Ad Blog Arabia

FCB’s new international website

Not your typical advertising agency site. Obviously, it has a ‘circular’ theme, with each of these circles linking either to a campaign the agency has done, or corporate information.

It takes some time to figure this site out, which may not be what impatient clients or site visitors want.

However, it’s different and worth a look.

And here it is.

Add comment May 22nd, 2006

Agency inferiority complex?

Everyday we hear advertising agencies boast about their services being superior or their staff being unrivalled.

But, here’s something you don’t see everyday; and agency that is running a test to show if you’re superior or inferior to them!

The agency is NewYork-based Brooklyn Brothers.

Do you want to take the test?

Add comment May 22nd, 2006

Branding and marketing the Middle East at the World Economic Forum

A lively session was held today at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East, which is currently being held in Sharm el Sheik. The WEF’s Workspace format was used to brainstorm about the challenges facing the region as a whole in promoting itself on a global level. Questions asked where: what are the main challenges facing the Middle East’s brand image (answer: many!), and what are the positive aspects of the region on which promotional campaigns can be built.

Interesting outcomes of the brainstorming included stressing the Middle East’s history as a cradle of civilizations, its human warmth, its hospitality. What does ‘Made in the Middle East’ stand for? Beyond oil and sand.. What are the most successful Arab brands on a global scale (Al Jazeera? Emirate Airlines? Dubai? Burj Al Arab?). Can the Middle East stand for balancing globalization with humanity.

The session was moderated by the BBC’s Nick Gowing. We’ll share the outcomes of the session with you once its put up online..

UPDATE: You can check out the outcomes of the WEF Workspace sessions here.

Add comment May 21st, 2006

600,000 word-of mouth-moms

The word-of-mouth marketing craze, also referred to as ‘buzz marketing’ is being utilized by the world’s top advertisers.

Proctor & Gamble (P&G) has established a buzz-marketing business, called Vocal Point, which is recruiting 600,000 mothers to advocate P&G products!

The indications of such a move from the world’s biggest advertiser, away from advertising spend and more towards ‘paid propoganda’ outside the media stream, should seriously worry media owners.

You have been warned.

Here’s where mothers sign up with P&G.

Add comment May 20th, 2006

Extend your vision!

Here’s an intelligent campaign running now in Brazil, for eye-glasses company Titanium.

As you can see, the giant rounded mirrors in this underground garage are styled like eye glasses, which apparently look exactly like one of Titanium’s designs. There are several of these mirrors, and in different designs.

Passers-by will stop to take a look, and read an information plaque beneath saying that it’s a promotion by Titanium.

Portuguese readers out there, if you can see the letters on the plaque…. translate please for the rest of us!

The agency responsible for the campaign is Publicis Brazil.

2 comments May 20th, 2006

Iraqi smiles, courtesy of LG

LG Electronics has renewed its contract, which began in 2004, to sponsor the Iraqi Football Association for another two years up till 2008.

One can imagine the day-to-day difficulties of living in Iraq, but it’s good to see the country’s domestic football getting support from one of the world’s biggest companies.

It’s also smart business from LG, who are already a top selling brand in Iraq having entered the market very early following the invasion in 2003.

LG’s president says that “this agreement is a reflection of LGs belief in football as a means to heal communities, and the brand’s commitment to the region.”

Fair enough.

The announcement attended by Iraqi sports and LG officials was made in Dubai.

Hopefully, next time LG renews this agreement, the security situation in Iraq will make it possible to announce the agreement in Baghdad.

But, let’s not talk politics on AdBlogArabia …… onto the next post.

Add comment May 20th, 2006

Making space for nature

Here’s an interesting billboard for Mini in Austin, Texas.

The idea is one of ‘environmental responsibility’, as Mini has made room for mother nature by donating two thirds of its purchased billboard space to The Nature Conservancy.

Sorry about the electricty lamp-post in the middle of the visual! It’s the only picture we’ve got.

Add comment May 19th, 2006