Entries for the 2023 Loeries award have been flowing in good numbers as the IMC award, one of the biggest in Africa prepares to mark its 45th anniversary. The Loeries is a non-profit organization, and organizer of one of the most popular brand communications award across Africa and the Middle East.
It could be recalled that entries for the 2023 Loeries awards opened on March 8.
This was made known during the last Instagram Live conversation Preetesh Sewarj, the Loeries CEO, had with Sbu Sitole, chairman of the Loeries and the Odd Number’s cofounder and chief creative officer.
Sitole said, “Entries are open! This date always makes me nervous because it means it is time to get to work. And our industry works very hard; it goes through Blood, Sweat, and Tears, So is important to celebrate the work we put in and be acknowledged by our peers.”
Speaking on the plan, Sewraj said, “The last few years have not been normal. Covid and the lockdowns meant that we could not hold our normal judging sessions and Creative Week activities. Our Awards celebrations were also curtailed.”
“In 2020 Covid forced The Loeries’ activities online, with free entries and a virtual event. While The Loeries’ finances took a big knock, it was worth it. The Loeries exists for the industry and during what was a very scary time for the industry this was our way of supporting the industry. It was the right thing to do, and it was well worth it.” He added
However, last year, the Loeries hosted a ‘recovery event’ which began the move back to what the industry has come to expect of The Loeries, with international jury presidents flying into the country, some live judging sessions, an in-person Creative Week, and Awards ceremonies, with some 20 countries in attendance.
“This year we hope for a return of a full-on event,” says Sewraj.
Sitole also emphasised, “It is the connection point, where as an industry we can look at the work, discuss it, mingle, talk, and share. This for me is what is great about The Loeries. And this year I am looking forward to a bigger and bolder event – one with a swagger. I am looking forward to the party.
“We make work for people, not ourselves, but that does not mean we cannot show off our work. I mean we all love what we do and love the work that we do.”
“I don’t know the exact science of how to win a Loerie, but I believe it starts with a powerful idea. All I know is that I walk into the Loeries Awards event nervous because you never know, will you win… and if you do, will you win gold or silver or bronze.” Sitole added.