Spikes Asia 2013 kicks off

“Spikes is about inspiration, learning, and showcasing the best work from the Asia-Pacific region,” Terry Savage, chairman of Lions Festivals, told Campaign Asia-Pacific. “At a time when the pace of change is massive, the standout differentiator is creativity. So at the end of the week, if our delegates go home inspired, with more knowledge and a fresh, reinvigorated approach to creating great work, we will think it has been a good Spikes.”

The entries cover 16 different awards categories, including Film (373), Print (565), Outdoor (762), Radio (154), Media 447), Direct (342), Promo & Activation (385), Digital (273), Print & Poster Craft (368), Film Craft (331), Design (263), PR (195), Mobile (124), Integrated (58), Branded Content & Entertainment (161), and Creative Effectiveness (31).

Australia leads the way with 710 entries, followed by China with 679, Japan with 622, Singapore with 520, India with 509 and Hong Kong with 307.

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“It can clearly be seen from the results at Cannes that Asia-Pacific is very strong at the moment,” Savage said. “Whilst Australia and New Zealand had vintage years, China got their best tally ever at Cannes, and overall right across the region from India to South Korea and from the Philippines to Japan, the region performed well.”

Tech Talk, a new addition to this year’s festival, will see digital technology companies, including Amobee, Trinax and Videology, showcasing the collaboration between technology and creativity.

In addition, this year’s forums will be themed with an opportunity to participate in Q&As with the speakers at the end of each session. The Festival is also running four Young Spikes Academies this year, including Marketers, Creative, Media and Account Executive Academies.

“Once again, it’s all about development and learning,” said Savage. “But of course, with over 30 seminars and a fantastic speakers lineup, the content is new, interesting and relevant.”

The 10 juries, made up of 78 industry practitioners from Asia-Pacific and beyond, will vote and decide on who will take home the Spikes awards during the festival.

And don't forget the parties. So many parties.

The winners will be revealed during the Spikes Asia awards ceremony on Tuesday evening, 17 September, at the Grand Theatre at the Marina Bay Sands. Other accolades that will be announced include Agency of the Year, Independent Agency of the Year, Media Agency of the Year, Network of the Year, and the Spikes Palm Award which is presented to the most awarded production company. Metro, Melbourne’s train system, will be honoured with the 2013 Advertiser of the Year award.

Whether you're attending Spikes or want to monitor from afar, tune into our complete coverage here, or download the official Spikes Asia 2013 app, powered by PHD.