Image courtesy of Jimmy Smith

The highlight is the DStv Seminar of Creativity, which takes place on the Friday of Creative Week (19 August 2016). The seminar includes Jury Presidents and global thought leaders giving their views on the value that creativity adds. Jury Presidents this year include some of the most iconic and creatively talented individuals in the field.

2016 Loeries® Jury Presidents

Advertising veteran and CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment Jimmy Smith will bring his unique insight to the judging panel, having previously worked his magic in a variety of roles as a copywriter, creative director, author, TV writer, video game creator, and film and record producer in Los Angeles. This wealth of experience, infused with good old-fashioned LA funk, is what will stand Jimmy in good stead as Jury President of the Print, Outdoor & Out of Home category at this year’s Loeries® Judging. “I’m actually speechless. Words can’t describe how excited I am to be a Jury President of the Loeries® and speak at the DStv Seminar of Creativity,” he says.

There’s a reason most creatives in London hang on to every thought of Laura Jordan-Bambach. The digital icon and creative director of Mr President in London has, over the past two decades, brought her fresh and experimental approach to brand communications. Combining tech insights with passionate storytelling, she has won numerous awards for her commercial work and has been recognised globally as an innovator and industry leader.

The former president of D&AD has recently been named one of Britain’s most influential people. On being invited to judge the Communication Design category this year, Laura says: “I’m incredibly thrilled to be Jury President this year at one of the most electric awards shows on the global calendar. The Loeries® is an opportunity for the world to celebrate work that defies the conventions set in other regions and that speaks with its own distinct voices. I’m honoured to be part of this amazing festival of creativity.”

Susan Credle, the Global Chief Creative officer of FCB New York, is undoubtedly a leader in the global advertising industry. As an important voice in the industry, Susan is always in search of purpose-driven ideas, an example being cosmetics company Secret’s anti-bullying initiative, “Mean Stinks”, which continues to make a difference in young girls’ lives. She’s been named as one of Advertising Age’s 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising as well as one of Business Insider’s Most Creative People in Advertising. In 2014, she was the Cannes Lions Jury President for Promo & Activation. Susan, who will this year lead the jury panel in the TV, Film, Video & Radio Communication category, says: "Throughout my career, I have always looked to Africa and the Middle East to show me new ways to think about creative communication. This is an area of the world that is exploding with cultural diversity, mobile and digital growth, and the exchange of bold, innovative and forward-thinking ideas. I’m excited to be a part of the Loeries this year. I am sure we will see the future of advertising unfolding."

Bridget Jung is a seasoned creative director with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry. She’s at her best helping agencies and brands find the right approach to creating integrated advertising that builds solid reputations, sells products and wins awards. She gained most of her professional experience in Europe, where she was recently the Chief Creative Officer at DigitasLBi Paris. With Bridget at the helm, DigitasLBi was named Digital Agency of the Year in 2013 and won more than 21 international creative awards in the same year.

Since moving back to her native Australia, Bridget founded Jungle, a creative consultancy in Sydney that focuses on sports marketing. “I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Loeries® – there’s no better time to be judging digital! Each awards show is different and I particularly like the positioning of the Loeries®, which is focused on promoting the value that creativity adds – to brands, our economy and the quality of our lives. I'm hoping to see great examples that bring this to life,” says this year’s jury panel leader for the Digital & Interactive Communication category.

With Jury Presidents that have a wealth of experience and global industry insight, this year’s DStv Seminar of Creativity is bound to once again raise the bar in the bright and exciting world of brand communication. Loeries® Chairman, Neo Mashigo says: “As brand communication continues to evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, we are proud to present speakers who are at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation and creativity. Each has instituted changes that challenge and shift the status quo. Through their experience and track records of proven results, their presentations will prove to be invaluable.”

Enter your best work, and book your tickets to Loeries® Creative Week™ Durban on www.loeries.com.

Major Partners of the Loeries 2016

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Province (EDTEA), EThekwini Municipality – Durban Tourism, DStv Media Sales, and Gearhouse South Africa

Category Partners

Adams & Adams, ADreach, Channel O, Film & Publication Board, Google, Independent Media, JCDecaux (formerly Continental Outdoor Media), Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), The Times, Unilever South Africa, Woolworths, and YFM

Additional Partners and Official Suppliers

AAA School of Advertising, Antalis South Africa, Aon South Africa, Arcade Content, Backsberg, BEE Online, Brand Council SA, Clive Stewart Photography, Egg Films, First Source, Funk Productions, Gallo Images, Graphica, Grid Worldwide, Hetzner, Media Film Service, Multiprint Litho, Native VML, Newsclip, Paygate, Rocketseed, Red Hot Ops, Scan Display, South African Airways, Telkom SA SOC Ltd, Tiekie Barnard Consultancy, Tsogo Sun, Vega School of Brand Leadership

Official Media Partners

Adlip.com, Between 10 & 5, Bizcommunity.com, Brandwork Nigeria, Coloribus Advertising Archive, Design Times, Film & Event Media, iDidTht.com, Music in Africa, Nex Media, The Redzone