The PADC Festival of Ideas weekend in Mandurah proves to be a big hit with the 61 delegates

After a slow build up, the PADC got a fantastic turnout to this year’s Festival of Ideas at The Sebel Hotel in Mandurah. 61 delegates were treated to inspiration and wisdom as each of this year’s PADC judging panel shared their work and their experiences.

Reed Collins took delegates on a journey that began in Perth and ended up in Sydney via South Africa, London, NY and  Chicago. Along the way he created some of the most memorable pieces of advertising  from any decade and it was both an inspiring and humbling experience.

Ralphie Barnett proved that you can become world famous in Brisbane (so why not Perth!) as he touched on his World’s Best Job campaign and took delegates through a fascinating case study on his recent Australia’s Richest Art Prize colouring contest for Footlocker – It beat the Archibald by $1!

Joe Hawkins was refreshingly open and honest as he shared his advertising journey, warts and all! Joe demonstrated that you can make anything happen even if it means doing everything yourself!

Natalie Knight shared her secrets to creating great television.  And the audience was mesmerised as she showed some brilliant examples that she’d written for clients such as NZ Lotteries, Sky Television and Cadbury.

Luke Chess challenged our thinking by challenging the relevance of the big idea. To make the point, he used some classic examples of great work throughout the ages including some of his own. It was a compelling argument that he delivered with real panache.

Finally Ralph Van Dijk from Eardrum closed the show with a fascinating insight into the process of creating and producing brilliant radio. It’s an approach that should definitely not be limited to that medium alone.

PADC President Andrew Tinning said: ” For those agencies and individuals who saw fit to sent delegates and attended themselves, thank you all so much for your support. Without your commitment and that of our sponsors, the weekend would not have been possible.To those who chose not to attend – don’t worry, we’ll be back next year for another chance to learn and be inspired!”