Spikes Asia 2010 kicked off in Singapore yesterday with over 1,400 delegates from 23 countries expected to visit the three-day festival culminating in the award ceremony on Tuesday evening. This year marks a record number of delegates, up from 900 last year.
The opening ceremony yesterday was attended by over 500 delegates. Attendees from creative teams, overseas visitors, members of the press and several noted heads of brands milled in to hear Bob Greenberg of R/GA, Tay Guan Hin of JWT and Erik Ingvoldstad of MRM Worldwide at the inaugural event.
"We are extremely happy," said Philip Thomas, CEO of Cannes Lions, joint organisers with Haymarket of Spikes Asia. "From the first presentation the auditorium has been full, so we are delighted."
"We have a lot of engagement from Asia but it is also about global engagement. Look at the speakers, the number of global leaders. This indicates the importance people are putting on Asia as a region," he added.
Global industry heavyweights like WPP's Sir Martin Sorrell, Draftfcb's Howard Draft, Microsoft's Richard Dunmall, JWT's Bob Jeffrey, Havas' David Jones and Leo Burnett's Mark Tutssel will entertain and inspire delegates throughout the two-day festival programme that includes a total of 22 seminars and five workshops.
Other highlights on the programme include Campaign Asia-Pacific editor-in-chief Atifa Silk's interview with BBDO Worldwide CEO Andrew Robertson, DDB's sponsored seminar with former adman and author of The Power of One Bryce Courtenay and the Campaign Asia-Pacific launch party taking place this evening.
In addition, Grey Group adds magic to the line-up during a seminar featuring renowned international magician Cyril Takayama talking about how his approach to the art of magic is parallel to that of the creative industry.
This year, a total of 3,058 entries were received from 22 countries, an increase of 14 per cent from last year. A total of 452 entries were received from India, followed by host country Singapore with 379, Japan with 333 and Australia with 309. Thomas confirmed there has been growth across practically all categories with the Outdoor category receiving the most with a total of 604 entries.
The judging took place yesterday under the watchful eyes of Jury presidents David Lubars (BBDO), Bob Greenberg (R/GA), Rei Inamoto (AKQA), Bill Rosen (Arc Worldwide), Akira Kagami (Dentsu) and Jon Wilkins (Naked Communications).
Jury members Steve Elrick (BBH) and Jun Fukawa (JWT) share their experience from inside the judging on the digital, integrated and direct & sales promotion juries.
Click here to access the full festival programme.
