Brisbane Advertising Association community brings the heat at “BAAnival” themed Xmas Lunch – Over $12k raised for The Pyjama Foundation

The Brisbane Advertising Association (BAA) has been the heartbeat of Brisbane’s advertising and media community since 1989. Created by industry leaders to connect the sector and give back, BAA has since contributed to dozens of charity partners and supported members of the local industry during times of hardship.

Run entirely by a volunteer committee, BAA remains a unique fixture in the Queensland market. Each year, the industry “shuts down for the day” to come together, celebrate, honour peers, and raise funds for an important cause.

This year, BAA brought the colour and rhythm of Rio to The Star Brisbane for its annual Christmas Lunch on Friday, 5 December. Under the theme “BAAnival”, more than 650 members of Brisbane’s advertising and media community filled the room with feathers, sequins, and samba, celebrating the year while supporting The Pyjama Foundation through UnLtd, empowering children in foster care with vital learning skills and confidence.

The event included a heartfelt tribute to Kat Droulers, whose contribution to the industry and wider community continues to inspire.

Says Emily McDonald, President of the Brisbane Advertising Association: “BAA is proud to bring our community together in such a meaningful way each year. BAAnival captured the energy and creativity of our industry – a celebration with purpose, reminding us of the power we have when we come together.”

Says Emma Davis, QLD GM of UnLtd: “The support from the Brisbane advertising community continues to amaze us. The funds raised from this event, and our ongoing partnership with BAA, will directly impact The Pyjama Foundation, helping create brighter futures for children in out-of-home care. Beyond the fundraising, we’ve seen the industry donate hundreds of Christmas gifts in recent months, driving purpose and Christmas spirit.”

Says Bronwyn Sheehan (pictured above), CEO and Founder of The Pyjama Foundation: “We are thrilled to have partnered with the Brisbane Advertising Association this year as the industry’s chosen charity partner. This partnership has helped us raise awareness, recruit volunteers, collect gifts, and fundraise across the year. The Christmas Lunch donation of over $12,000 will help us recruit, train, and match even more Pyjama Angels in 2026.”

With dazzling costumes, live entertainment, and ten generous sponsors, BAAnival delivered an afternoon full of creativity, connection, and good fun. With a number of partners activating elements like the photo booths and glam bots, non-stop prizes, and a buzzing charity prize wall, the event captured the generosity and spirit that defines Brisbane’s advertising community.

Sponsors included David Jones Amplify, Channel Factory, Val Morgan, Blis, SBS, Spotify, News Corp, Vevo, LiSTNR, and AOSco. Partner contributions came from UnLtd, Klyp, Spot, Charity, Ridefree, Noosa Heads, and Oyster Bay.

Says Nick Smithwick, David Jones: “Being part of BAAnival this year was incredibly valuable for our team. The event brought together a passionate and collaborative Brisbane advertising community, and offered a brilliant platform to connect, celebrate and champion creativity across the industry. Seeing everyone light up at the David Jones Amplify x Channel Factory Glam Bot activation was a real highlight — it created so much energy, connection and pure fun.”

Says Carla Mathisen, Head of Sales Brisbane, SCA: “We sponsor BAA to give back to the industry that supports us and to showcase LiSTNR to a truly engaged Brisbane audience. As a former BAA President, it’s special to stay connected to an event that unites our media community.”

Says Blair Kelly, Group Sales Manager ANZ, Vevo: “BAA distils the essence of the unique community-orientated Brisbane media market. It is a fantastic opportunity to rekindle old friendships, make new ones, and support great charity initiatives. I particularly appreciated the tribute to loved professionals in the industry and BAA has become a staple on our yearly social calendar.”

Says Brad Roberts, QLD Group Sales Manager, SBS Media: “SBS is extremely proud of our association with BAA, and we value the special uniqueness that the organisation delivers to the Brisbane advertising community. It would be hard to imagine our community without BAA… and especially BAA Christmas!”

Jesse McIntyre, Sales Director, AOSco: “BAAnival was a vibrant, full-colour sensory overload this year! The theme set the tone for a genuinely fun day. Supporting BAA matters to AOSco because it gives back to the industry that helped us grow and brings Brisbane’s advertising community together beyond day-to-day business.”

The BAA Christmas Lunch remains a standout of the industry calendar – connecting peers, celebrating achievements, and giving back.

If you’d like to learn more about ways to sponsor or be a part of this event, reach out to committee@baa.org.au.