The AdNews Agency of the Year Awards has always been the one to win, Rob Morgan can tell you that. It is Australia's only true Agency of the Year Awards program to reflect a calendar year. People say it’s all about the future, and I agree with that. But when you have a legacy like AdNews – which has been around as long as the sector it reports on - context is as important as it is worthy of celebration. Especially in this age of transience, enormous breadth and ever-shallowing depth.
This year AdNews turned 88 and our Awards 30, which seems as good a milestone as any to celebrate so much brilliant work from so many great Australian creative agencies, marketers and brands.
These businesses make a significant contribution to society, our economy and employ so many bright and talented individuals who genuinely aspire to do great things, and do good. People who connect the dots that others don't see or, if we do, don’t realise are linked. They paint pictures that stop us in our tracks.
In many ways these awards, which turn 30 next year, are the lifeblood of the industry and help drive these great creative people and businesses to even more success. The Communications Council should hero this, it’s what makes our industry so relevant and vibrant.
AdNews has always been an innovator. We were the first of the advertising and marketing trade brands anywhere in the world to host a live, gala night time event for the Agency of the Year Awards. We don't get too bogged down in hubris though. For a start, we don't have a 'Bravery' category. Let's be real here, that word should be only used in reference to those who sacrifice everything for something bigger than themselves. We prefer to celebrate the outcomes of business, the great work and the people that create it.
It took the other camps here in Australia a few years to follow our lead with an awards night. We are flattered by the imitations and emulation has its place, but know there can only be one real deal. Legacy and prestige counts for just about everything when striving to be rewarded for excellence. We will celebrate your excellence like never before with our 30th birthday awards next March.
Its ever changing face is the one constant of your industry, and we celebrate that with our masked ball. It will be a special celebration of extraordinary achievement and one not to be missed.
Good luck to all agencies vying to make your piece in that history. Entries are open now via our new online portal. Find out about new categories and read the entry kit here.