, Chairperson of the Marketing Awards Council, says: “The Marketing Achievement Awards are a way for us to help bring credibility and gravitas to the profession.”
To achieve this, the awards look deeper than creative execution and uncover the brilliant, incisive thought processes that inform great strategic marketing. We live in uncertain times where businesses and brands that adapt best to seismic shifts are driven by visionary marketers. As Simon Camerer, Chief Customer Officer at MultiChoice who are the awards’ Presenting Partner, says: “The marketing world is changing. With shifting market forces and an unpredictable economy, we require marketing ingenuity that continues to drive work forward despite these challenges. As such we are hoping for work that shows success within these kinds of contexts.”
The Marketing Achievement Awards will be a platform where marketers are acknowledged by South Africa’s top business minds, recognised for their continued efforts to challenge the status quo, and rewarded for excellence, bravery, commitment and tangible success. Endorsed by the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA), these awards are for marketers by marketers. “MASA’s core purpose is to elevate the professionalism of marketing, and represent and protect the business interests of marketers,” explains Greg Garden, CEO of MASA. “Spotlighting and recognising exceptional marketing achievements are impactful ways of doing this, and as such we are very pleased to play a partnership role in making these awards the benchmark for marketing excellence in South Africa”.
In order to lift the trophy on the night, entrants will need to prove their strategic abilities in one of the following categories (http://www.marketingawards.co.za/awards/):
Purpose led marketing
Strategic sponsorship marketing
Brand positioning
Marketing innovation
New product or brand launch
Reputation management (Corporate and Brand)
South African resonance marketing
Brand marketing B2B
Integrated marketing
Limited budget, unlimited idea
Internal marketing
Rising Star of the year (nominated)
Marketer of the year (nominated)
The Marketing Achievement Awards are overseen by a collective that Mr. Garden describes as an “excellent group of judges with extensive marketing and business experience”. Ms. Johnston and Mr. Camerer are joined on this Council by established doyens like Geoff Whyte, Chief Executive Officer of Nando’s – who are also Founding Partner of the awards – Alistair Mokoena, Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy South Africa, Heidi Brauer, Chief Marketing Officer of Hollard Insurance, Rob Fleming, Chief Marketing Officer of Blue Label Telecoms, Lethepu Matshaba, Vice President of Home Care Unilever, and Mike Middleton, Marketing Consultant and Futurist.
As much as this group of luminaries will be arbitrating, they are also there to guide, enrich and help shape the future of this discipline, and have already been actively involved in setting the standard for these awards. “We’re looking for people who are passionate about excellence in marketing,” explains Mr. Whyte. “It’s time for marketers to be in the spotlight,” comments Mr. Mokoena when asked about the importance of these awards. Mrs. Matshaba is looking for “entries that demonstrate thought leadership and tangible business results”, whilst Mr. Middleton believes these awards have the power to push the marketing industry forward and “ensure that South Africa is amongst the best marketing countries in the world.”
The Marketing Achievement Awards aims to highlight world-class campaigns that displays vigour, insight, authenticity and innovation in the science and art of strategy; simple marketing that combines rigorous upfront thinking with solid ideas that go beyond mere communication. The conveners are looking for short, easy-to-prepare entries that demonstrate how customer needs have been identified and used to focus, align and empower organisations to continually meet these and, ultimately, achieve tangible business results. All marketers from across South Africa are encouraged to enter their best work so that they can be measured against, and recognised by, their peers. The entry mechanics are quick and simple, and begin with accessing: https://www.marketingawards.co.za/
Entrants should then browse through the categories available and enter relevant work into one or more. Judges are looking for a concise, clear understanding of strategic intent captured, for most categories, in one thousand words or less. Additional collateral to back this up is also required. All entries are treated with the utmost confidence, ensuring that hard work and trade secrets are never revealed. Entries close on the 22nd of February 2019. Thereafter the event will be hosted at Sun City from the 2nd to the 4th of April 2019, with the Marketing Achievement Awards Forum and Gala Awards Dinner taking place on the 3rd.
The Marketing Achievement Awards will set the benchmark. Only the greatest minds, the truest ideas and the boldest approaches will walk away as winners on the night. The organisers are appealing to all marketers to step up and show their strength, to be role models, to showcase best practices, and to receive the kudos so deserving of those who tirelessly work at the cutting edge of their professions.
Entries Close: 22nd of February 2019
Awards Ceremony: 2nd – 4th of April 2019 at Sun City
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