Sydney, Australia – The most promising up-and-coming creatives in the Asia-Pacific region are set to have their work judged by an illustrious panel of advertising leaders. Known as the Super Jury, this group consists of high-profile executive creative directors (ECDs), chief creative officers (CCOs), and strategists tasked with selecting the top student from APAC’s foremost talent development program in advertising.
The 2024 Super Jury line-up boasts renowned figures from the global advertising scene. Among them are Greg Hahn, co-founder and CCO of Mischief from the USA, and Helen Rhodes, ECD at BBH London. They are joined by Jim Curtis, global EVP and ECD at McCann, USA; Erica Stevens of nice&frank in New York City; and Guan Hin Tay, creative chairman at BBDO Singapore. The panel also includes Maria Devereux from Accenture Song North America and Tim McDonell from AKQA USA, with Ashley Davis Marshall of The Martin Agency, USA, Asheen Naidu of TBWA Group Singapore, and Daniel Walton, creative strategist at Meta – Creative Shop in Southeast Asia rounding out the group.
Scott Dettrick and Sharon Edmondston, both serving as national co-heads of the AWARD School, emphasized the caliber of this year’s jury. Dettrick noted that the panel includes some of the world’s most awarded creatives, ensuring that the students’ vibrant portfolios are in capable hands. Edmondston added that this year’s cohorts exhibited exceptional dedication and creativity throughout their 12-week course, aligning with the growing importance of storytelling in the industry.
Reflecting on the influence of emerging talents, Daniel Walton expressed his enthusiasm about this year’s new creative minds, whom he described as critical thinkers at a crucial industry juncture. He is particularly interested in seeing how the students integrate progressive technology with a touch of humanity in their work.
Judging for the Super Jury will take place online starting this Friday. The process culminates in the AWARD School state graduation events scheduled for August 6 across various locations, including NSW, VIC, WA, QLD, SA, as well as through an online program.
The anticipation will peak on the evening of August 15 during The Gold Pencil Award Party, held as part of “This Way Up,” Australia’s festival celebrating creativity in advertising. Here, the national top student of the AWARD School will be announced.
Success at the state level ensures candidates’ automatic entry into the prestigious Super Jury round. Both AWARD and the Advertising Council Australia have extended their best wishes to all competitors, heralding this as an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their talents at a crucial stepping stone in their creative careers.