CAANZ and MediaWorks are again searching for the industry’s most inspirational leaders, with nominations now open for the Inspiring Individual Award, an annual tribute, held in conjunction with the Beacon Awards, to honour the late Sandy Smith.

Ten NZ entries are among the first wave of finalists for Australia’s AWARD Awards – Y&R has four finalist spots in Direct Marketing, and a further two in Poster & Outdoor; Colenso BBDO has two finalists through in the Print category, and Special Group has two finalists in Poster & Outdoor.

Auckland agencies Y&R, DDB and Colenso BBDO top Campaign Brief’s Creativity/Billings Index 2016 – part of a wider Australasian exercise conducted by the Sydney-based magazine.

Two new FCB campaigns, which till now have escaped media attention, are now up and running – and both have picked up multiple Axis nominations – plus a nomination at the global Andy Craft Awards.

In the spirit of supporting locals getting out and about, APN Outdoor has teamed up with three significant arts and culture events, spanning the balmy February to April period in Auckland. The Auckland Arts Festival, Ben & Jerry’s Openair cinema and the pop-up Globe Theatre join the long list of events supported by the OOH company.

Auckland will host its first multi-day TEDx (Technology, Entertainment, Design) event on Thursday and Friday (May 5 & 6) at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf. Around local and international speakers will share their ideas and solutions for the world in 2016.

Dowtown Auckland creative agency Us&Co has appointed Scott Maddox – an Aucklander with global credentials – as creative director.

A limited run of Fashion Quarterly’s autumn issue features a special edition lenticular cover. using a technology in which lenticular lenses (also used for 3D displays) are used to produce printed images with an illusion of depth, and the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles.

New Zealand’s population mix is changing rapidly with 40% of Kiwis now over the age of 45 – but is our marketing and advertising keeping pace? The Marketing Association has assembled a trio of prominent media executives to update agencies on this this issue.

Just one day to go to the first CAANZ Beacons deadline – at close of play tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd). There is, of course, a late deadline (with a fee) – this Thursday 25 February.