2022 Judging Comments

Thank you for inspiring well-organized and personal days in Vegas. The overall atmosphere is one of the best I’ve experienced in all my years of judging shows.

I came hoping to be inspired, not only by the work, but also by other people’s perspective on the work. And I was not disappointed.
 
The purpose of being on a jury is to change your mind about what’s good and why. You want to leave with new perspectives. Sitting down for three days with industry experts to discuss and curate benchmarks for earned creative is a privilege.
  
I believe we got to a good place for the first year of PR. It’s really good not to have online pre-judging. Especially with another jury (as in Cannes). That method kills a lot of good work due to lack of discussion, guidelines and calibration in the jury.
 
Doing all of the judging in person together always delivers a more solid result including more insights from the discussion.
 

The jury room was an incredibly rare combination of world class talent points of view and humanity/kindness.
 

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for having me as part of your jury this year at LIA. 
 

It was so wonderful to spend a week with a group of people so passionate about creativity and what it can make possible. 
 

I’m leaving inspired, challenged and excited about our industry. 
 

As it turns out, I’m meeting one of my LIA mentees from last year, next week in Singapore face to face which will be awesome. She’s just got a new job and we’re staying in touch on all things creative. 
 

I've chosen to work in advertising because I love sociology meaning human being. I love how human we can be so trivial and emotional; I've chosen to work as a music supervisor in advertising, because I love cinema and soundtrack.

 

Thanks to LIA and their amazing team. It was awesome organisation and I am saying that as a producer! This has been the most inspiring 3 days of this year with the most talented people in the sound and music industry!

 

I've been working for 20 years now and sometimes I forget why I've chosen to be in advertising, a business that is moving so fast and not always in the right direction.

 

And one day an email tells me that I will be a juror for Music & Sound at the LIA awards. Such an honor and I am so grateful for this moment.

 

Everyone should get the opportunity to do this, to remind you why you are doing and loving this job.

 

Why advertising, music and sound is just the most amazing job in the world.

 

And most of this was unbelievable because I was able to share this moment with the most talented people in this industry and it was so generous and humble.

 

I didn't know at my age that you can find a new family, and I've found one that I love everyone, which is rare at a jury.

 

I think only the LIA festival crew is able to make things seems so easy, with such amazing good vibes.

 

The organization is so fluid, not rushed and the best way to stay focused in the jury.

 

Thanks to all of the members of LIA and especially Barbara, Patricia, Laurissa and sorry I didn't get her name, but the lady who came every day to get our coffee order!

What a great few days of inspiration at LIA - London International Awards. I always come away inspired from seeing the best work around the world, meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Thanks to the amazing team LIA team and jurors. 

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, Barbara, and the LIA team for a wonderful few days here in Las Vegas. 

 

It’s always a privilege to be with peers and partake in incredible conversation around so much meaningful work. And it’s even better when it’s wrapped in such a wonderful experience like this. Thank you for putting it all together and hope to see you all again soon. 
 

My experience was great. We had people from all over the world, from all different backgrounds.  And we discussed incredible ideas for branded content and innovation.

Our goal from Day 1 was to uphold the legacy of excellence for the LIAs, and we did.
 
The 2022 Branded Entertainment Jury was one of the top 3 judging experiences of my career.
 
The LIA’s assembles the world’s best creatives to judge the world’s best work. It’s the Gold standard.
 

There was no Grand this year and the reason why there is no Grand is becuase the LIAs celebrate the best work in the world, so although we had Silvers that we felt very good about and Golds we felt great about, we didn't have one piece this year that stood out as the best work in the world.

The discussions on the jury were insightful, and I had a great learning experience hanging with the rock stars of the Radio jury. Hearing from accomplished female creatives like Jo McCrostie was particularly inspiring.

 

The whole experience was welcoming, and I enjoyed the nights out at Area 15 and Neon Museum. It was so well organised.
 

Coming down from a week in Vegas debating the industry's strongest work for LIA - London International Awards. As a second time judge in the Transformative Business Impact category, a few observations:

 

1. If you're trying to work through nuanced, emotional topics and get to group consensus efficiently and respectfully, do your best to get in a room, without any second screens. Last year we judged virtually, and got through it alright, but the difference in person this year was palpable - the group was fully tuned in, trust was established more quickly, and as a result, the discussions were much richer.

 

2. The shortest line you can draw between why your business exists and how you make money, the more transformative your business impact will be. Said another way, your purpose drives your business model, not the other way around. It focuses your efforts, makes for a really clear employee value proposition, and reveals the strongest innovation and growth opportunities. If it feels like too long of a walk for a ham sandwich, it probably (definitely) is.

 

3. Las Vegas is categorically absurd. That is all.

 

Shout out to the truly impressive crew - Taras Wayner, Adrian Mills, Amy Carvajal, Shannon Washington, Dr. Stephan Vogel, Ben Tarr, Kwame Taylor-Hayford, Julie Scelzo and Gabriela Paredes Olguin.

 

And of course, to the co:collective team for allowing me to lock myself away for 4 days.

 

What a week! Judging for LIA was not only a huge honor, it was also a great way to connect with music and ad professionals from across the globe. Meeting people with the same passion is always great, but becoming friends with them is even more special. It was an experience I will never forget. Thanks LIA for taking such good care of us!

 

Sounds obvious, but it’s not. Laser focus on an outstanding idea, meticulous attention to detail, and the special energy that’s generated when you bring the right people together – that’s what leads to work that really stands out.
 

The same is true of award shows. Thank you, LIA, for the luxury of bringing together a truly international jury and for putting quality above politics at all times. It is your tremendous passion and respect for the creative product that makes all the difference. And turns LIA into an exceptional jury experience.
 

LIA was my first in person judging since Covid. I loved being in a room with people from around the globe representing the different corners of our music for media industry, sharing their unique cultural pov's. It was refreshing, enlightening and they were all so fuuuun!

 

I felt a connection with everyone there, which was unexpected and unique. Thanks for bringing us together LIA - London International Awards, our whatsapp group is still blowing up!

 

Thank you for having me on the Music & Sound jury, I loved meeting such wonderful people from my industry globally and feel I have made some incredible friendships.

 

I was honestly blown away by the LIA awards in every way, the organization, the inspiration, the people. Honestly I could go on.

 

Judging craft at LIA is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can have. A great idea is not enough to cut through the clutter, it needs to be exquisitely executed. It is the passion for details, the constant obsession to elevate the final output, and the pursuit of greatness that makes an amazing craft piece. There are no short cuts in craft. You have to put everything you've got into it; not only time and sweat, but all the years of experience that you have in advertising. The difference between wishful thinking and reality is the application of craft.”
 

What an amazing experience it was to be part of the 2022 London International Awards in the Health & Wellness - Craft and Pharma & Medical. It was without a doubt one of the most rewarding experiences that I've had. It was a true honor not only to review the most creative work in the world, but on top of that, to do it alongside these top-notch jury members who meticulously reviewed the work. Special thanks to my Jury.
 

The LIA’s have created a space where conversations, inspiration and admiration among judges can exists in an effortless manner. It was such a privilege to be surrounded by immense talent while having discussions that enriched every single one of us.  And the work…. Wow the work!!

 

What a difference a few years makes. 

 

2018. 

Back when we were able to travel without the crippling anxiety every time you hear a cough. I had the pleasure of attending Creative LIAisons; it was an experience like no other from a show like no other. 

 

Spending a week surrounded by young creatives from around the world and industry leaders acted as a smorgasbord of creativity. The conversations and variety of view points helped change one’s perspective and appreciate work in a new light. The experience at LIA changed how I approached many aspects of how I work. It made me appreciate the value of every aspect of our industry, and how much grit and determination goes into making truly exceptional work. All of which helped me progress in the following years. 

 

Fast forward to 2022. More grey hair and having to re-learn how to interact with actual physical people, I had the pleasure of being invited back to LIA. This time to sit on the Pharma & Health Craft Jury. The role had changed, but the experience felt familiar. 

 

The conversations remained paramount to the show. In the jury room they were more thought provoking and sometimes more intense, but the more the work was discussed, the more you appreciated each piece. Every juror sat through every piece of work, and by taking the time to do so, no work worthy was left behind, nuances and cultural insights were allowed to come to surface and only then were we left with the best work of the year. 

This was what has and always will feel unique to LIA. 

 

The whole experience of LIA is something that should never be taken for granted. By helping to develop the next generation of talent, it helps the industry continuously move forward. Those attending LIAisons are exposed to the process and discussions that take place, and so therefore are able to develop not only themselves, but their teams in the process. All done by bringing people together, without any ego or motives, to celebrate creativity. 
  

Quote one: What an incredible experience it was to participate in the jury, one of the largest and most prestigious festivals of creativity and advertising in the world. Last week, I met in Las Vegas with some of the most respected professionals in the field to judge works of the Creativity in PR category, analyzing, debating and defining the trophy-worthy cases among 350 entries. There is no doubt how being in person with people from different cultures, backgrounds and world views contributes absurdly to a more plural perception of creativity, business and life. And I was fortunate to have, in addition to professionals, sensational people together on this journey that lasted long hours and long days – but that ended up being rewarding far beyond the judging.
 

Quote two: It was an incredible experience to be part of the LIA 2022 jury, especially at the premiere of Creativity in PR, a category that is increasingly essential in the strategy of successful campaigns. And being able to judge each work with some of the most relevant professionals in the industry - as well as wonderful humans -, in the same room, reinforced how much the personal contact and connection between different cultures, backgrounds and visions of the world contributes absurdly to a more plural perception about creativity, business and life itself.
 

It's great to be back together again at the LIA's judging every piece of work entered in person. Rich discussions about the work followed, with the outcome of great work being awarded. Well done to all the shortlists and winners. They are truly deserved. As always, the judging environment LIA offers is second to none. 
 

LIA looks after the jury like no other show, the atmosphere amongst the LIA team and all the juries is phenomenal.
 

Judging LIA as a part of such a fantastic group of professionals made my year.

We managed to have awesome discussions and to exchange valuable points of view about the state of our business, in the process of awarding the very best of the year. About the winners, it is clearer than ever that the best current advertising goes far beyond a speech or a narrative, and it commits to take action which means a lot, since advertising a part of the communications industry. Either for a brand or for a cause, we should give more value to those messages that trigger other concrete things and make people move from where they are. 
 

LIA has assembled a truly inspiring community of creatives, eager to evolve our craft and meet the particularities of the zeitgeist, and it shows in the awarded work.
 

Three days before winners were announced:

What Happened in Vegas, this time doesn’t stay in Vegas! Because the count Down starts Now! 
Only three days to get to know all the Winners from the LIA - London International Awards.

What an Honor and a great Experience to be in this amazing Jury. If you ask me, this is the best I have ever been on. The LIA President Barbara Levy and Patricia Censoprano are just an inspiration in every way possible. You really make this Award special. Thank you for thinking of me and giving me the chance to be there with you.

In which Jury you may ask, well nothing less than in the Integration. Which if you ask me, is one if the hardest of all and for this we had the best Jury President we could have, the one and only Bruno Bertelli Global CCO from Publicis - “I am honoured to take on the role of President of the Integration jury. The category will give us a chance to take a look at the best and broadest campaigns of the year. I’ll be looking out for work that reached consumers across various touchpoint and also answered the needs and challenges of the brand.” 

If having Bruno as president was not honor enough there was also Liz Taylor who I can’t thank enough for all her inspirational talks and discussions. But she was not the only female power in our Jury. Nicky Bullard, CCO Mullen Lowe Group, London and Tara Ford CCO The Monkeys, Sydney. I miss you ladies already. 

Also on my jury Mihai Gongu, ECD, Southeast Europe, Cheil Centrad, Bucharest, Mat Bisher, CCO DDB-New York - always refreshing to see the American points of view in the cases, Dean Paradise ECD GUT Miami, Scott Duchon, CCO 215 McCann, San Francisco. 

I have to thank David Guerrero, Creative Chairman from BBDO Guerrero Makati City, for the great Crap Book, I will get back to you if possible to talk about this master piece. 

I was not the only one representing Germany. I was super honored to have at my side the great Armin Jochum, CCO / Founder thjnk Hamburg. Thank you Armin for everything, and mostly your honesty.
To make this all happen I have to thank the Great LIA family, who are the ones that bring the magic in all, Laurissa Levy you are just amazing, thank you for everything. Colin Avery thank you for the inspiration and the carrying. Also to Lily and the rest of the LIA family.

Also thank you to the Music Jury for adopting me for a night out, thank you Mieke Haase I just love you too much. Vera Portz you are the best. The one and only Doerte Spengler-Ahrens what would I do without you. Alex Schill, my partner in crime. Menno Kluin, it was too long ago the last time we saw each other. Hopefully the next time won’t be so long. Metz ti Bryan you are just amazing. Hope to see you in Berlin. Britt Nolan wait for my call ;-) 

Hopefully till next time!! 

The judging experience was terrific.  We had a great cast of characters in the room - lots of diversity, lots of great conversations.  We took our time and made sure that we gave every piece the time it deserved.My experience at LIA was fantastic! It was my first time at LIA.  One of the things we reminded ourselves in the jury room was that, first and foremost, this is a creative awards festival.  This was the most important thing for us to keep in mind as we were judging. It was a steer for what we would be looking for in terms of the kind of work that we were rewarding.

 

A quick note to convey my huge gratitude to the LIA crew for a fantastic festival judging last week. Thank you LIA for all your organization, facilitation, and support leading up to and during the event. I had an absolute blast reviewing and evaluating all that incredible work and getting to spend time with you all and with our terrific Creativity in PR jury. 
 
I so appreciate your invitation to serve as inaugural PR jury president and hope you were pleased with the overall process and outcome. Everyone in our group felt pretty good about the final selections and I’ve been sharing it around our agency as inspiration and motivation to create better work.
 

It is created for creatives! Opening eyes from local to global perspectives through diversity and notable juries. That is why LIA has always been the top creative awards festival.

Judging the 2022 LIAs was a memorable experience for me. I have had the great pleasure of judging this show several times now over the years and I have to say it is consistently the most warm and welcoming judging experience I have been involved in. This year was no exception and the most memorable yet!  We had a jury that formed a strong bond and consistently supported each other throughout the week.  Simply put, we were inseparable. Not only did we have an opportunity to judge the best work from around the globe, we did it with passion and love for the craft.