MediaWorks pitch training to launch in the US following success in Asia

Already in its eighth successful year in Asia, MediaWorks Americas will be produced under license from Haymarket Media, the group's Hong Kong-based Asia subsidiary, by CMS Americas LLC, a company established by Michael Lee, former IAA chairman and executive director and chief executive officer of Lee and Steel, and Frank Ferrer, CEO of MFM Global.

The training programme will be held at The Biltmore Hotel in Miami 11-14 June 2012.

"We are very excited to partner with Haymarket Media and launch this unique, pitch-focused career training for the ad industry here," said Lee. "It's been a big success in Asia and the feedback we've received already has been overwhelming as companies seek to invest in and improve their own intellectual talent. We believe this program delivers that." 

MediaWorks Americas is designed to create an intense and challenging three-day course that will expose and equip the rising stars of media and advertising with additional skills to meet the needs of a fast-moving and demanding industry.  

Tim Waldron, managing director, Haymarket Media commented, "MediaWorks Asia-Pacific has received considerable delegate support from media networks such as Aegis, Havas, Interpublic, Publicis Group, Omnicom and WPP companies. That's a true statement that they believe in investing in their people for the future."

Waldron added that the industry is often criticised for not attracting talent or investing in it. "MediaWorks has made a positive contribution toward addressing that issue," he said. "We are delighted to have identified an effective partner in CMS Americas to begin the international expansion of MediaWorks." 

During the course, the teams receive a brief directly from the client and then prepare for their pitch in real-time, with a team of leading industry experts on hand to guide them through the process. Additional course presentations centre on how to present, how agency consultants advise clients, what's new in media, and the role of procurement. Recent MediaWorks clients have included Coke, Motorola, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Joanne Davis, whose company Joanne Davis Consulting has helped clients manage agency reviews for more than a decade said, "As new business consultants, Jane Twyon and I try to help media agencies reach the same high standard in new business review, presentation, and creative skills as their "creative" peers. This program will be another way to give agencies and clients an opportunity to set the bar higher."