MAD STARS, one of the world’s fastest growing advertising festivals, has opened its doors at BEXCO, in Busan, South Korea beginning three days of inspiring speaker sessions, networking parties and the MAD STARS Awards presentation, under the theme, MAD: Aim Marketing Success with AI.
The global festival that takes places annually, will run from 21 -23 August, culminating in a Welcome Reception and Gala Awards Show in BEXCO’s Grand Ballroom on 23 August, followed by the After Party.
“This is a pivotal year for MAD STARS, its first year of paid entries into the Awards that signifies its coming of age on the global stage. This 17th MAD STARS has welcomed people from 63 countries throughout the world. It also received more than 20,000 entries, making it the largest advertising festival that brings East and West together,” stated Hwanjin Choi, chairperson of Mad STARS.
MAD STARS commitment to the future of the industry is underpinned by its NEW STARS and YOUNG STARS competitions, that also take place during this week. This year, the YOUNG STARS program, for college students, will guide and test 79 people in 45 teams from 6 locations and NEW STARS for junior creatives will guide and test 73 people in 37 teams from 8 locations. These emerging talents will be mentored and assessed by juries selected from the world’s top tier of industry professionals.
One of the highlights of MAD STARS is its Conference, this year featuring 44 speaker sessions in 2 divisions, including keynotes sessions:
How Artificial Intelligence and Creativity Can Fuel Innovation will be presented by Fernando Machado,operating partner, marketing advisor, and board member, of Garnett Station Partners, is the former CMO known as “the master of pushing creative boundaries”, who led NotCo, Activision, and Burger King to marketing and advertising glory. The Era of AI-Driven Marketing Creativity will be presented by Aeri Park, chief executive officer of HSAD in the Republic of Korea at the forefront of high-efficiency communication innovation, leading one of the most innovative digital companies.
Also unmissable is The Conversation with the Executive Jury on, a perennial highlight of MAD STARS sessions and opening the Conference. This year it will feature four of the industry’s most prominent leaders across the world, Joji Jacob, regional chief creative officer, Havas; Emma de la Fosse, chief creative officer, Edelman UK; Matt MacDonald, chief creative officer, BBDO New York; and Suzana Apelbaum, head of creative and innovation, Google. Sangsoo Chong, the vice chairperson of the MAD STARS Organising Committee, will moderate it.
Find the full MAD STARS Conference schedule here.
The MAD STARS Awards are presented as Gold, Silver and Bronze trophies as well as Crystal certificates, plus Grand Prix of the Year. Special Awards include Holding Company of the Year, Network of the Year, Agency of the Year, Advertiser of the Year, Production Company of the Year and Honorary Awards, presented to individuals and groups whose exceptional work led cultural and social development. The goal of these awards is to encourage the global advertising industry while encouraging world peace and the improvement of the quality of human life.
The MAD STARS Exhibition will run throughout the Festival, an opportunity for Festival delegates to view some of the best creative the world has to offer right now, as well as visiting the Networking Lounge and Promotion Booth.
Tonight, MAD STARS will celebrate with all attending delegates at the Opening Ceremony and Opening Gala, the official event to kick off its world-class event.
