Assegai Awards committee calls for entries and judges

The Assegai Committee, headed by Nici Stathacopoulos, has called on entrants to submit their entries on-line by 23 May 2003 to www.assegai.co.za.

"There has been an enthusiastic response to our initial call for entries that was issued last month but we do not want aspirants to miss our cut-off date," says Stathacopoulos, adding that further information regarding entries, award categories, sponsorships and banquet details are obtainable at their new web-site at www.asegai.co.za.

Stathacopoulos states that, in keeping with the MFSA's broader transformation goals, this year's judging panels will reflect the demographics of South Africa and will therefore be more representative than in previous years. "With this in mind, a call for judges is also made," emphasises Stathacopoulos. There are 32 categories spread across seven sections at this year's Assegai Awards.

The Assegai Awards, while focussing on Return-On-Investment as its primary yardstick in selecting its winners, recognise, reward and promote creativity and excellence in direct and interactive marketing which utilises various channels and media to bring marketers into direct contact with customers. The multiple direct disciplines that share the common goals of measurable, cost-efficient, one-to-one marketing are integrated under the Assegai Awards.

"This year's Awards function will usher in a few significant changes. For instance, the Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator will be less complex than 2002, but more substantial than the previous years. Also, in keeping with widespread feedback, the number of categories have been downscaled but a new category, called Financial Services, has been introduced," explained Stathacopoulos. Financial Services represents a massive component of Direct Marketing spending in South Africa.

Since its inception in 1999, the Awards were hosted by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). In October last year the DMA, Association of Marketers and the Institute of Marketing Management merged to form the MFSA which has become the banner under which some of Southern Africa's most sought-after advertising and marketing awards such as the Assegais, Loeries, Raptors and Tusks are held.

"Through the progressively increasing numbers and quality of Assegai entries, we are continuously elevating direct marketing to that of its peers," she said.

Davy Ivins, acting-CEO of the MFSA, has promised an elegant and prestigious Assegai Awards ceremony at the beginning of September. "The glamour of the banquet will mirror the importance that we attach to direct marketing and the Assegai Awards," he stated.