Ad Matters 29.11.2024

There was another cracking debate in Westminster this week, delivered by the CIM and IAA who are fellow members of The Debating Group. In a packed room, people from across our industry debated the role of marketers in environmental progress with hugely compelling and insightful views expressed from both sides of the motion. For anyone interested in attending a future debate (we hold them regularly), please drop me a line or take a look at The Debating Group’s website which carries details on what’s coming next. Attending a debate is also a lovely way of enjoying the splendour of the Palace of Westminster and walking the corridors of political power.

In other news, we also held the AA Christmas Party, channelling our inner Luke Littler at Bloomsbury Flight Club. Great fun was had, chucking some arrows, mainly at the board, not at each other, and our Events Director Suzanne emerged victorious.

Our must-reads:

• According to James Best, trust isn’t just about awareness — it’s about understanding. (The Media Leader)
• A call to celebrate all ads like Christmas ads, with reference to our latest Christmas adspend figures! (Campaign)
• AI is changing the way we shop, according to new research by Adobe. (The Times)
• Our All In figures appear in this article about supporting talent from lower socio-economic backgrounds. (LBB)
• WARC has outlined predictions for global adspend, which is expected to grow 10.7%. (Research Live)
• ISBA and IMTB launch updated Influencer Marketing Code of Conduct (Marketing Beat)

Our pick of the ads:

• Our Ad in the A is Vodafone’s new Christmas campaign created by Leo Burnett, which celebrates 40 years of festive connections.
• The National Lottery has rolled out a festive ‘Musical scratchcards’ campaign created by VCCP.
• The Department for Work and Pensions, with the help of M&C Saatchi, has launched ‘Credit where credit’s due’ to boost Pension Credit uptake in the UK.
• Waitrose festive mystery solved with the second part of its campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi revealing the pudding pilferer.
• Airbnb has launched its first Christmas ad, “Santastrophe“, as part of the “Get an Airbnb” campaign.

Dates for your diary:

• LEAD is back for 2025! The theme for the event will be growth and value and will feature a stellar line up of political and advertising leaders. Book your tickets here.
• Early bird booking for the Media Business Course is now open! Book your place to learn about the art of media planning here.

And finally, a big congrats to our Front Foot member, Grace Blue, winner of a Best of British award this week. The company, led by Sarah Skinner, has a long track record of understanding leadership talent and they’ve just taken part in this interview – Finding your next great leader – with Business Reporter where Sarah shares some top insights.