AWARD School unveils international and local lineup of renowned headline speakers for 2024
AWARD School, APAC’s hotbed for creative talent, has today announced a stellar lineup of local and international speakers who’ll share their insights with students as part of this year’s course.
An ensemble of top ECDs, CCOs and CDs from renowned creative hubs, New York and Amsterdam, will join Australia’s creative leaders to help upskill emerging talent in the evolving art of creativity.
This year, new course content will cover the latest trends and industry developments including creative AI, stereotyping, innovation, behaviour change and more – to equip participants with the tools and inspiration they need to excel in the dynamic world of commercial creativity.
Says Scott Dettrick, national co-head at AWARD School and creative director, The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song: “To have direct access to luminaries from the world’s creative capitals is a money-can’t-buy opportunity and we’re proud to be able to offer it exclusively to AWARD School students.”
Headline speakers for AWARD School 2024 include:
- • Eamonn Dixon, Executive Creative Director, Goodby Silverstein & Partners NYC: A specialist in experiential and digital activations.
- • Helen King, Creative Director, Adidas Amsterdam: An internationally acclaimed creative recognised for her work on blockbuster TV campaigns right through to immersive and interactive VR.
- • Ant Keogh, Chief Creative Officer, The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song: One of 10 global creative leaders recognised for reinventing the ad industry, Keogh will share his secrets to harnessing the power of film and TV.
- • Micah Walker, Chief Creative Officer/Founder, Bear Meets Eagle On Fire, has worked with some of the world’s most respected brands and agencies. He’ll share the fundamentals of great film and TV – how to generate ideas, great ads, tight scripts, storyboards and more.
- • James Bruce, Founder, Strangelove Beverage co: The former AWARD School student will reveal the inspiration for his soda brand, which was acquired by Asahi in 2003, and how his simple idea for an adult soft drink became one of Australia’s fastest-growing beverage companies.
- • Esther Clerehan, Founder/CEO, CLEREHAN & mentor, The Aunties, brings a wealth of experience in developing creative talent. Students are in for a transformative mentorship experience.
A full list of speakers can be found here.
More than 100 top industry creatives from agencies such as CHEP Network, Dentsu Creative, The Monkeys, 303 MullenLowe and Howatson+Co have also signed on as AWARD School tutors, hosting weekly tutorials and reviewing creative work as part of mentoring students through the 12-week course.
Says Sharon Edmondston, national school co-head and group creative director at M&C Saatchi: “Once again, some serious heavyweights have rallied to guide the next generation of storytellers, content creators and big thinkers through AWARD School, the industry’s must-do creative course.
“Importantly, everyone is welcome to apply. Whether you’re in regional or remote Australia, Southeast Asia or New Zealand, we have a comprehensive online program hosted by experts plus always-on assistance to support you. No experience is required.”
If you work at an Advertising Council Australia member agency and would like to be an AWARD School tutor this year, nominations are still open. Please email xiuwenbo@adcouncil.org.au to apply.
6 Comments
2 women speakers and 4 blokes… an accurate reflection of the current ratio of women in creative departments (27% according to ACA’s own data). A more optimistic ratio would have been nice! No shade to the amazing individuals, students will be lucky to hear from them.
8 women out of 21 speakers.
And AWARD is probably one of the more conscientious organisations.
So while it could be better, it’s not bad.
Optimistic even.
Sadly, this line-up is an indictment of the industry at large – one which pushes experienced women out of the best creative opportunities and then, when they’re too “old” (expensive) or too maternal, out of the workforce altogether. No wonder women are leaving and never coming back. Why keep taking the hits to their self-confidence and superannuations? The Ad Industry is in crisis – and it’s hard industry to sell to young ad students when the portrait of their future potential within it consistently reveals its gaping injustices and inequities. The ACA needs to do it’s part to get agencies to become more attractive and secure places to work, and to get shareholders caring about the impacts their aggressive cuts to agency talent have on their long-term viability.
An incredible line-up of talent to nurture and enlighten the younger gen coming through!
hear hear 👏👏👏
There’s now a social media trend of women in their 30s furiously commenting/self-posting about the social pressure they copped to not halt their career for a bit to have kids.
Over 50% of women over the age 30 are single. And of that 50% – half want children but can’t find a partner.
You’ve also got an issue where 75% of men over the age of 30 are single. – and HALF aren’t looking for a partner.
Well fucking done.
Esther is the best btw.