Ad Matters 31.05.24

This week has been an exciting one. In a deviation from the usual comms day job, I’ve been working on making my first TV, cinema and OOH ad (more on that next week). It’s been an amazing experience and it got me thinking about the skills and specialisms we have across the industry which all come together to make a great campaign.

One of these skills is the art of media planning, which is brought into focus in our Media Business Course in July. It’s a very special year for MBC as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, having seen some of the adland greats pass through its doors. This year’s speakers are no exception, with a stellar line-up including Rory Sutherland, Vicky Fox, Simon Daglish, Amy Kean and many more.

Young practitioners have the opportunity of their lifetime to work on a blue-chip client brief and create a full media strategy before pitching to win the coveted MBC trophy. For those wanting a taste of the experience, check out our highlights video here and you can book a place for one of your team here. See you there?

Another brilliant opportunity I couldn’t pass up mentioning is the Campaign Ad Net Zero Awards which have their early bird deadline coming up in less than a week. The judges are looking for impactful work from across the advertising industry which is in support of a more sustainable future. We can’t wait to see what’s entered this year.

Our must reads:

• Industry leaders consider what could be done to strengthen the UK economy post election (Creative Salon)
• The election campaigns have started and with political advertising rules differing on platforms, here’s how the parties are sharing content in the hope it goes viral (The Times)
• WPP says farewell to UK president Karen Blackett after 29 years in the business (Media Leader)
• All change for commuters as the Evening Standard announces a switch to a weekly edition (BBC)

Our pick of the ads:

• Our ad in the A is on a cycling theme – with TfL and VCCP encouraging Londoners to get cycling this summer.
• We love a cat ad! And AMV’s campaign for Mars Petcare ‘All they want is Sheba’ hits the spot.
• Aldi breaks into song to the tune of MC Hammer with ‘Can’t match this’ by McCann Manchester.
• The countdown to the Euros is on. Football legends Thierry Henry and David Beckham team up in ‘No Walkers, no game’ by VCCP.

Dates for your diary

• The annual marketing industry Sprintathon is back on June 12. Raising nearly £1m for Stand Up To Cancer since launch, they’re looking for the industry’s help to break the £1m barrier this year. If you fancy donning your running shoes and putting forward your team to help complete the collective marathon, book your place here.

• Three weeks to go until Cannes Lions! We’re proud to be the UK representative for the world’s biggest festival of creativity, Cannes Lions, taking place from June 17. Find out more here.

And finally, a shout out to our CEO, Stephen Woodford, who’s leading the adland pack on TLA’s mammoth 63-mile London to Brighton charity cycle ride this morning. Good luck team!