Briefly…Getaway does it for the birds; Nelspruit moves up the ranks; The ABF and Specialised Exhibitions feature at Markex 2011; Marketing Indaba conference programme finalised; Suzuki Swift gives more than expected; Howzit! Cars in action gets channelled though MSN; Getaway puts foot in seven countries! Admadmedia supports ABF Vital Support Fund; Tony Wright of Lowe Worldwide for Apex Awards; Lighthouse Digital partners with HTC
Getaway does it for the birds
Getaway magazine donated R11 520 to SANNCOB this month as part of ongoing initiatives to support wildlife conservation. The money was raised through a magazine subscription offer in March that saw R40 of every sub donated to the NGO, which plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of seabirds, especially threatened species such as the African penguin.
New and renewing subscribers were in line to win one of 100 copies of Best of Outdoorphoto – a coffee-table book celebrating the variety of wildlife and wild places on the tip of Africa, published by Game Parks Publishing in aid of FreeMe and SANCCOB. The campaign, which ran across Getaway’s print, digital and social media platforms, resulted in more than 280 subscriptions.
Nelspruit moves up the ranks
Commuters in Nelspruit are being treated to what is being described as “the best in Out-of-Home ‘advertainment’ as state-of-the-art LED technology is being installed at its major taxi rank. It is part of a R15-million upgrade by ComutaNet of their Rank TV platforms. Over 228 000 daily commuters passing through this rank, with a demographic of economically active commuters (81% of which fall within the LSM4-7 bracket (TGI)) move through the Nelspruit Rank to the remote parts of Mpumalanga; including areas such as Kanyamazane, Waterval-Boven, Machadodorp and Ngodwana.
“Bringing the best platforms to some of the “forgotten” regions; such as Mpumalanga, bears testament to our commitment, not only to our clients; but also to our dynamic audience,” says Karen van Wyk, general manager of audio/visual and marketing at ComutaNet.
The ABF and Specialised Exhibitions feature at Markex 2011
The Advertising Benevolent Fund and Specialised Exhibitions have joined hands to raise industry awareness at Markex 2011. The two companies have agreed on a sponsorship deal that will see the ABF at Markex in Johannesburg and in Cape Town for the first time. Lynn Chamier, the exhibition director of Markex World of Events, the ABF a free booth in the AdVantage Advertising Village to the value of R8 500.
Two Markex World of Events take place this year, just two months apart, bringing the best B2B direct marketing opportunity to buyers and sellers of marketing, promotional, eventing and branding goods and services. Kicking off in Gauteng at Sandton Convention Centre from 7 to 9 June, Markex World of Events then returns to Cape Town International Convention Centre, for the first time in three years, from 23 to 25 August.
“Not only has Lynn provided us with the sponsorship of two free stands at Markex, she has gone a step further and agreed to allow the ABF to auction or on-sell two stands at each show in order to raise funds. The value is just under R20 000,” says Sharlene Vallance, ABF Executive Committee Member.
Marketing Indaba conference programme finalised
Bookings are now open and the programme finalised for the Marketing Indaba Conference that will be held at the CTICC on 19 and 20 May 19 & 20. The Marketing Indaba incorporates the Marketing Conference and five co-located exhibitions.
The two-day conference will offer a focused programme including topics such as digital marketing, integration of marketing channels and online brand management. Michael Jackson, MC and keynote speaker, will oversee the proceedings.
Confirmed speakers include: Mike Freedman (Freedthinkers), Ludi Koekemoer (AAA School of Advertising), Peter Wilson (TNS Global), Sean McCoy (HKLM) Deon Robbertze (Ogilvy Earth), Will Green (Apurimac Media), Christine da Silva (Neo@Ogilvy), Godfrey and Karen Parkin (Britefire), Garreth Bloor (Memeburn), Graeme Haley (Thumbtribe), Jason Stewart (Have you Heard!), Fred Roed (World Wide Creative), Diane Charton (Acceleration Media), Gareth Pearson (BMi Research), Boniswa Pezisa (Network BBDO / MAL Foundation) and Dan Pinch (Atmosphere Communications).
The conference tickets can be purchased at R1500 for both days or R950 per day. Visit www.marketingindaba.com <https://www.marketingindaba.com/> for further info.
Suzuki Swift gives more than expected
Expect the unexpected during the various twists and turns of the latest Suzuki Swift television commercials. PenQuin International came up with the storyboard for the commercials and is partnering with production company, Orijin, which has worked with it on previous Suzuki TVCs. The plots turn two commonplace events into completely unexpected situations, linking into the Suzuki Swift’s pay-off line – ‘Get more than expected.’
In the first of the ads, two parents are gloating as their young offspring play the violin and sing opera with the grace of seasoned professionals. Before the children start playing, you see a look of complete horror on the parents’ faces as they expect a cacophony of noise. In the second ad, a bride is spoilt for choice when just after the groom has declared his undying love for his bride, the good looking best man steps forward telling the bride he will look after her far better than the groom, promising to bring her favourite bunny slippers and that he will always keep the toilet seat down. As an argument ensues between groom and his best man another drop dead gorgeous groomsman steps forward, giving the bride a suggestive look indicating he is also interested in her. This bride is definitely getting more than she expected at her wedding.
Howzit! Cars in action gets channelled though MSN
South Africa’s biggest internet portal Howzit MSN has teamed up with Cars in Action Online, renowned for it’s quick, current and comprehensive motoring content, to present a potent new force in the local electronic motoring media.
Cars in Action CEO Michele Lupini was delighted at the culmination of the development of his company’s joint venture with MSN: “Cars in Action Online offers a brilliant source of latest, current and up-to-the-minute motoring and motorsport news, road tests, features, classic car stories and other great content,” he explained. “But while our site has grown consistently on its own, the job at hand to on our own reach the levels of readership offered by the likes of an MSN would take a huge effort even with the country’s best motoring writers on board.
Howzit MSN editor Justin Zehmke said readers had “clamoured” for motoring content. “We feel that this partnership will give our readers a superb and compelling offering. Readership on the portal has shown steep growth in the last year, and by broadening the range of content available we hope to continue that trend and cement our place at the top of South Africa’s digital landscape.”
Getaway puts foot in seven countries!
Getaway has joined forces with the Put Foot Rally as media partner for the social motoring expedition that will cover 7 000 kilometres across seven countries in 17 days.
The inaugural event, run jointly by Mountainshak Adventures and the Bobs for Good Foundation, kicks off on June 22and offers participants the opportunity to experience the cultures, languages and traditions of Africa as they journey through southern Africa in any vehicle they choose.
“The fit is a logical one,” explained Getaway editor Cameron Ewart-Smith. “As a travel magazine we encourage people to experiencing travel first-hand; the Put Foot Rally does just that. The message is that anyone can travel in Africa – the roads are tarred and the journey isn’t as daunting as people think. With an everyday vehicle and enough money for fuel and food, the experience of a lifetime is open to all.”
The rally allows for 50 teams to “experience each incredible southern African country, riding in a ridiculous vehicle, without an idea of where exactly you’re heading, safe in the knowledge you’re having a ‘jol’ with your mates,” according to the organisers.
The Put Foot Rally has a charity component – former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad’s Bobs for Good Foundation will drop off school shoes at pre-selected schools along the way, providing footwear to learners who have to walk long distances barefoot. The shoes have reflector strips so that motorists see the learners on dark winter mornings and at night as they walk to and from school.
Tony Wright of Lowe Worldwide for Apex Awards
Internationally acclaimed Tony Wright of Lowe Worldwide will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Apex Awards. His authority as a laterally thinking creative leader has seen him manage and evolve many international brands, including the British Petroleum (BP) company’s evolution into “Beyond Petroleum”. The awards are designed to test the advertising industry’s own effectiveness and creativity.
“Anyone who questions the impact and necessity of advertising and communications during these trying economic times should attend the APEX awards gala event and see for themselves just how much the profession can contribute to business success. The 2011 APEX awards gala event is a date not to be missed!” said Odette van der Haar, CEO of the ACA.
Sponsors Oracle Airtime Sales and M-Net are also offering bursaries to top students of the AAA School of Advertising at the gala event. “It is a great honour to partner with the ACA on the APEX awards which is such a necessary event and one that highlights the role and contribution to business success of advertising and communications” said Chris Hitchings, CEO of Oracle Airtime Sales.
Admadmedia supports ABF Vital Support Fund
The Advertising Benelovent Fund has announced a media sponsorship deal with Admadmedia to the value of R70 000. The package includes three months of advertising on a 3m x 6m billboard, which is available to the highest bidder.
Sharlene Vallance, vice president of the ABF says, “Admadmedia is a new player in the Outdoor media industry. We are honoured that a new company is investing in us and our cause.”
Admadmedia has a fast growing portfolio of prime outdoor advertising sites that the successful buyer can choose from. Kyle Jones, Sales Manager for Admadmedia says, “The ABF’s dedication and support of the industry is a very worthy cause that we support. We hope to provide more donations of this nature going forward to help the ABF sustain its cash flow.”
The ABF raises donations through its core membership base, corporate donors and fundraising events throughout the year. Another chief source of income is generated from media packages, provided by media owners similar to Admadmedia. These donated packages are either auctioned at a fundraiser or sold on to the highest industry bidder.
Lighthouse Digital partners with HTC
Lighthouse Digital has announced a new partnership with HTC South Africa as their digital media agency. “Our partnership with HTC South Africa could not have come at a more perfect time for us. We understand HTC’s objectives and are eager to explore the capabilities digital media offers, to grow their brand. We plan to apply our holistic 360 degree digital media approach, which includes digital media strategy, buying, planning, campaign management and tracking and analysis for display, search, email, mobile media and social media. Incorporating this to all upcoming campaigns will certainly extend HTC’s amazing brands and products to an even wider audience. We are very excited about this new partnership and to seeing how we can develop the brand and its community online,” says Aaron van Schaik, managing director of Lighthouse Digital.
“We are placing a lot of emphasis on online and social media with our new range of smartphones and as such, our digital media strategy requires the utmost attention.” says Regardt van der Berg, Head of PR and Communications at Leaf International, HTC’s South African partner.
