AWARD is rallying the sharpest minds in the creative industry for three days of bold ideas, unfiltered opinions and world-class creative thinking in August.
Advertising Council Australia’s This Way Up runs from Tuesday August 12 to 14 in three venues, beginning at ACO On The Pier, Walsh Bay. Nils Leonard, founder of global agency, Uncommon Creative Studio, opens the event with his session in his role as Jury President for the 46th AWARD Awards. The Work Behind the Work follows, a deep dive into the most awarded Australian campaigns of the year. Further Day 1 speakers will be announced shortly.
“This Way Up is about more than inspiration, it’s about momentum, community, and recognising the people and ideas that are shaping the future of creativity here and abroad,” says Mandie van der Merwe, AWARD Chair. “We’re thrilled to bring a mix of global and local talent together in one incredible week, and everyone’s invited. If you care about creativity and where it’s headed, this is where it all happens.”
Day 2, Wednesday 13 August, features CANNES DOWNLOAD on the big screen at HOYTS EQ Sydney, by Val Morgan and curated by Dave Bowman, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe ANZ and 2025 Cannes Juror. The fast-paced showcase will screen the most inspiring global campaigns fresh from the Palais before the event embarks on a national tour to Melbourne (August 19), Brisbane (August 20), Adelaide (August 27) and Perth (September 2). Bowman will be joined live on stage by fellow Cannes jurors, 2025 award-winners and Young Lions, sharing insider perspectives from the jury rooms, insights from the festival floor, and what it really takes to win at the world’s biggest stage for creativity.
On Day 3, Thursday 14 August, the 46TH AWARD Awards Ceremony at Doltone House, Darling Island. This year’s new theatre-style event will unveil all the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners before rolling into an all-out industry celebration.
Explore the program and book tickets here thiswayup.com.au. This Way Up is supported by Meta, LinkedIn, OMA, and TalentPay. Cannes Download is presented by Val Morgan, with LinkedIn as B2B supporter.
