Industry body Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) has signed up 21 agencies for its inaugural Pitch-Chella.
Pitch-Chella is designed to enhance emerging talent's pitching skills, seeing the teams pitch for campaigns for two national charities: Indigenous-owned advocacy service Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) and the surf therapy Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW).
As part of the two-month virtual program, teams will prepare written pitches for either the NTIBN’s ‘Buy Blak’ campaign or WOW’s annual ‘Ducktober’ fundraising event.
The written briefs will be reviewed by a panel of professionals, including Audience360’s managing director, Jenny Parkes, TrinityP3 business director and global media lead, Steven Wright, Kennards Hire general manager marketing and customer experience, Manelle Merhi, Tumbleturn Media managing partner Jen Davidson, Orand founder, Adam Hickey, and Sparrow’s Nest Consulting’s Greg Graham.
The judging panel will be looking for innovative, intelligent and creative applications. Pitches will be scored on their industry relevance, objectives, insight and strategy, idea and execution, and effectiveness.
Shortlisted finalists will be announced on August 26, before they present a virtual pitch to the judging panel on August 30. With the official winner announcement at a closing party at Sydney’s Beresford Hotel on September 18.
IMAA leadership team member and Hatched chairman, Mike Wilson, said the organisation was overwhelmed with the response to the inaugural event.
“It’s wonderful to see so many budding indie media agency professionals keen to participate in this great event – it really demonstrates the passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to growth from our up-and-coming talent,” Wilson said.
“We’re excited to see what our teams come up with for our two selected charities. Both organisations are incredibly worthy causes - the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network has been at the forefront of Aboriginal economic development, particularly in the Northern Territory, for many years, while the Waves of Wellness Foundation is leading the way with its innovative approach to mental health awareness and recovery.
"We’re excited to have our teams bring their creativity, innovation and deep understanding of consumer behaviour to their campaigns.”
Participating agencies include Affinity, Apparent, Assembled Media, BCM, Enigma, Equality Media + Marketing, Half Dome, Hatched, Impetus Media, Murmur, Orange Line, Pearman, Sanctuary Media Group, Slingshot, Sweeney Advertising, TFM Digital, The Media Store, The Pistol, Wahoo, Waples and Yango.
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