The biggest event in the advertising and media industry calendar, the NABS Big Birthday Bash is set for lift off at 6.30pm on 9th May at Battersea Evolution, bringing together every sector of the industry from creative and media agencies to media owners.
This year’s Big Bash is a significant one as it marks the official celebration of NABS’ centenary and adopts a futuristic ‘100 and Beyond’ theme. It is THE biggest fundraiser in NABS’ calendar, generating over a million pounds for industry individuals who may need to call on NABS’ help in times of difficulty or to support their careers.
The 10 NABS Centurions, the next generation of rising stars will also be presented on the night.
In traditional red carpet Big Bash style, suspense is the name of the game and the headline act, compere and entertainment will remain top secret until the night. Based on previous years’ big reveals there are sure to be a host of household names and lots of glitz to excite attendees.
Over 1,000 adland stars from across the industry will attend the event to celebrate everything that NABS has achieved over the past 100 years. In the spirit of ‘100 and Beyond’ they will also recognise how NABS continues to evolve so that it supports the needs of everyone involved in the industry at every stage of their career.
The 100 day countdown to this significant milestone has included a range of activities to mark NABS’ centenary. Its ‘100 & Beyond’ theme has been the subject of an outdoor and print campaign with creative developed by WCRS and a donation from Clear Channel of geo-targeted, digital 6 sheets as well as donation of ad space in Campaign and Marketing courtesy of Haymarket. Campaign creative shows a Metropolis-style futuristic city scene against which iconic industry figures have agreed to don galactic accessories and pose. These include Fru Hazlitt, Stephen Miron, Robin Wight and Jane Ratcliffe.
Lord Rothermere of Associated Newspapers is supporting NABS in its centenary year by matching his forefather’s donation which helped found NABS 100 years ago. The business is supporting the production of a centenary book and is sponsoring other initiatives during the Big Bash.
The ‘100 & Beyond’ theme has also been the subject of a NABS Twitter campaign asking those in the industry for their thoughts on adland’s future, using the hashtag #100andbeyond.
The Big Birthday Bash will feature an exquisite three-course dinner with wine, party games a Silent Auction as well as a ‘Money Can’t Buy’ grand auction.
Zoë Osmond, chief executive officer, NABS said: “Our Big Birthday Bash will be THE industry birthday party of the century and a great occasion for all involved in the media and advertising industry to join in the industry’s cross-sector community spirit. But on a more serious note we also see this unique night as an opportunity to thank our generous donors and supporters, past and present without whom NABS simply would not exist, not to mention raising vital funds for our beneficiaries.”
