Effie Awards Judging Panel

I’m honoured to share that I’ve been invited to join the judging panel for the Effie Awards UK 2025. The Effies are among the most prestigious accolades in the marketing and advertising industry—celebrating ideas that work, campaigns that drive measurable impact, and creative strategies that deliver real business results. It’s a privilege to contribute to recognising and rewarding effectiveness at the highest level.

This builds on my ongoing experience as a judge for the Oystercatchers Awards, where I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the panel for the past three years. Both judging experiences are a welcome opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, engage with bold ideas, and uphold the standards of marketing excellence we all strive for. I’m excited to play a part in spotlighting work that truly moves the needle.

Event planning experience at IMEX 2025 in Frankfurt

Frankfurt from the MainTower observation deck

IMEX Frankfurt is the European home of the world’s leading trade show for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry. This was my second time at IMEX Frankfurt looking for inspiration and updates to keep the events we execute at world-class levels.

On the Monday I was fortunate to be invited to the Events Design Collective education session on planning events using the Events Design Canvas. This was presented by Ruud Janssen and sponsored and hosted by Marina Bay Sands Singapore, a premier destination renowned for hosting world-class conferences and serving as a hub for innovation in event design and experiential strategy.

A mouse's-eye view of the Event Design Collective Event Canvas workshop

The Event Design Collective is a global network of event design professionals founded to promote strategic, outcome-driven approaches to designing events. At its core, the collective teaches a methodology rooted in design thinking, systems theory, and business strategy to help teams co-create impactful, intentional event experiences. Rather than focusing solely on logistics or creativity, the approach emphasises aligning events with organisational goals, stakeholder outcomes, and measurable behavioural change. The Collective also trains and certifies professionals in its methodology, aiming to elevate the role of event designers as strategic contributors within organisations.

Central to the Collective’s methodology is the Event Canvas, a visual strategic tool inspired by the Business Model Canvas. It guides teams through a structured process of mapping stakeholder expectations, defining desired behaviours, and evaluating the change required before and after an event. The canvas captures elements such as entry and exit behaviour, pain points, gains, commitment levels, and cost/revenue considerations. By working collaboratively on this one-page visual framework, stakeholders can clarify objectives, align on purpose, and ensure that event design decisions—from format to content—are purposefully crafted to drive the intended transformation.

We worked through the approach to planning an event for identified stakeholders and I was very impressed with the comprehensiveness of the model, but amazed at the simplicity. Across just a few hours we mapped out an approach to planning and delivering the Opening Ceremony of the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia.

This was a great session and a great reflection on both the Event Design Collective and Marina Bay Sands who have certified their Events team in this methodology. Many thanks to Ruud, Tracy, Kenneth, and Sherman.

Two books on The Event Canvas methodology rooted in design thinking, systems theory, and business strategy to help teams co-create impactful, intentional event experiences.

Making better choices

“A mistake repeated more than once is a decision.”

— Paulo Coelho

Independent Agency Awards Judging

I’m delighted to have been invited to judge the Association of Independent Agencies (AIA) Awards—a celebration of the creativity, agility, and impact delivered by the UK’s leading independent agencies. The awards shine a spotlight on the bold thinking and entrepreneurial spirit that define the independent sector.

Round one judging is now complete, and I’m pleased to see the shortlist now live, reflecting the depth of talent and innovation across the industry. Judging these awards has been a rewarding opportunity to engage with inspiring work, and I look forward to seeing the winners revealed in due course.

Systems

A key area of my focus at the moment is around process efficiency and I am reading Get Scalable by Ryan Diess.

Get Scalable has a complete framework to building a valuable function/business and will be implementing the frameworks and approaches in this book.

As part of the reality of my landscape at the moment this quote stood out to me:

“Good people don’t fix broken systems. BROKEN SYSTEMS BREAK GOOD PEOPLE”.

2025 will be a year of working to fix broken systems to improve the working life for my teams, team members, and myself.

Creative Industries inspiration

I am really excited to be working with industry leaders today for the Oystercatchers Awards Day judging.

We’ll see the best agencies, people, and ideas in the creative industries landscape. It is a day of inspiration and ideas.

#Oystercatchers24

Honoured to Judge the Oystercatchers Awards 2024 for the Third Year Running!

I’m honoured to serve on the judging panel for the Oystercatchers Awards 2024 for the third year running!

It’s inspiring to see the record-breaking number of entries and the incredible talent in our industry. I look forward to recognizing the agencies setting new standards to foster impactful client relationships.

Stay tuned for the shortlist reveal!

You have one life

“You have one life. Don’t settle for mediocrity.”
– Naval Ravikant

Paris 2024 Olympic Logo: A Design Triumph

Like most of us, I have been thoroughly enjoying watching the Paris 2024 Olympics. The games are a spectacular showcase of athleticism, sportsmanship, and international unity. Each event is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication that athletes from around the world put into their craft.

As someone with dual nationality and having lived in several other countries, I find the Olympics particularly engaging. It’s a unique experience to have multiple teams to support and cheer for. Whether it’s Germany, Ireland, Australia, France, or the United Kingdom (Team GB), there’s always someone for me and my family to root for in almost every event. This personal connection to various nations makes the games even more special and emotionally resonant.

One of the aspects of the Paris 2024 Olympics that captured my attention long before the games began was the design of the logo. I fell in love with the design five years ago, and in 2019, I wrote a piece on the multi-layered design of the Paris 2024 logo. The logo is a brilliant fusion of historical significance and modern aesthetics, symbolizing both the legacy and the future of the Olympic Games. You can read my detailed analysis here.

Execution and Implementation

Seeing the Olympics come to life in Paris, both online and on TV, has been nothing short of impressive. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee has done a remarkable job in implementing and executing the brand. Every detail, from the venues to the broadcasting, has been meticulously planned to ensure that the spirit of the Olympics is conveyed to audiences worldwide.

Yesterday, one of the events I watched was the 3×3 basketball medal events, and noticed another way that the Paris Games Committee had included the Paris 2024 logo. The logo was present on top of the basket for the cameras looking down through the net. This subtle yet impactful branding element showcases their commitment to integrating the Olympic identity seamlessly into every aspect of the games. It’s these little touches that are making the viewing experience so unique and memorable.

The Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics was another highlight. Broadcast online and on TV, the ceremony was, at times, breathtaking. It was a beautiful blend of tradition, culture, and modern performance art, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Paris and France. The use of the logo throughout the ceremony was masterful, reinforcing the brand’s presence while enhancing the visual spectacle.

The creative direction and execution of the ceremony set the tone for the entire event, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. It was a fitting introduction to what has been an extraordinary Olympic Games.

Lasting Memories

While we still have five days to go before the Paralympic Games in Paris, the memories of Paris 2024 will be with me for a long time. The innovative use of the logo, the spectacular opening ceremony, and the thrilling competitions have all contributed to an unforgettable Olympic experience.

The Paralympic Games are set to continue this legacy, showcasing the incredible talents and inspiring stories of athletes from around the world. I look forward to seeing how the Paris 2024 Organising Committee continues to uphold the high standards they have set during the Olympics.

Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympics have not only provided us with outstanding athletic performances but also a masterclass in branding and event execution. The logo, with its rich layers of meaning and elegant design, has been a constant presence, enhancing the identity of the games. The meticulous planning and creative flair demonstrated by the Organising Committee have ensured that these games will be remembered as a benchmark for future Olympic events.

As I continue to watch the remaining events and gear up for the Paralympic Games, I am filled with a sense of pride and admiration for what Paris 2024 has achieved. The games have brought the world together in celebration of human potential and unity, and the Paris Olympic logo will remain a symbol of this extraordinary global event.

The Oystercatchers Awards 2024 are now open

It’s that time of the year when the best agencies submit their work for the Oystercatchers annual awards. These awards are highly anticipated and revered in the industry, offering a unique platform to recognize and celebrate the symbiotic relationships between brands and agencies. The Oystercatchers Awards stand out as the only awards dedicated to celebrating the excellence in brand and agency partnerships. They focus on honouring agencies for their campaigns, overall business impact, and ability to foster successful client relationships.

The Awards are open

The Oystercatchers Awards are now open for entry for 2024. You can review the categories and entry criteria for the Oystercatchers Awards 2024 here.

Why should you enter the Oystercatchers Awards? Entering the Oystercatchers Awards puts your work in front of a top-tier squad of judges. The panel features senior marketers from global brands, providing a rare opportunity to showcase your agency’s finest work to those who set the industry standards. This exposure can significantly enhance your agency’s reputation, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

Winning an Oystercatchers Award establishes you amongst your peers and demonstrates your successes to the wider industry. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s about the validation of your agency’s hard work, creativity, and the impact you have made in the market. An award from Oystercatchers is a mark of excellence that can differentiate your agency in a highly competitive landscape.

A Unique Judging Experience

I’ve been involved in the judging panel for three years, and each year brings a fresh wave of inspiration. The showcase of leading agencies, brands, and people is nothing short of extraordinary. The judging process is rigorous, ensuring that only the best and most deserving campaigns are honoured. This thorough evaluation guarantees that winning an Oystercatchers Award is a prestigious accolade, recognized and respected across the industry.

Benefits of Winning

Winning an Oystercatchers Award can have numerous benefits for your agency. Here are a few:

1. Enhanced Credibility and Trust

Winning an award from such a respected institution boosts your credibility and helps in building trust with potential clients. It signals to the industry that your agency is capable of delivering exceptional results.

2. Increased Visibility

An award win can significantly increase your agency’s visibility in the market. It provides a platform to showcase your work to a wider audience, including potential clients and partners.

3. Attraction of Top Talent

Talented professionals are always on the lookout for agencies that are recognized for their excellence. Winning an award can make your agency more attractive to top talent, helping you to build a stronger, more capable team.

4. Boosted Morale

An award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of your team. It can boost morale and motivate your team to continue striving for excellence.

Categories and Criteria

The Oystercatchers Awards feature a variety of categories, each designed to highlight different aspects of agency performance and client collaboration. Whether your strength lies in creativity, strategic thinking, or client relationship management, there is a category that can showcase your unique capabilities. The detailed entry criteria ensure that every submission is evaluated fairly and comprehensively.

How to Enter

Entering the Oystercatchers Awards is a straightforward process. Visit the 2024 Oystercatchers Awards page to review the categories and entry criteria, and submit your entry. The submission process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to present your work in the best possible light.

Conclusion

The Oystercatchers Awards 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity for agencies to gain recognition and showcase their work on a grand stage. By entering, you put your agency in the spotlight, gaining the chance to be acknowledged by industry leaders and peers alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to demonstrate your agency’s excellence and take your place among the best in the industry.

Visit the 2024 Oystercatchers Awards page and submit your entry today. For more insights and updates, see some of my posts from the 2023 Oystercatchers Awards night.