APG Strategy Awards launches call for entries; deadline for entries Wednesday, September 28th

The search for the industry’s most outstanding strategic thinking is on, with the launch of the 2016 APG Strategy Awards Call for Entries.

The deadline for entries is 5pm Wednesday, September 28. For more information on the awards and to submit your entry, visit The Communications Council website.

Unique in its focus on the contribution of the strategist, the APG Strategy Awards are held biannually and celebrate brilliantly influential thinking that demonstrates the value of strategy.

A number of key changes have been made this year, to reflect the wider remit of modern planning, and the different types of planning across a range of agencies, from creative, to media, to digital, PR and beyond.

Says Angela Morris, Account Planning Group chair and executive planning director, J. Walter Thompson: “Since launching in 2004, the discipline of planning has evolved significantly, in line with changes in our industry, channels and consumer behaviour. Strategy is now adding value to a wider variety of different projects across many different types of Agency and increasingly collaboratively. Strategists are contributing earlier by solving  business problems and involved throughout the process in many different ways, from inspiration to in market optimization and beyond. It is important that these changes are reflected in the APG awards.”

This year’s newly created categories therefore include:

●    Business Planning (how strategic thinking helped a business to grow/overcome barriers using marketing levers other than communications – e.g. pricing, distribution, product etc.)

●    Brand and / or Creative Planning (inc. brand strategy and/or creative & campaign planning across any channel)

●    Connections Planning (inc. channel, context etc.)

●    Responsive Planning (inc. real time, reactive, optimization)

Awards will be allocated for Gold, Silver and Bronze, with a best in show Grand Prix awarded for overall excellence. A number of special prizes are also available for entrants to showcase areas of specific focus.

Morris continued: “Our judges are looking for evidence of how your strategy or strategic input has had a significant influence in terms of solving the challenge. Winning submissions will be those that best demonstrate how the strategy influenced and therefore maximised the opportunities for the brand, product or client.”

Case studies may be entered on behalf of corporate, government or charitable organisations. Papers may be submitted by an individual or more than one person.

The APG is a member group within The Communications Council, dedicated to championing the value of planning in delivering influential thinking that grows businesses and brands. To become a member of the creative strategy community or for more information, visit The Communications Council website.