The APEX Awards recognises effectiveness in advertising and communications campaigns that delivered tangible and measurable returns on marketing investment or objectives. Agencies and their clients are invited to enter their best work into the 2018 awards.

According to ACA, winning an APEX Award aims to allow marketers to justify increased budget allocation while providing agencies with the ability to highlight the value they add to client business objectives and the resultant bottom line.

"With respect to budget allocation for advertising and communications expenses, spend is an investment rather than an expense. The APEX Awards reflects this by providing proof of how advertising and communications campaigns have the ability to deliver measured and effective returns on that particular investment," says Odette van der Haar, ACA CEO.

Entrants are required to submit case studies detailing their campaigns, aiming to ensure that the isolation of the effects of the marketing communications is clearly detailed. 

The three APEX categories 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. For example, 36 months.
"We encourage all agencies and their clients, to enter their most effective work into the 2018 APEX Awards. Entry is open to all agencies, whether an ACA member or not. We are looking forward to another year of showcasing the value our industry adds to commercial brand success," concludes van der Haar.

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

Briefing session in Johannesburg:

AAA School of Advertising Johannesburg Campus
Date: Tuesday, 6 February 2018
Time: 14h00 to 16h00
Venue: AAA House
The Braes Office Park
3 Eaton Road
Bryanston

Briefing session in Cape Town:

AAA School of Advertising Cape Town Campus
Date: Thursday, 8 February 2018
Time: 14h00 to 16h00
Venue: 6th Floor
AAA House
112 Long Street
Cape Town
Parking: 81 Longmarket Street
Netcare Christiaan Barnard Hospital (approx. 100m from the campus)

The briefing session will provide information on how to enter, compile, and win an APEX Award. While attendance is free of charge, seats are limited. To reserve space for either one or both of the briefing sessions, participants can send an email to [email protected].

For more information, visit www.acasa.co.za or contact [email protected].