2023 MMA SA SMARTIES enters the metaverse

Staying abreast of the advertising business’s fast-paced evolution requires being quick-footed and in a position to be taught on the go.

Vincent Maher, MMA SA chairperson, says, “The next iteration of the Internet, Web 3.0 has widespread implications for marketers — but we must remember that it is still a nascent group of technologies.”

“Despite various Web 3.0 developments, the one that is most prominent is the metaverse because as a virtual space, the metaverse has the potential to enhance the user experience,” provides Maher. “It holds the promise of becoming an alternative environment where marketers can engage more meaningfully with prospects and provide rich and interactive advertising opportunities.”

With Net 3.0 bursting into our realities — bodily and just about — entrepreneurs throughout a spectrum of sectors are quick studying concerning the prospects of:

constructing metaverses
exploring tokenisation
understanding blockchains, and
creating NFTs.

Maher says, “The question then that needs to be asked is: are brands making use of this fresh technology to create immersive virtual spaces and unique digital objects, which enable new kinds of customer engagement and experience? The MMA SA is certainly among the first movers to do so — which is appropriate considering our focus on the modern marketing landscape.”

The primary advertising awards programme to supply entrepreneurs a metaverse expertise, whereas giving every customer an NFT token, has kicked off.

The street to SMARTIES 2023 introduces a plethora of latest tech, shining the sunshine on what is feasible. Whereas Net 3.0 in all its wonders will solely turn into a widespread actuality within the subsequent 5 or so years, it’s essential that entrepreneurs perceive the way it works now.

There are in fact these manufacturers and businesses which have already began experimenting with components of Net 3.0 and that’s the reason there are numerous new classes within the SMARTIES Awards this yr.

Information Insights
The Web of Innovation / Clever Gadgets
Spatial Expertise
Actual-Time Advertising
Metaverse
Blockchain & NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)

Maher provides, “These Web 3.0 categories enhance the classic opportunities for marketers to showcase their attainment of business outcomes, based on their marketing prowess.”

Maher says, “Legacy categories such as Brand experience, Cross Platform Media, Gamification and Social Impact Marketing remain core SMARTIES categories, that showcase innovation in demonstrating real impact and creativity and how client objectives are met and ROI achieved.”

“Across all categories, the judges will be looking for impact above creativity. Creativity is essential but the winners will need to show measurable business impact,” provides Maher.

The MMA SA’s SMARTIES is famend for this strategy and is dedicated to showcasing work that’s modern and efficient.

Entries shut on Sunday, 19 February.

A SMARTIES Playbook is obtainable to all entrepreneurs and could be discovered here. The playbook explains:

methods to enter
what Net 3.0 means
the varied new and present classes, and
case research from previous winners.

“We are extremely excited about this year’s awards. Not only can anyone join in the Gala Event on Thursday, 30 March, but through our immersive environment people can also explore and view the case studies and 2023’s entries virtually,” says Sarah Utermark, county director of the MMA SA.

“Winning agencies will still receive tangible trophies this year, but as an innovative new initiative, the MMA is also awarding the brand and agency teams who contributed to the winning campaigns with a Smarties Winner NFT, for them to add to their personal profiles as bragging rights,” provides Utermark.

To enter an award and obtain your NFT token, comply with these steps:

“We wish all entrants well and will commence with the judging process soon. The judging board will comprise of local CMOs as well as one international judge, to benchmark our local Agencies’ performance on a global stage,” says Utermark.

Utermark concludes, “Another exciting feature is that all SMARTIES winners will be entered into the Business Impact Index that ranks global campaigns and agencies against each other each year.”

For extra info, go to www.mmasa.org. It’s also possible to comply with MMA International on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.