Category: Media and Advertising

  • The Advertising Club launches “The TAC Academy” with the IPA qualifications

    The Advertising Club launches “The TAC Academy” with the IPA qualifications

    Mumbai: “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs only to the people who prepare for it today” – Malcolm X.

    This quote is relevant for all time and especially in today’s ever-dynamic market environment. As an industry body representing the interests of professionals in the marketing, advertising and media world, the Ad Club is keen to empower individuals through curated and cutting-edge qualifications from around the globe under the aegis of The TAC Academy.

    To raise the bar for the talent in our industry, the Ad Club has forged a special deal with IPA – The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising. Every year > 4,000 practitioners future-proof their careers through IPA’s Continuous Professional Development Programme – helping their careers flourish.

    The Ad Cub will be offering the following IPA qualifications at a special price only for India + special members, early bird and bulk discounts!

    1. Foundation Certificate – take newcomers to advertising and marketing communications through the entire brand communications process; learn how to write strategies that sell, the roles of different media, how to use data and how to measure the success of your work (TG: 0 – 3 years exp.)

    2. Digital Performance Essentials Certificate – Master the basics in digital performance marketing & become better at briefing, planning and executing digital marketing campaigns (TG: Suitable for all)

    3. Effectiveness Essentials Certificate – Understand the principles of effectiveness, why it matters and how you can make the case for commercial creativity; Discover lessons from award-winning effectiveness papers and make better, more informed, more strategic decisions in your role (TG: Suitable for all)

    4. Media Research Essentials Certificate – Gain the essential media research knowledge and skills that anyone working within the media industry should have to succeed (TG: Suitable for all)

    5. Advanced Certificate in Effectiveness – Develop a greater understanding of and a forensic approach to the evaluation of your campaigns; Confidently and correctly analyze the impact and effect of any campaign & learn how to prove the value of your contribution to your client’s business (TG: 4 – 8 years exp.)

    6. Advanced Certificate in Communications Planning – Enables you to become the strategic communications planning lead for your client’s business; Explore integration models and discuss how you can put them into practice & find out how to maximize the effectiveness of your communication plan through best practice principles (TG: 4 – 8 years exp.)

    Commenting on the launch, The Advertising Club group CEO, Havas India, South East & North Asia (Japan & South Korea) and President Rana Barua said, “We are committed to introducing global best practices through exceptional awards and innovative learning and training initiatives in our industry. Our partnership with IPA marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter with the launch of The TAC Academy as a pioneering platform. This is just the beginning, as we plan to roll out many more learning programs designed to benefit our industry, members, and stakeholders.”

    “One of our core ambitions at the IPA is to professionalise the advertising, media and communications industries and create global understanding of how the business works.  Our portfolio of qualifications enables learners from all over the world to deepen their knowledge of the industry and improve their personal performance at work and the performance of both their own and their clients’ businesses.  We are really pleased that the Advertising Club has entered into a relationship with us so people in India can benefit from our learning.” added Professional Development director Louise Hinchliffe.

  • IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis launches ‘Time To Turn The Tables Around’ OOH campaign

    IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis launches ‘Time To Turn The Tables Around’ OOH campaign

    Mumbai: IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has teamed up with the official outdoor partner Mera Hoardings for the innovative ‘Time To Turn The Tables Around’ outdoor campaign as it gears up for the upcoming fifth season, to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai from 22 August to 7 September.

    As part of the campaign, striking inverted hoardings, featuring table tennis stars Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, Harmeet Desai, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manav Thakkar, are spread across Chennai from today, captivating both locals and visitors. These eye-catching displays showcase the Indian table tennis icons upside-down against the city skyline, delivering a compelling message: It’s time to ‘turn the tables’ and shift the perception of India from being a cricket-centric nation to one that celebrates a vibrant and diverse sporting ecosystem.

    “Our players are making their mark at the Paris Olympics, garnering much-deserved spotlight for the sport with Manika Batra and Sreeja raising their game. To complement their efforts, our OOH campaign aims to package the sport innovatively at the right time to reach a larger audience,” said UTT promoters Vita Dani and Niraj Bajaj.

    This inventive ‘inverted’ OOH campaign not only amplifies the game’s visibility but also highlights UTT’s transformative impact over the past five years. As table tennis has grown from a niche sport to a significant discipline within India’s sporting landscape, the league has been one of its most passionate advocates and prominent contributors.

    Extending their commitment to promoting Indian table tennis, UTT recently caught the attention of the global audience with the help of Mera Hoardings when the league’s promotion was featured on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York.

    The IndianOil UTT 2024 is the biggest edition of the league as, for the first time since its inception in 2017, eight teams will fight for the crown, with Ahmedabad SG Pipers and Jaipur Patriots joining PBG Bengaluru Smashers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Goa Challengers, U Mumba TT, and Puneri Paltan Table Tennis. The league is promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India.

    The league’s last season garnered an astounding 55.2 million views and achieved a reach of 62.1 million across digital platforms. The engagement was equally remarkable, with 1.2 million fan interactions throughout the event. The total media sponsorship value soared to 55.8 crore (6.7 million), underscoring the sport’s growing prominence. Viewership was robust with 195 million minutes watched in just 18 days. The live broadcasts attracted six million viewers, while an additional nine million tuned in through non-live content, reflecting the widespread and enduring interest in table tennis.

    This dynamic and innovative month-long campaign will coincide with the much-anticipated fifth edition of the league which is set to witness high-voltage action with the participation of star Indian paddlers, including Manika Batra, Sharath Kamal, Sreeja Akula, and Sathiyan, alongside some of the world’s top players such as world number 13 Bernadette Szocs and Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna.

  • Genpact appoints Sanjeev Vohra as chief technology & innovation officer

    Genpact appoints Sanjeev Vohra as chief technology & innovation officer

    Mumbai: Genpact, a global professional services and solutions firm, has announced that Sanjeev Vohra has been named as the company’s first chief technology & innovation officer, effective immediately. Vohra will report to president and CEO, Balkrishan “BK” Kalra.

    Vohra, a seasoned leader, and respected innovator, brings more than 30 years of technology, consulting and industry expertise to Genpact. His appointment will help accelerate the delivery of AI and advanced technologies solutions, enabling higher client value and opportunities for business growth. He will also drive Genpact’s technology strategy, innovation framework, strategic partnerships and future-proof talent roadmap and skill rotation, enhancing the overall technology expertise within Genpact.

    “Sanjeev brings tremendous AI and advanced technologies expertise to Genpact and an inclusive, people-first leadership style to our team,” said  Genpact president and CEO Balkrishan “BK” Kalra. “Our teams are critical to our success, and we’ve made significant progress in scaling our broader technology skills as part of our overall investment in Data, Tech and AI. Sanjeev’s visionary thinking will be invaluable as we embed AI and advanced technologies in every client conversation and deepen our internal technology expertise throughout Genpact.”

    Most recently, Vohra served as the global lead of Accenture applied intelligence where he spearheaded the aggressive growth of Accenture’s Data and AI business and advised C-suite executives across industries to unlock value through the strategic application of data, advanced analytics and AI. During his tenure at Accenture, he held a variety of leadership roles focused on large-scale digital transformation to create new growth opportunities and served as a member of Accenture’s global management committee.

    “I am excited to lead Genpact’s AI and advanced technology initiatives at such a pivotal moment,” said Genpact chief technology & innovation officer Sanjeev Vohra. “There is a tremendous opportunity to leverage the capabilities of advanced technologies for positive change and unlock value for clients and shareholders. Genpact’s deep domain expertise, intense focus on process and commitment to scale broader technology will allow us to accelerate the pace at which we deliver digital transformation for our clients. I look forward to working with our talented, global teams to create unparalleled value by harnessing the power of advanced technologies and depth of process knowledge.”

  • Brand Street Integrated expands to Gujarat with Siddharth Mishra as business director

    Brand Street Integrated expands to Gujarat with Siddharth Mishra as business director

    Mumbai: Brand Street Integrated, a marketing agency known for transforming brands and fostering meaningful connections, has announced its expansion into Gujarat. With this, the company has announced the strategic appointment of Siddharth Mishra as the new business director (West). This move underscores the agency’s commitment to broadening its operational footprint and driving growth in the western region of India.

    Siddharth Mishra brings over 11 years of dedicated experience in integrated marketing communications. His background in integrated marketing communication, combined with his extensive industry experience, equips him to adeptly navigate and implement diverse marketing strategies and tools. He is known for his innovative problem-solving skills and a keen ability to adapt to evolving environments, driven by a passion for creativity and continuous personal development.

    Siddharth’s professional journey includes significant roles at major agency networks such as Publicis, Dentsu, DDB, and Schbang. His expertise spans business development, brand management, strategic management, integrated marketing communications, and sales management.

    Headquartered in Gurgaon, Brand Street Integrated, offers a wide range of services, including consumer marketing, trade marketing, rural marketing, OOH, merchandising, digital marketing, and creative services, among others.

    Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Brand Street Integrated, Mishra stated, “I am thrilled to be part of Brand Street Integrated’s journey. The Gujarat market holds immense potential, and I am committed to leveraging my skills and knowledge to drive our organizational objectives and achieve significant growth in this region. Together, we will create impactful and immersive brand experiences that resonate with our audience.”

    Brand Street Integrated’s CEO Surendra Singh welcomed Siddharth Mishra to the team with great optimism. He remarked, “Siddharth’s extensive experience and innovative approach make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His appointment reflects our commitment to expanding our operations and enhancing our service offerings in Gujarat. We are confident that under his leadership, we will achieve new milestones and continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

  • Colgate Total unveils its new campaign ‘Har Bite Ho Right’

    Colgate Total unveils its new campaign ‘Har Bite Ho Right’

    Mumbai: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd has launched a campaign for Colgate Total that encourages consumers to focus on proactive oral care. A recent Colgate study found that nearly half of Indians report dental problems, leading them to change their eating habits unconsciously. The new TVC for Colgate Total toothpaste highlights the product’s advanced science, which offers protection against issues like bad breath, yellowing teeth, and cavities, helping consumers maintain their eating habits without compromise.

    Conceptualised by team WPP@CP,  the campaign showcases Colgate Total’s patented DZA (Dual Zinc + Arginine) technology that addresses the root causes of dental problems. The TVC features a protagonist demonstrating various situations in a café where people alter their eating habits to avoid dental pain. The protagonist then explains how Colgate Total’s DZA technology provides complete protection from these oral health issues.

    Speaking about this newest campaign, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd executive vice president, marketing Gunjit Jain said, “Many of us do not feel that our oral health is at risk because we seldom see people like us having dental problems. But millions of Indians around us are unconsciously demonstrating visual signs of dental problems. Some have started eating from a preferred side of the mouth, some would rather cut an apple into slices than bite into one that’s full, some wait for their hot chai to cool a bit before they sip and so on. This has happened to members in our family, our friends or our colleagues. We can prevent this from happening to us simply by switching to Colgate Total, our advanced toothpaste that provides total protection. This is what our new campaign is all about – before dental problems change the way you eat, change to Colgate Total.”  

    WPP@CP executive creative director Juneston Mathana, while speaking about the campaign quoted, “The thing about ‘relatable behaviour’ is that you have to show it in the most relatable way. But just that could also get boring. So we introduced a little rhythm & rhyme with our partner-in-crime – Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy from Corcoise Films to make people aware of the subconscious compromises others are making out there. The result left people with something to chew on.”

    Disclaimer at the end of the note: Total protection refers to common oral cosmetic problems like bad odor, yellowness of teeth, cavities, etc.

  • IPG Mediabrands opens new global centre in Pune

    IPG Mediabrands opens new global centre in Pune

    Mumbai: IPG Mediabrands, the media holding company within Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), has announced the opening of its new global centre of excellence office at the International Tech Park, Kharadi, Pune India. In a significant expansion of the media network’s footprint in India, the Pune office will serve as a pivotal hub for media activation, product development, and engineering, to over 500 clients globally, spanning multiple industries.

    The new state-of-the-art office spans 62,000 square feet and offers a range of advanced amenities for employees including a rooftop sports area with facilities for basketball, tennis, and a gym, along with a walking track. It also includes a crèche facility for employees’ children, a 24-hour canteen service, agile workspaces designed for collaboration, and dedicated company transportation.

    “We are thrilled to expand our presence into Pune and create a world-class workplace for our talented team,” said KINESSO’s executive head of global operations Ankita Agarwal. “This office will be instrumental in implementing the highest standards of media activation, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

    KINESSO is the tech-driven performance arm of IPG Mediabrands that currently accounts for 90 per cent of the headcount in Pune.

    KINESSO and Acxiom global CEO Jarrod Martin added; “We have built a network of global capability centres providing essential services, and India is our single biggest hub market, servicing other countries around the world. By centralising all these capabilities in one location, the Pune GCC will enable us to implement the highest standards media activation across all campaigns and brands, facilitate shared learnings, and enhanced product development. India is a world-leading source of advanced talent, and IPG Mediabrands is committed to tapping into this expertise to elevate our product and service delivery to clients.”

    IPG Mediabrands India CEO Shashi Sinha commented, “The launch of the IPG Mediabrands Pune GCC is a significant milestone in our growth journey, expanding our existing footprint which already includes offices across Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Kochi, and Kolkata. In the last 12 months, we have doubled in size, and with continued growth trajectory anticipate India becoming the second-largest IPG Mediabrands market by employee headcount over the next two years. This not only underscores our continued commitment to investing in India, but also highlights our strategic focus on leveraging advanced talent to drive media innovation.”

    The launch of IPG Mediabrands Pune is effective immediately and will deliver services across various crafts including biddable, analytics, and media operations, with an emphasis on innovation and execution.

  • Manish Bhatnagar joins BEI Confluence as director-digital services

    Manish Bhatnagar joins BEI Confluence as director-digital services

    Mumbai: BEI Confluence, an independent advertising agency in India, has announced a strategic addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Manish Bhatnagar, a senior digital marketing professional as director of digital services from 5 August 2024. Manish is a seasoned strategic digital marketing professional with 19 years of experience driving digital marketing & transformation, programmatic marketing, influencer marketing, digital media planning & buying for objective-oriented return on investment (ROI) based marketing plans.

    Manish joins BEI Confluence after a five-year stint as head-digital marketing at Digitalthinkhub, a digital-first agency in Gurugram where he excelled in creating client-centered, successful digital marketing campaigns that resulted in providing the client the desired return on investment (ROI) objectives.

    Manish joined BEI Confluence with stints in digital marketing agencies and media houses including Digital Thinkhub, Percept Ltd, Times Group, Hindustan Times (HT) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Throughout his career he has excelled in developing client-centric digital marketing campaigns & strategies that consistently achieve and exceed desired Return on Investment (ROI) objectives.

    At BEI Confluence he joins in a leadership position heading the Digital Team and from the agency’s side will lead the Digital initiatives on Digital First brands like Biryani by Kilo, Kajaria Kerovit, Insecticides (India) Ltd, JK Group, Modi Group’s flagship brands and many more.

    On his appointment, BEI Confluence CMD Tapas Gupta commented, “As the world of advertising in India is rapidly moving towards a Digital-First approach, investing in bright & seasoned digital resources and digital technology have been our key priorities in the last few years. Manish’s appointment is in line with our vision of rapidly transforming BEI Confluence into one of India’s foremost talent & technology-based 360, fully Indian and independent Marketing Communications agencies in the next two years.”  

    BEI Confluence joint MD Abhishek Gupta stated, “We are delighted to have Manish head our Digital initiatives and lead a large team of digital professionals to provide our clients with Digital-First solutions that will help our brands acquire greater salience, achieve Return on Investment (ROI) driven results and build a robust future for these brands. I strongly believe Manish with his impressive credentials and rich experience in building brands digitally will be able to take BEI Confluence’s Digital initiatives to its next level. We wish him the very best.”

    Manish Bhatnagar added, “I am thrilled to join BEI Confluence and contribute to its dynamic team. The opportunity to work for such a forward-thinking organisation aligns perfectly with my passion for creating impactful digital marketing strategies. I am eager to leverage my experience to drive innovative campaigns and achieve outstanding results for our clients.”

  • Archies launches digital ad campaign for Rakshabandhan “RishteJazbatonKe”

    Archies launches digital ad campaign for Rakshabandhan “RishteJazbatonKe”

    Mumbai: Archies, the beloved and iconic gifting brand with a rich legacy in the industry, has consistently been spreading love, joy, and heartfelt connections. This Raksha Bandhan, celebrates Rishte with Archies as it is thrilled to announce the launch of its campaign video, “Rishte Jazbaton Ke”.

    This campaign is launched digitally to cherish the siblings’ love and the unbreakable bonds shared between a sister and a brother, from those petty fights over a TV remote to complaining about to parents to cover for each other in adulthood, Archies aims to bring to life the cherished memories and deep connections that make this festival special.

    The video beautifully portrays the emotions, affection, and rituals associated with Raksha Bandhan, demonstrating how Archies’ broad gift selection can make the occasion even more unforgettable. Archies continue to provide a diverse range of personalized presents, such as Rakhi hampers, greeting cards, and customized keepsakes, all designed to strengthen the bonds of love between siblings.

    With this launch, Archies executive director Varun Moolchandani said, “We are excited to launch the ‘RishteJazbatonKe’ campaign this Raksha Bandhan, we want to celebrate the timeless and unbreakable ties of love that define this celebration. We hope that our campaign and carefully curated range of gifts bring joy and create lasting memories for siblings everywhere.”

    Express the love you have for your sibling with Archies this Raksha Bandhan as it has something special for every brother and sister. Whether you are together or miles apart, Archies’ unique and personalized gifts ensure that your love and appreciation are beautifully conveyed.

     

     

  • The evolution of theme parks: A game-changer in amusement industry development

    The evolution of theme parks: A game-changer in amusement industry development

    Mumbai: In our modern, fast-paced world, the entertainment industry is always changing to match the evolving tastes of both adventure enthusiasts and families. A particularly exciting and imaginative idea that has emerged recently is the theme park – a revolutionary concept that has completely transformed how we enjoy entertainment.

    Theme Parks: A new dimension of entertainment

    Theme parks have revolutionised the amusement industry by providing immersive experiences that cater to individuals of all age groups. Their substantial growth and revenue generation underline the immense popularity of such experiences. This shift indicates a strong preference among audiences for complete engagement in diverse adventures.

    Why theme parks are gaining popularity

    1. Creating Stories: Theme parks go beyond rides, telling exciting stories around their attractions. This kind of storytelling creates emotional connections, making the experience memorable. Whether it’s fantasy, history, or space adventures, theme parks offer an exciting escape from reality.

    2. Family Fun: Families enjoy theme parks because they offer something for everyone. From thrilling rides for the brave to gentle attractions and play areas for kids, there’s something enjoyable for every family member.

    3. Learning and Enjoyment: Many theme parks combine fun with learning, sharing history, science, art, and culture in an entertaining way. This mix provides a fun experience that also teaches something new.

    4. Moments to Cherish: Theme parks create shareable moments perfect for social media. The desire to join the fun and the fear of missing out motivate people to visit and share their adventures online, boosting the parks’ popularity.

    5. Theme amusement parks are distinctly different from any other form of leisure & entertainment as it offer interactive and participative forms of entertainment in a safe & environment-friendly atmosphere.

    6. Theme parks are revolutionary as these are nowadays based on various innovative themes ranging from Children entertainment to Family attractions and Water/Snow games. Indoor amusements to science parks offering edutainment. Adventure sports are also based on various themes. History and general knowledge-based parks, religious theme parks, and Space experience-oriented parks are also becoming popular.

    7. To instil confidence in the minds of the visitors, the advent of modern and updated science & technology park attraction designs are always conscience of human safety.

    The challenges and future of theme parks

    Theme parks have won over many people, but they also deal with challenges in staying attractive and important. Finding a balance between new ideas and keeping beloved attractions is crucial to match changing preferences while honouring nostalgia. Moreover, addressing concerns about environmental sustainability, inclusiveness, and crowd control is vital for the industry’s success.

    The future of theme parks looks thrilling, thanks to progress in technology and design. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive features are set to elevate theme park experiences, captivating visitors like never before.

    Conclusion: A new era of entertainment

    Theme parks have revolutionised entertainment by combining fantasy, adventure, and education. Their continuous improvement is changing how we enjoy ourselves and create cherished memories with family and friends. Exploring these meticulously designed realms offers a thrilling and enchanting getaway, making theme parks a captivating and enduring concept in the entertainment landscape.

    In a world that treasures experiences and memories, theme parks showcase human creativity and our yearning for extraordinary journeys. As this new era of entertainment unfolds, we eagerly anticipate the remarkable opportunities that theme parks will provide to inspire upcoming generations.

    This article has been authored by  IAAPI chairman Srikant Goenka

  • Kushal’s fashion jewellery launches digital film for Varamahalakshmi campaign

    Kushal’s fashion jewellery launches digital film for Varamahalakshmi campaign

    Mumbai: Kushal’s, a fashion and silver jewellery brand, unveils its Varamahalakshmi Vratam campaign under the theme celebrate The Goddess In You. This campaign aims to honour the strength, beauty, and grace inherent in every woman, invoking a sense of prosperity.

    The centrepiece of this campaign is a 60-second digital film that opens with the protagonist emerging from a watery abode. Water is often associated with abundance and prosperity. The protagonist then enters the home which symbolises the flow of wealth and luck, depicting the divine essence of Goddess Lakshmi entering the everyday life of a woman. These visual metaphors suggest that qualities such as prosperity, grace, and strength are inherent in every woman, and she brings these attributes into her home and daily existence. Emerging from water also represents rising above challenges and embracing one’s inner power, while entering the house signifies grounding this power in her life.

    Throughout the video, the protagonist is adorned in Kushal’s Varamahalakshmi Vratam collection, which features an exquisite array of curated Temple jewellery, meticulously crafted in antique finish and in 92.5 Silver. The brand has launched a carefully curated collection of over 200 designs, including stunning chokers, short necklaces, long haar, statement pieces with medallions, and layered chains.

    “The film will be amplified through a digital campaign across platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Google, and more,” said Kushal’s director of marketing Ankit Gulecha. “We are well poised to see a 40 per cent growth over last year this Varamahalakshmi, a festival celebrated with much fanfare in South India. Our collection this year which is available across our brand stores in the South perfectly captures the essence of the modern Indian woman, embodying the spirit of Goddess Lakshmi.”

    Currently, 20 per cent of Kushal’s business comes from online sales. With an already robust offline presence in metros like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune the brand is now working on enhancing its online presence hence is investing in creating impactful digital campaigns. The festive season brings heightened online activity, with people actively seeking fashion and silver jewellery to pair with their outfits and as gifts and special purchases. Digital campaigns like Varamahalakshmi Vratam Campaign are tailored for such occasions capturing increased attention and driving more traffic to the brand’s website and social media channels. Across Asia-Pacific the Indian fashion jewellery market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032 Successful festive campaigns will attract new customers who will continue to engage with the brand beyond the festive season, leading to sustained growth in the brand’s online presence and revenue.

    Kushal’s gorgeous Varamahalakshmi Vratam Collection can be purchased from Kushal’s app and brand website at www.kushals.com Kushal’s, which has over 90 stores across 30 cities, offers the Varamahalakshmi Collection in stores located throughout South India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysore, and many more.