Recognizing & Celebrating Innovation, Excellence & Business Impact: SMARTIES India 2023 Shortlist Out!

?? Excitement is in the air as we unveil the shortlisted nominees for the 12th edition of SMARTIES? India 2023 Awards. This annual celebration of marketing brilliance recognizes and celebrates the most impactful campaigns that have redefined innovation, leaving an indelible mark on brands, agencies, media companies, and solution providers.

?? This year, 150 remarkable entries made it to the final shortlist, representing various sectors including FMCG, OTT, retail, BFSI, and technology, among others. What's particularly intriguing is the impressive showing by newer entrants, who have added a burst of innovation and tech flavors to the Smarties India 2023 shortlist.

?? Spotlight on Innovation As a jury member, I had the privilege of participating and witnessing the judging process firsthand. Guided by the visionary jury chairs Prabha Narasimhan and Sunil Kataria we delved into setting benchmarks for future of marketing excellence . The Indian marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, and as the world becomes increasingly digital and complex, the role of skilled and innovative marketers becomes paramount.

?? New Categories, New Benchmarks This year, Smarties introduced fresh categories that have set new benchmarks in contemporary marketing. Sub-categories like 'Brand Purpose/Activism,' 'Omnichannel Marketing,' 'Media Agency of the Year,' 'Holding Agency Company of the Year,' 'Creative Agency of the Year,' and 'Digital Agency of the Year' have opened new avenues for recognition and excellence.

?? Top Categories of 2023 .

Among the diverse array of categories featured in SMARTIES? India 2023, several have stood out as magnets for innovation and creativity, attracting a substantial number of entries. Notably, we've seen a significant influx of entries in categories such as creator/influencer/celebrity marketing, data insights/contextual marketing, brand experience, and omnichannel marketing. It goes without saying that the business impact these campaigns had continues to remain the foundation of how well they fare. The Business Impact Index (BII) Think “measurable business impact”, think Smarties Business Impact Index, which holds 40% weightage across many categories. Being the first and only global modern marketing index that identifies, ranks, and awards top agencies, advertisers, brands, and solution providers driving significant business impact, the BII is proof that no matter how creative or compelling a campaign might be, it is nothing without the business impact it drives.

?? The Smarties Rendezvous The jury meet, spread over two days, saw multiple deliberations, surprising revelations, and many close calls. It concluded on a high note over dinner and cocktails at the Smarties Rendezvous in Taj Santacruz Mumbai, bringing together Smarties pre-screeners, jurors, members, board, and a special guest of honor - my mentor and ex-boss, renowned adman and author Ambi Parameswaran

What’s next?

?? Smarties Unplugged: A New Beginning Ever wondered what it takes to create a winning marketing campaign? To decode exactly that this year, we are launching the inaugural edition of Smarties Unplugged. This pre-gala event will bring together marketing thought leaders who will share innovative and creative work designed to benefit tomorrow’s marketers. It's a unique opportunity to get a sneak peek into the exceptional work that wins awards and delivers real business impact.

?? Join the Celebration The SMARTIES Awards have established themselves as a beacon of excellence, honoring creativity, innovation, and strategic prowess across local, regional, and global marketing programs. Winning a Smarties signifies excellence beyond measure - a golden feather for any brand or agency. As the anticipation builds, I invite you to join the industry to witness marketing brilliance take center stage at the SMARTIES? India 2023 Gala ceremony, scheduled for October 5th. It promises an evening of inspiration and recognition for the best in modern marketing. Stay tuned for more updates, and let's continue to inspire and drive the future of marketing together.

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