Two shout-outs this week for inspiring learning and development moments.
The first goes to the judging morning for the 4th edition of the Campaign Ad Net Zero Awards, hosted by our event partners, Google. There was a real community feel among the judges as we came together once again to debate the merits of the shortlisted entries and champion our favourites for the accolades. I heartily recommend being a judge of an advertising award if you can; it’s a fantastic way to crystallise your own thinking about what brilliant, creatively successful work looks like today. In the case of the Campaign Ad Net Zero awards, we’re looking to recognise work that hits two notes in unison – commercial success alongside sustainable success. A tough ask to prove, but for me, it’s setting the bar for what true creative excellence means for advertising in a time of climate change. You can find out more about attending the awards event here.
The second moment was a fantastic refresh of the sexual harassment training, delivered by timeTo. The AA is a proud founding partner of timeTo, alongside NABS and WACL, and we did a pilot version of the training a few years back. The updated training is excellent, full of thought-provoking insights and case study scenarios that generate the right conversations among colleagues to keep this issue central to how we build a workplace where everyone belongs. More on the training here.
Our ad picks:
- Our Ad in the A is Sport England and TGC’s ‘This Girl Can’ with media from EssenceMediacom and Omnicom. It aims to redefine what exercise looks like by championing women from under-represented backgrounds.
- T&P have referenced Spurs’ infamous ‘Lasagne gate’ in their recent ad for Dolmio.
- VCCP asks the nation to think about how to say goodbye in their first campaign ‘Owned By You. Right By You.’ for Co-op Funeralcare.
- Dentsu Creative have emphasised how American Express rewards can brighten a bad day, especially after a bad haircut in ‘Fringe and Forget’.
Our must reads:
- Our Chief Executive, Stephen Woodford, has explained how adland can take a responsible approach ahead of the incoming food advertising restrictions. (Politics Home)
- As Adolescence has received much recognition at the Emmys, our literacy programme Media Smart reflects on how teens can interact with digital platforms safely. (Media Smart)
- Find out how hybrid working policies are playing out in adland, based on the findings from a recent Credos report. (Campaign)
- Our UK Advertising Exports Group is leading two trade missions to New York and Saudi Arabia, and registrations are still open. (The Media Leader)
Our dates for your diary:
- ‘Driving Business Growth and Value’ is the theme for this year’s Future of Media Manchester on 25 September and our Directors Dan Wilks and Chris Walker will give an insightful overview of the economic and political outlook for advertising in the north.
- Are you a highly creative and innovative leader or specialist in your field? UK Juror nominations for Cannes Lions 2026 are now open, find the full list of categories and submit your nomination here. Deadline is 24 October.
- The Marketing Society’s Global Changemakers Conference is taking place on 12 November, including empowering sessions from purpose-driven marketing to championing sustainability. Contact bookings@marketingsociety.com for our exclusive member only offer.
And finally, we are pleased to welcome Centrica, including British Gas and Hive, as our newest Front Foot member.
