The entry deadline date for the AMASA Awards has been extended to 30 September, giving agencies more of a chance to put yourself forward to be recognised for the outstanding work they have done. Michael Bratt spoke to AMASA chairman, Wayne Bishop, to find out more about the significance of the awards and what they mean for the industry.
Awards are always a good idea in any industry as they provide much-needed recognition to the companies and people passionate enough to make a difference. “The AMASA Awards are not just a good idea, but critical to the health of the industry … they put media excellence back on the map and helps agencies and media owners claw back their status within the advertising hierarchy,” says Bishop.
Much media planning and buying has been devalued ever since agencies have become the target of procurement departments, says Bishop, with margins being squeezed, high staff turnover and raw talent so difficult to find and sustain.
While the MOST Awards is a celebration of the amazing people in the industry, the AMASA Awards are a celebration of the outstanding work they have achieved. Bishop describes the AMASA Awards as, “The premier awards ceremony in South Africa recognising innovation in media. We do not single out individuals as we prefer to award companies and campaigns.” Companies enter and two rounds of judging determine the winners.
The AMASA Awards, which were known as the Roger Garlick Awards, began in the early 2000s but never really had a ‘home’ as they were often bolted on to the AdReview awards, the MOST Awards and even AdFocus. In 2013, the decision was made to host the AMASA Awards as a standalone event and in 2014 this dream became a reality. The event was a resounding success, with 106 entries (previous best was 56), 300 of the top executives in the industry present at the gala dinner and over 20 judges participating. The Premier Category is the Best Integrated section however, last year’s Coke Rainbow won for Best Experiential as well as scooping the overall award known as the Roger Garlick Grand Prix.
Bishop has one, strong message: “Get your entries in! There will be no more extensions. If you want to put your company, and its work, in the spotlight, you can do so by filling in the entry form here. The gala evening, where the winners will be announced takes place on 15 October. The full categories, that can be entered into, can be viewed here.
Entry forms and supporting material will only be accepted in digital format. Additional material or queries can be emailed to Wayne Bishop wayne.bishop@phdnetwork.co.za or catherine@platocomms.co.za
Please note AMASA will accept a maximum of five supporting documents per entry, excluding the entry form, these include photographs, video, soundbites or pdf documents or video to support your entry (only up to 2MB, anything larger should be sent via We Transfer to catherine@platocomms.co.za)
Entrants are welcome to enter the same entry into various categories if they wish. Entrants are also encouraged to submit a supporting video entry to accompany their entry form but this is not a requirement. Campaigns entered should be authentic, signed off by the respective client and entries should indicate how the campaign delivered on the quantifiable goals set and generated sound commercial results. Cost to enter is R1 100 including VAT. All entries to be accompanied by proof of payment. Banking details are on the entry form.
