Powerful line-up of sponsors for Assegai Awards

The South Africa marketing industry has stepped up in force to support this year’s Assegai Integrated Marketing Awards.  With a powerful line-up of sponsors and an equally ferocious rush to get entries in before the closing date, the Direct Marketing Association of South Africa is looking forward to one of the best years for its awards.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Assegai Integrated Marketing Awards is proudly presented by The South African Post Office, along with a host of category sponsors.  The awards ceremony will take place at the SAX Arena on 15 November and judging by the calibre of agencies and corporates entering this year, the competition looks set to be fierce.

“Despite the economic slump, the direct industry has managed to carefully navigate its way amidst a veritable minefield of business challenges to prove its’ ultimate worth.  In fact, tighter advertising budgets have had the effect of placing the spotlight on return on investment, which is exactly where effective integrated direct marketing proves its value.  Direct Marketing is the only way an organisation can truly engage with its customer and track the true cost, value and ROI of each and every Rand spent,” explains and board member responsible for the Assegai Awards portfolio.

“South Africa’s direct industry is supported by a veritable mix of highly qualified and skilled suppliers who for many years have contributed to the phenomenal growth of direct in South Africa.  From the traditional suppliers through to the massive growth experienced in the burgeoning digital suppliers, the direct industry is able to power real bottom line growth for businesses, from small entrepreneurial outfits to large conglomerates.  The sponsors of this year’s Assegai Awards are testimony to this fact,” she adds.

Two new categories

Every year brings something new and this year is no different. With the two new categories namely the SME Direct Marketing Newcomer Award and the Young Direct Entrepreneur of the Year award, there is no doubt that the Assegai Awards is growing. The Assegai Awards now offers 30 categories across six sections of direct excellence.

2012 Sponsors

In addition to a number of long standing supporters, the awards have attracted a number of new sponsors who have stepped on board.  Our 2012 sponsors are:

• The South African Post Office – presenting sponsor
• Absa
• African Bank
• Blue Label Data Solutions
• Computer Facilities
• Demographica
• Edcon Group
• Inter-Net
• Information Capital
• Nedbank
• O’ Keeffe and Swartz
• P:Cubed
• Standard Bank
• List Perfect
• The Focus Rooms
• 5^th Dimension
• Peugeot

Organisers are aiming to draw 200 entries across the six sections and 30 categories this year – ranging from mass media through to multiple media, activations, social media, integrated marketing, e-commerce, telephone marketing, database to CRM, to mention a few.  The most sought-after award is the coveted INKOSI ASSEGAI, given to the best overall direct campaign across all categories.

The Direct Marketing Association’s Assegai Integrated Marketing Awards are the independent, premier awards wholly dedicated to the multi-billion Rand direct marketing industry, recognising and rewarding excellence in multi-channel direct response marketing.  Agencies, corporates, educational institutions, students and SMEs have until 12 October 2012 to submit their entries to compete for a coveted Assegai award.

Judging is led by the renowned Joost van Nispen who has spent his lifetime perfecting the art of direct marketing. Judging will take place from 23 – 26 October at the Focus Rooms in Sunninghill.

If you have not booked your ticket to the DMA Assegai Awards final event as yet, please contact Nadine on 011 894 2767 or e-mail [email protected] for further information.