Unlike other competitions, the NYFA executive jury does not elect a chairman or president - all members are of equal status. Gunn and Conrad, both experienced moderators, will guide the proceedings, which promises to be one of the world's largest gatherings of worldwide chief creative officers ever to judge an advertising competition.
Donald Gunn began working at Leo Burnett fresh from Cambridge University, beginning his career as an account executive and then six years later as a copywriter. He served as Burnett's managing director in the Netherlands and Switzerland and creative director in South Africa and France. In 1984, he was appointed Leo Burnett's director of creative resources worldwide, based in Chicago. He created several Burnett institutions which are said by some to be the envy of the industry - including the World TV Update and Worldbeater Reels, and Global Product Committee - as well as spearheading the worldwide study on creativity and effectiveness, Do Award Winning Commercials Sell? After retirement from Burnett, Gunn launched The Gunn Report and Showreel of the Year, "the official" measure of competitive excellence for the advertising industry.
Michael Conrad brought German engineering to global quality management in advertising, helping Leo Burnett Worldwide Inc become "Global Agency Network" of the Year in 2000 (AdAge) and "Most Awarded Agency Network" in 2001 (Gunn Report). Under his creative leadership 27 Leo Burnett agencies were named "Agency of the Year" in their countries, some of them more than once. Conrad spent 34 years in advertising before his retirement in 2003. Upon retiring, ADC Germany's Sebastian Turner approached Conrad to help develop ADC's education initiatives; the idea was born to establish The Berlin School of Creative Leadership.
"Donald and Michael are respected throughout the industry; they are the perfect choice to moderate the 2012 Executive Jury. Their experience and reputations project integrity, fairness, and a thorough understanding of the advertising industry. We are honoured to have them guide the jury on its path to select the World's Best Advertising™," said Michael O'Rourke, president, New York Festivals.
The executive jury sessions launch the New York Show, a two-day series of events beginning on 2 May and featuring creative panel discussions, keynote speakers, networking events, the 2012 executive jury press conference, exhibits, and the 3 May International Advertising Awards ceremony. All New York Show events and the 2012 awards gala will take place at the New York Public Library's Beaux-Arts landmark building located at 455 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street in New York City.
The NYF International Advertising Awards early discount deadline is 16 December, and the final deadline is 27 January 2012. For more information or to enter, go to: http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/main.php?p=2,10
Press inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Gayle Mandel: moc.slavitsefkroywen@lednamg. Tel 1 212 643 4800
International Awards Group organises advertising and programming competitions for the following brands: AME Awards for Advertising Marketing Effectiveness; Midas Awards for Financial Services Communications; The Global Awards for Healthcare Communications; NYF Advertising Awards; NYF Television & Film Awards; and NYF Radio Programs & Promotions. Entries to each of the competitions are judged around the world by panels of peers in their respective industries. Founded in 1957, IAG and their brands now have representation covering 75 countries. For more information, go to www.newyorkfestivals.com.
