Creative Brilliance Meets the Black Sea: Ad Black Sea 2023

Batumi gears up to host Ad Black Sea 2023, the region's leading event for the creative industry, from September 14-16. This year, over 1,300 delegates, both local and international, are set to converge, offering a robust 3-day program that promises to be bigger and bolder than ever.

A total of 14 competitive nominations are up for grabs, spanning fields such as branding, sustainability, design, and digital communication. A diverse jury, comprising 32 members from 17 different countries, will oversee the evaluation.

Tamar Tsintsadze, the festival's executive manager, emphasized the importance of the festival to Georgia and the surrounding region. She stated, "Many find it costly to attend western festivals. Hence, Ad Black Sea serves as an invaluable alternative, allowing participants to glean insights from the leading minds in advertising, stay abreast of global trends, and witness outstanding creative works."

Vato Kavtaradze, the president of AD BLACK SEA, sees the event as a platform to position Georgia as a regional powerhouse in the creative domain. He believes that hosting such high-caliber professionals in Batumi enhances Georgia's global footprint, with ripple effects benefiting tourism and the broader economy.

The festival continues to uphold its Russia-free stance, choosing not to entertain guests or submissions from Russia and Belarus.

This year's illustrious speaker lineup includes:

• Rory Sutherland of Ogilvy, renowned for integrating behavioral science into advertising. Rory's innovative approach to "invented media" and "discovered media" aims at identifying hidden consumer behavior gems. With a rich legacy in advertising and multiple stints as a jury president at international events, Rory is a force to be reckoned with.

• Mark Pollard, the strategic mind behind Sweathead. His strategy training firm, accompanied by a podcast boasting 1.4 million listeners, demonstrates his clout in the industry. His book, "Strategy Is Your Words," elucidates the complexities of strategy, resonating with over 6,000 readers to date.

• Marie Reig Florensa, a heart-based leadership expert with over two decades in the creative sector. Marie's ethos revolves around the belief that everyday gestures can lead to profound impacts, viewing life as the ultimate artwork.

• Ricardo Wolff of Innocean Berlin, celebrated for clinching numerous awards, including Germany's first titanium lion. His work with leading brands such as Volkswagen and Ikea has solidified his standing as a prominent creative director.

• Agga Jónsdóttir of Pipar/TBWA brings over 20 years of expertise in marketing and advertising. With her strong foundation in graphic design and a future in gender studies, Agga has clinched various accolades and led juries at esteemed festivals.

The event promises a blend of learning, networking, and celebration of the finest in creative excellence.