A new super ad industry body set to be formed to represent AWARD, the AFA and APG

CB hears AWARD, the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA) and the Account Planning Group (APG) are about to combine forces to form a new super organisation – yet to be named – to represent the entire Australian marketing communications industry.

The plan is soon to be put to the members of all three organisations in a series of extraordinary general meetings, but CB hears early indications are that the top creative directors of Australia are all for the idea, which will give AWARD, with a 500+ strong membership, a seat at the top table in the business, while still retaining its independence and schedule of events it holds each year. One CD told CB that AWARD would be guaranteed the deputy chair role in the new organisation and several spots on the board, with the AFA getting the chair, as he or she would still be dealing with the big issues that affect the entire industry.

AFA CEO Mark Champion (top right) and AWARD chairman Richard Maddocks, ECD of Clemenger BBDO, Sydney (top left) were locked in meetings this afternoon but our source says an official announcement is expected as early as Friday so stay tuned.