Celebrating digital innovation - 6 Feb 2017

Welcome to February! It's #DesignMonth on Biz, so expect a good few weeks of content around this always relevant theme.

We kick off with congratulations for Havas Johannesburg's CCO Eoin Welsh, who joins the New York Festivals' 2017 grand jury. The awards honour the world's finest creative advertising, with the gala event taking place mid-May this year.

Shifting the focus back to our shores, IAB SA has announced its Diamond partnership with digital innovator Accenture Interactive for the third annual IAB Digital Summit, taking place on 16 March in Sandton. Click through to find out which corporates are lined up as Platinum and Gold partners.

Keeping things digitally minded, Serena Seunarain explores the topic of digital marketing trendsetting in 2017 and beyond. She says keeping ahead of these trends will ensure brands have the luxury of time to test the theories these trends bring, with the opportunity of being trendsetters in the industry and leading by example. She also shares tips for your 2017 digital strategy.

Rounding out the thought leadership, Glasshouse Communication Management's (GHCM) new MD Nkhensani Moyane shares the lessons learned from former MD Bridget Von Holdt that they'll continue to use, as well as her personal drive for mentorship and inspiring confidence in the youth as they enter the job market.

Lastly, though Loeries Creative Week Durban is still months away, we have the latest news: Entries are now open! I also talk all things #LoeriesRankings-related with a handful of Red & Yellow School's Loerie-winning graduates, as well as their lecturers for insights into how they'll replicate their success in the 2017 rendition.

PS: ICYMI last week, Andy Walker investigates why Beyonce's preggy picture is now Instagram's most-liked snap ever.

We hope you have a successful week!