The 2016 APEX Awards season is officially open

The awards programme was launched in South Africa 1995, following the success of effectiveness awards programmes globally. Countries such as England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland established similar programs as far back as 1980 and have since become the most sought after advertising and awards programs globally because they represent a robust defence of how advertising and communications works. Without awards of this nature, the profession would have very little moral leg to stand on in a business world that has become increasingly cynical and value-conscious.

Agencies and their clients are invited to enter their best work, i.e. communications campaigns that generated a measured and proven return on investment, into the 2016 APEX Awards. Given the importance of the APEX Awards and what it represents, the standard is high and will not be compromised.

Entrants are required to submit case studies detailing their campaigns and how all possible factors other than the campaigns have been considered as causes for brand success and in so doing, systematically prove a case for the campaigns themselves as being the cause for the brand success.

“The purpose of the APEX Awards is to encourage agencies and their clients to develop new, higher, best practise standards for measurement of advertising and communications campaigns and it promotes a better understanding of the business and why spending money on advertising and communications is a business investment – not an expense,” explained ACA CEO Odette van der Haar.

There are three APEX categories into which campaigns may be entered – they are:

• Launch – for brands or services that are less than 12 months old with no significant history of advertising;
• Change – for new campaigns from previously advertised brands that resulted in significant short-term effects on sales and/or behaviour – short-term being within a period of no more than 18 months; and
• Sustain – for campaigns that benefited a business by maintaining or strengthening a brand over a long period, i.e. 36 months.

“An APEX Award represents both strategic and creative effectiveness which positions winners as being leaders of a profession that is constantly evolving and redefining creativity and effectiveness,” explains Andy Rice, chairperson of the APEX 2016 Jury.

Compulsory briefing sessions for all entrants will be held at the AAA campuses in Johannesburg and Cape Town, as follows:

• Johannesburg: 14:00 to 16:00 on Thursday, 28 January; and
• Cape Town: 14:00 to 16:00 on Tuesday, 2 February.

At these sessions, entrants will receive information on how to enter, compile and win an APEX. While attendance is free of charge, seats are limited – booking of seats is essential. To book a seat at one or both of the briefing sessions, send an email to [email protected].

The annual APEX Awards is hosted by the ACA with key partner, SABC and sponsors Millward Brown and Unilever. 

For more information, visit the website, email [email protected] or phone the ACA on +27 11 781-2772/3. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.