Thursday, 6 July will kick off with the Masterclass, which is hosted by Provantage Media Group, where six industry and business leaders will take to the stage to deliver addresses on the topic of ‘Effective Creative Innovation’.

The Masterclass line-up of speakers include:

  • Brett St Clair – Head of digital product management, Barclays Africa;
  • Luke Mckend – Country director, Google South Africa;
  • Sinazo Sibisi – Social innovation consultant and corporate executive;
  • Justin Spratt – Head of business, sub-Saharan Africa, Uber;
  • Gareth Cliff – President, Cliffcentral.com; and
  • Natalie Botha – Director, creative development, Africa & Middle East, Kantar Millward Brown.

The annual awards ceremony attracts more than 400 professionals in the industry, from the advertising and communications sector, commercial business, industry stakeholders, key stakeholders from government, and members of the media will take place later, on the evening of the same day.

APEX is more than just an opportunity to celebrate the effectiveness of communications campaigns – proceeds raised from the awards programme and events funds bursaries for the previously disadvantaged, and female students, from the AAA School of Advertising.

A total of 60 students have been provided assistance with funding their tertiary education since the APEX bursary programme was launched in 2010. Bursary recipients are selected against stringent criteria, and without the funding provided by the APEX programme, may not be in a position to pay for, and obtain their tertiary qualifications.

By supporting the APEX events, patrons are afforded an opportunity to learn, gain valuable insights, and be inspired by business professionals at the Masterclass, network, and attend the awards ceremony gala dinner, while investing in the future of the profession.

Odette van der Haar, CEO of the ACA, says, "This is a significant event for the profession. It is a celebration and recognition of work that works. Work that delivered a return on investment and/or objectives. APEX furthermore contributes to maintaining the high standards of the profession through the awarding of bursaries to deserving students at the AAA School of Advertising." 

The 2017 APEX Awards is hosted by the ACA in partnership with Provantage Media Group and Mindshare South Africa, and with sponsors, Liberty, Kantar Millward Brown, and Unilever.

“The ACA thanks our key partners, sponsors, and contributing companies for the collaboration and support provided to the APEX Awards. Without their participation, staging the events and providing much-needed bursaries would not be possible. We thank all involved and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership going forward,” adds van der Haar.

You can book tickets here.

For more information, visit www.acasa.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.