Starcom MediaVest Group Named Agency Network of the Year at Festival of Media Global Awards
2nd consecutive year and 4th time in past 6 years for top honor; adidas MENA campaign garners coveted Silver award
Dubai, UAE, April 14, 2014 — On 9 April, Starcom MediaVest Group was awarded Agency Network of the Year at the Festival of Media Global Awards in Rome – the second year in a row and the fourth time in the past six years the network has earned this recognition. At the prestigious ceremony, SMG MENA took home the Silver award in the Best Retail Campaign category for adidas’ ground-breaking “Treadmill Vending Machines” initiative.
The winning MENA campaign created the world’s first treadmill vending machines – a treadmill which uses energy as a currency and rewards runners based on their burnt calories.
The machines were placed strategically close to the adidas retail stores in two of the UAE’s most popular malls. The campaign resonated strongly with consumers – providing them with a brand new mall experience and compelling incentive to get active. In fact, soon after the launch, the machines emerged as the next big innovation in health and fitness across the MENA region!
“We are thrilled to have received industry recognition as Agency Network of the Year – and for this unique adidas campaign – from the Festival of Media Global Awards, which honors the very best creative thinking in media globally,” said John Antoniades, Chief Executive Officer of SMG MENA. “The caliber of work from all agencies across all categories was truly impressive this time around, which makes the wins that much more meaningful. These awards are a testament to our teams’ tireless work and dedication, and I’m proud they created such strong work for our clients.”
All in all, SMG took home nine awards for campaigns it created, representing wins across more geographies and categories than any other agency.
A panel of 25 industry experts judged the 191 shortlisted entries to determine the winners, and the awards were announced at a gala dinner on the final night of the Festival of Media Global 2014.
With 525 product award recognitions, 2013 was SMG’s most celebrated year on record. Award highlights included 15 Agency and Network of the Year awards, 24 Cannes Lions, 35 Festival of Media awards across all galas and two Effie Grand Prix.
For more information about winning SMG campaigns, as well as video interviews with thoughts leaders at the Festival, visit SMG’s Source blog at http://blog.smvgroup.com.
About Starcom MediaVest Group
Starcom MediaVest Group MENA is the Human Experience Company. We believe experiences matter. They enhance lives and build brands. We bring brand experiences to life through SMG’s three global award-winning agency brands: Starcom, MediaVest and Spark. Ranked the number one global media network in billings in the world by RECMA, SMG (www.smvgroup.com) comprises an integrated network of human experience strategists, investment specialists, content creators and digital & technology experts. With over 7,900 employees in 130 offices worldwide, SMG partners with the world’s leading companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, Samsung and Walmart, among others. The network has enjoyed annual double-digit growth across the MENA region since it first launched in 2000. Among its extensive roster of regional clients are Procter & Gamble, Samsung, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Almarai, Saudi Telecom, Tiffany & Co., Emirates NBD, adidas and Mondelez. In 2013 and 2014, SMG was named Media Agency of the Year at the Dubai Lynx Festival of Creativity. In 2013, SMG also garnered Festival of Media’s Global Network of the Year Award. SMG is part of Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40], one of the world’s leading communications groups.
