afaqs! Foxglove awards are back...

Entries are pouring in with the last date being May 02, 2018. Over 40 jurors will be judging the entries in various categories.

It's the time of the year when younger agencies gear up for the advertising awards designed especially for them - The afaqs! Foxglove awards. Back with its 4th edition, the awards - created for entities less than 12-years - sees competition from these younger agencies and units for top honours. With a record response last year, the 4th edition is set to be bigger and better than before; growing fast like the plant through which it gets its name.

Established in 2015, the awards event has seen participation from more than 200 agencies in the last three years making it one of the popular advertising awards in India. Previous years' winners include the likes of lesser-known agencies to some well-known names like Happy mcgarrybowen, Taproot, Liqvd Asia, WAT Consult, Bang in the Middle and many more.

This year, the awards has expanded its portfolio and begun accepting entries from web publishers and content creators (in accordance with its less than 12-year age limit rule). Both the new entrants have been added considering the fact that publishers and content creators have been experimenting heavily with different ad forms including videos, native ads, influencer marketing, and innovative banners and dealing with marketers directly.

This year many new sub-categories have been introduced within the seven broad categories - Ambient Media, Brand Activation, Design, Digital, Film, and Print. A few of the new sub-categories are Best Newsletter/ Email design, Best Website (Corporate, Brand and News and Features), Best use of influencer marketing, and Best use of User Generated content. There are a total of 32 sub-categories.

To promote smaller agencies to compete within their region, the awards divide the regions into four segments - North, East, West, and South. The agencies can also participate at a pan-India level and can combine the two and enter their work for both Regional and National.

Keeping up with the spirit of the awards, this year as well, all the shortlisted entries will be given excellence certificates. The winning entries will be featured in the Foxglove Showcase along with interviews and write-ups from prominent agencies from the advertising world who have made a mark for themselves.

Continuing its tradition of a two-tier jury system, this year the jury and grand jury have an eclectic mix of creative minds, design experts, strategists, and co-founders. The Jury skims through the first phase of judging and passes the shortlisted entries to the Grand Jury.

Last year, 43 unique agencies bagged a Foxglove trophy. From BBH India, winning 10 National metals to Happy mcgarrybowen ruling the Regional segment, victory sided with those who were creative, innovative, 'experimentative', and had big ideas. Listen up agencies, web publishers, design units, production houses and content creators: submit your entries before the deadline - May 02 - and let the Foxglove trophy adorn your office!