Start prepping your Loeries entries!

“Loeries time is always a very exciting period for the industry because the awards are a great benchmark to assess the innovation, execution and the creativity around branding in the region,” says Loeries MD Andrew Human.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The Loeries have grown exponentially since 1978 when it was started as a mechanism to support and grow television advertising. The awards judge creativity across every area of brand communication including TV, radio and print advertising, design, architecture, direct marketing, promotions, PR, non-broadcast video, live event and digital media. Students are also encouraged to enter their work.

Over 3000 entries

Last year, over 3000 entries were received, with 243 of these receiving awards. Five winners received the highest accolade, the Grand Prix, 49 walked away with Gold, 64 won Silver and 125 got Bronze.

The Young Creative's Award, launched last year, is also a highlight this year. This award, open to anyone 27 years or under, recognises outstanding achievement by individuals working in any area of brand communication, including advertising, communication design and experiential.

The Loerie Awards is the only award endorsed by the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), the Creative Circle, the South African Graphic Design Council (think), the Commercial Producers Association, the Digital Forum and the Communication & Advertising Forum for Empowerment (Café).

The SABC, Media24 and the Zulu Kingdom have maintained major sponsorship of the awards.

For full entry criteria, eligibility and any additional information, go to www.theloerieawards.co.za. Entries open Monday, 17 March 2008 and close Friday, 16 May 2008.