Next generation of Australia’s best marketing brains called for 2013 IAA ‘Big Idea’ challenge with client Kids Helpline – deadline Tues, Sept 24
It’s that time of year again, where Australia’s marketing and communications students can put themselves to the test, with entries now open for the annual International Advertising Association (IAA) ‘Big Idea’ challenge.
The IAA ‘Big Idea’ competition is Australia’s only national student marketing communications (marcomms) competition. Communications faculties across the country are called to enter student teams into the competition that aims to unearth the brightest stars of the communications industry’s generation next.
For more information, please visit http://iaa.org.au/education.
The Challenge provides a unique opportunity for student teams to put their classroom learnings to the test and try to crack an actual marketing communications brief for a real
not-for-profit client.
This year’s client is Kids Helpline, Australia’s only National 24/7 private and confidential counseling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25 years. Kids Helpline’s mission is to enable young people, especially those who are marginalised and without voice, to improve their quality of life. The IAA is also delighted to announce that Optus will be the major national sponsor for IAA “Big Idea” 2013.
Says Helen Maisano, associate director of CSR for Optus: “Optus is committed to
empowering the next generation of youth to achieving their full potential through the. IAA
Big Idea competition.
“Having worked closely with Kids Helpline since 1999, Optus knows first-hand the exciting range of challenging marketing projects awaiting students involved in the 2013 Big Idea
challenge.”
Says Heather Leembruggen, president and chairman of IAA Australia: “IAA ‘Big Idea’ challenge is an example of the IAA’s on-going commitment to professional development.
“The students are asked to work in agency-style teams to develop a fully integrated communications solution – from the research stage to the creative concept, right through to the final presentation of their finely honed ‘Big Idea’ in response to the client brief.
“The winning ‘Big Idea’ as well as all the ideas submitted by the students are made available to be implemented by the client. So the students get the opportunity to see their campaign ideas in market, sometimes over several years.”
A judging panel comprised of respected industry professionals and the client will score the IAA ‘Big Idea’ submissions, to determine a shortlist of four finalist teams.
The quartet of finalists will then each be required to make face-to-face presentations to the judging panel, ‘the client’ and the IAA board before one team is announced as national champion, winner of the 2013 ‘Big Idea’ competition.
Since its inception in 2003, the IAA Big Idea Challenge has been the Holy Grail for Australian students studying for a career in marcomms and advertising and looking for the all-important first ‘hands on experience’ and ‘foot in the door’.
Sarah Muscat, a member of the University of Sunshine Coast team that was a finalist in last year’s ‘Big Idea’ called it “an amazing experience and a fantastic opportunity to mingle with industry professionals….an excellent addition to my resume.”
Educators have also endorsed the concept from day one.
Says Diane Slade, advertising & creative services course coordinator at Edith Cowan University: “The big idea? Work integrated learning at its very best…. A fantastic endorsement of academic accomplishment to watch, as students put their classroom learning into true real-world practice. What more can we as educators ask for?”
Key IAA ‘Big Idea’ Challenge 2013 Dates:
- 8 July: Official Launch of IAA “Big Idea” 2013
- 24 September: Deadline for receipt of submissions
- 29 October: 4 Team Finalists announced
For more information on the 2013 IAA ‘Big Idea’ go to www.iaa.org.au/education or contact Heather Leembruggen, president & chairman IAA Australia Chapter, on 02 9922
2515 or email: hleembruggen@ozemail.com.au.