16733: Effie To Become Extra Effin’ Exclusive…?

 

MediaPost reported further on how the merger and acquisitions mania in Adland is extending to awards. An earlier story revealed Ascential—parent company of the Cannes International Festival of Creativity—is considering a $1.5 billion acquisition offer from UK-based Informa.

 

Now Ascential is seeking to acquire the Effie Awards, merging the effectiveness trophies with Lions prizes.

 

As previously noted, Ascential and Informa appear to be run by White men and White women. While the Effie Board of Directors looks reasonably diverse, the Effie Team resembles Ascential and Informa.

 

In short, the blended awards would display more White than gold.

 

Effie Soon To Live In (Cannes) Lions Den

 

By Steve McClellan

 

Events company Ascential, parent of the Cannes International Festival of Creativity and Lions Awards, has entered into an agreement to acquire the commercial assets of the Effie ad effectiveness awards.

 

Subject to regulatory approval, Effie will join Ascential’s Lions Division.

 

In addition to hosting the marketing effectiveness awards, Effie provides insights from over 125 markets, in addition to tools and training.

 

If the deal goes through Ascential will also enter a partnership with the not-for-profit Effie Worldwide organization, which will be transformed into a new global Foundation, The Effie Lions Foundation, Inc. It will be dedicated to training all marketing students, especially those under-represented in the marketing community. Additionally, the Foundation will provide a home for Lions’ existing not-for-profit initiatives and provide access to some of the Lions Division digital products.

 

Philip Thomas, CEO, Ascential, stated, “The coming together of Lions and Effie is a powerful testament to the fact that effectiveness and creativity in marketing are inextricably linked.”

 

Headquartered in New York, with offices in Beijing and the UK, Effie has a network of 59 partners covering over 125 markets. Effie will continue to be led by Traci Alford, President and CEO, Effie Worldwide.

16722: An Award-Winning Merger Of Exclusivity + Systemic Racism…?

MediaPost reported Ascential—parent company of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—is considering a $1.5 billion acquisition offer from UK-based Informa.

 

There’s something appropriate about an enterprise tied to Adland—where mergers and acquisitions are common occurrences for White advertising agencies and holding companies—now undergoing the process too.

 

Based on their respective websites, both companies appear to be run by White men and White women—so there’s a corporate and cultural fit. Don’t expect either place, however, to land a Glass Lion or other patronizing trophy for performative DEIBA+ achievements.

 

Indeed, any such prize for Ascential or Informa would likely constitute a scam award.

 

Cannes Lions Operator Ascential Weighing $1.5B Bid

 

By Joe Mandese

 

Ascential plc, the parent company of the Cannes Lions festival and other assets relevant to the ad industry, is weighing a $1.5 billion acquisition offer from British publishing company Informa plc.

 

“Following recent movement in Ascential’s share price, the board of Ascential confirms that it has received a conditional proposal from Informa PLC regarding a possible cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Ascential at 568 pence per Ascential share,” Ascential said in a regulatory statement, adding that the current proposal follows “a number of approaches by Informa to Ascential in recent months.”

 

The statement goes on to say Ascential’s board is “minded to recommend” Informa’s most recent proposal.

 

Ascential, which recently sold its Flywheel Digital commerce assets to Omnicom for nearly a billion dollars, also is in the process of selling agency technology startup Hudson MX, which it has said it is discussing with multiple potential bidders.

16691: Glass Lions Tainted By Ass Lions…?

 

More About Advertising reported on charges of sexist behavior leveled against male advertising professionals behind entries for a Glass Lion trophy, exposing another blatant example of hypocrisy in Adland.

 

Expect the #timeTo guide to understanding sexual harassment to receive expanded updates for the next Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

 

Gee, it all feels as outrageous as White advertising agencies winning awards for campaigns promoting DEIBA+ perspectives.

 

Jane Austin in Cannes: Cindy Gallop calls out sexist behaviour at Cannes

 

By Jane Austin

 

Some male advertising professionals behind entries for the Glass Lion for Change category this year are definitely not practicing what they preach in their creative work.

 

Cindy Gallop, president of the Glass Lions jury, said on that several individuals who presented their work to the jury this week exhibited sexist behaviour while doing so and jury had contacted those entrants later to express their displeasure.

 

This included “the man talking over the woman, the man physically blocking the woman with his body while presenting, using the woman as a prop,” said Gallop.

 

As Gallop pointed out, this is indicative of ongoing sexism in the industry. It also further highlights the hypocrisy of this industry. The messaging about DE&I, and issues like sexism, harassment, bullying and gender discrimination, is often just that – messaging. Behind all the posturing about change, the same old sexist rules still apply.

 

Thankfully, more awareness has been raised at Cannes this year about the sexist behaviour and harassment that has long been a feature of the festival. We’re seeing some action being taken this year, with the TimeTo initiative to tackle sexual harassment in advertising, partnering with Cannes Lions to produce new anti-harassment guidance.

 

In addition, women have stronger voices than ever at Cannes, with the likes of the Female Quotient Equality Lounge and MadWomen hosting thought-provoking discussions. Though the focus on girly culture that’s sometimes a feature of female-focused events at Cannes (the makeovers, the pink cocktails etc) can jar a bit with the seriousness of the issue. But hey, you can be serious about feminism and still want to look good.

 

Gallop and the Glass jury have done what everyone in this industry should be doing: calling out sexist behaviour for what it is and demonstrating that it will not be tolerated. If behaviour like this goes unchecked in any work environment, DE&I initiatives don’t amount to much more than processes and empty promises.

 

You can create campaigns that celebrate women all you like, but if your behaviour doesn’t change, nothing will. It’s not just a matter of talking about diversity, it’s about behaving like a human being who respects others and shows some human decency. In the rush to hustle in Cannes, some are forgetting that entirely.

16685: A Guide To Understanding Exclusivity At Cannes.

 

Campaign published a performative PR perspective on a ‘difficult yet essential subject’—sexual harassment at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

 

Seems White women are damsels in distress at the iconic awards soiree. Although their alleged trials and tribulations pale in comparison to the bullshit thrown at women of color.

 

A couple of advocacy groups teamed up to create a guide to understanding sexual harassment. Yeah, that should solve matters. Expect opportunistic morons to submit the heat shield for a Glass Lion.

 

To underscore how White women are prized and prioritized over racial and ethnic groups, it should be noted that no one has volunteered to publish a Green Book for non-White festival attendees.

 

Oh, and security should’ve kept an eye on all FCB and former DraftFCB visitors.

 

Sexual harassment at Cannes: a ‘difficult yet essential subject’

 

By Karen Stacey

 

There are a lot of inspiring lessons to be learned at Cannes, but we shouldn’t ever let the hectic schedule and fun make us lose sight of what is truly important; taking personal responsibility for our actions, and taking responsibility for those around us.

 

So, before we all get our delegate badges and start scheduling talks and seminars, it’s vital that we’re all fully educated about this difficult yet essential subject. This isn’t just for visitors and managers on the ground, it goes for senior leaders back home, too.

 

We know that, sadly, sexual harassment still exists and it can happen anywhere, but the risks rise when alcohol is free-flowing and people are away from home. We also know that what starts as a fun trip can quickly become a nightmare for anyone who experiences sexual harassment.

 

That’s why this year, Cannes Lions has teamed up with TimeTo and Wildstorm PR to create an invaluable guide to understanding the issues around sexual harassment. Not just in Cannes, but anywhere outside of the office where the drink is flowing and the inhibitions are dropping.

 

The move is designed to create and foster a supportive environment of respect and accountability, where anyone attending in any capacity feels secure and empowered to enjoy themselves safely and to speak up about sexual harassment, should they need to.

 

The onus shouldn’t solely be on individuals. People need to trust that employers, event organisers and others with a duty of care are looking out for them. Everyone attending must play a part in addressing this issue – either by stepping in if they see it happening, or stopping if they are perpetrating it.

 

That is what this guide does so well. It helps navigate the grey areas around sexual harassment by splitting its core messaging into three distinct sections tailored to employers, employees and delegates. Each section offers a specific focus for that audience and provides guidance for before, during, and after the festival.

 

Examples of guidance include advice before Cannes for senior leaders, managers and HR to establish and make clear policies and procedures; ensuring policies including anti-harassment guidance; outlining what constitutes harassment; the consequences for engaging in such behaviour; and the procedures for reporting incidents.

 

It also offers helpful advice for all attendees at Cannes, including connecting with others and having a support system for uncomfortable situations. This year, the WACL Empower Café provides a safe space for those affected by sexual harassment, offering guidance on the next steps alongside the guide’s information.

 

Additionally, it addresses the barriers to reporting sexual harassment. Incidents that occur at the event may not be reported until participants have returned to the UK, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment in the moment for any disclosures.

 

If you notice a friend or colleague behaving in a way that’s offensive or inappropriate, and you feel safe addressing it, speak up. You can let them know that their behaviour isn’t acceptable and point out the impact. Sometimes, people need a new perspective on their actions.

 

So, when you’re packing your slides or flip-flops and sunscreen or picking up your lanyard, grab the guide as well.

 

But if you really feel you won’t get anything from it or that you don’t have the time, then maybe just take a few seconds while you’re at passport control or queueing for croissants and think about these things:

 

• Take the safety of your team seriously

 

• Lead by example

 

• Put guardrails in place

 

• Take your own safety seriously

 

• Treat people politely and like human beings

 

• Don’t make people feel awkward – don’t force them to have another drink, listen to what they are saying and read their responses.

 

It’s basically as simple as treating everyone you meet with respect.

 

Karen Stacey is the chief executive of Digital Cinema Media, and outgoing vice-president and incoming president of WACL

 

15434: Continued Color Commentary On Cannes Cons.

 

Dentsu Aegis Network Global CEO Wendy Clark repeatedly used Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to stage her patronizing pontifications on diversity. Yet when Cannes Lions’ diversity dilemmas were displayed, Clark didn’t make a peep. Keep in mind, Clark’s divertsity drivel—including involvement with the Glass Lion and TIME’S UP/Advertising—was delivered before knowingly hiring an accused sexual harasser. So, her deceptive dumbness is doubly disgusting. Ditto her lack of integrity.

14217: Cannes Cons XV.

Adweek reported on Badger & Winters Chief Creative Officer Madonna Badger, who presented the Grand Prix award for the Cannes Glass Lion with a contrived speech incorporating references to over fifteen women’s movements. Surprisingly, the speech featured no nods to Diet Madison Avenue. Such an oversight!

Read Madonna Badger’s Cannes Speech, Made From More Than 15 Movements Empowering Women

While wearing black and presenting award to ‘BloodNormal’

By Stephanie Paterik

CANNES, France—Madonna Badger stepped on stage wearing black at the Cannes Lions closing awards show Friday night and delivered a stirring speech that summed up several recent movements to lift up women in an industry and world that has often held them back.

“Yes, she is equal, and yes we are definitely women not objects,” she told an audience that included the globe’s most successful advertising professionals. “In the Glass Lion Jury, we stand by tough moms, we are a force of nature, and in our dress of respect, we need a man like you to end the rape tax.

“Watching the worst soap opera, we saw that no conditions apply, and we remember our blood is normal, and #MeToo. Uh oh, looks like time’s up.”

Her speech alluded to the advertising industry’s recent reckoning with sexual harassment as well as broader inequality, and it wove together the names of women’s movements that have leapt up in response. “The rape tax” refers to a project shining a light on the fact that victims are charged an average of $1,000 for hospital visits.

The founder and CCO of Badger & Winters delivered her remarks while presenting the Grand Prix award for the Cannes Glass Lion: The Lion for Change, to an ad campaign about period shame. #BloodNormal, as the ad is called, broke through decades of sanitized ads around period products, showing real blood on pads rather than blue liquid.

And in what has to be a first for Cannes, AMV BBDO’s team brought a giant pool raft shaped like a maxi pad onto the stage as it accepted the gold Lion.

Badger, a jury president, talked candidly with the press earlier in the day about how uncomfortable she and her peers felt at first judging the bold work. Before the experience, she wouldn’t have felt comfortable saying “period” in a crowd. But as it learned more about the campaign, the group’s perception changed.

“To demonstrate the effect this campaign has had on me personally, I’m not afraid to say the word ‘period’ over and over again at a national press conference,” she said.

She shared the full text of her speech with Adweek, which you can read below.

14188: Cannes Cons.

Adweek reported Ogilvy staged a PR stunt at Cannes, declaring the company would hire 20 women into creative leadership roles by 2020. Plus, the White advertising agency will allow Kat Gordon and The 3% Movement to monitor the progress, undoubtedly also leading to tax-deductible donations to the White women’s group—as well as more PR opportunities for all patronizing parties. The self-promotional act is similar to Omnicom President-CEO-Pioneer of Diversity John Wren vowing to double the number of female creative leaders at BBDO in 2016. It’s funny how no one bats an eyelash when quotas are introduced to boost White women. Yet applying numerical goals to increasing the representation of colored people is met with outrage and resistance. Ogilvy and Gordon added faux inclusiveness to the scheme by claiming the Ogilvy empire is “going to be developing a pipeline for senior women of color globally and making key hires in the next 24 months.” Again, there are no specific details or figures attached to the planetary plot for non-White women. Expect the agency to promote an administrative assistant in Bangladesh and declare, “Mission Accomplished!” Ogilvy Worldwide CCO Tham Khai Meng gushed, “We are big believers in metrics. And the big reason we have to put our heart and our head and our gut to this and commit to this publicly is [that] we want this to be measured.” Okay, but the man is ignoring the metrics of a 2017 Cannes study that showed these exclusive maneuvers—which are falsely heralded as fostering diversity—do not benefit women of color. In the end, culturally-clueless con artists like Khai and Gordon will collect multiple Glass Lions before true diversity is addressed in adland.

Ogilvy Commits to Hiring 20 Women Into High-Level Creative Roles by End of 2020

Announced at Cannes, the goal will be monitored by 3% Movement

By David Griner

CANNES, France—Saying that there’s often much talk but little accountable action on gender balance in the creative industry, Ogilvy’s global creative chief announced today the agency network will hire 20 women into its highest-level creative roles by the end of 2020.

At the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Tham Khai Meng, Ogilvy’s worldwide CCO, said in addition to the commitment to hire women into 20 “senior creative roles,” the network is “going to be developing a pipeline for senior women of color globally and making key hires in the next 24 months.”

While Ogilvy did not release a specific set of titles that it will consider senior creative roles, the agency did send this statement to Adweek: “We define senior as executive/senior-level managers. This category is reserved for the highest level within the organization. This level includes individuals who plan, direct, formula policies and set the strategy.”

Khai said the agency is already in discussions with three women for these high-level roles, but he did not identify any by name.

Helping monitor the agency’s progress toward the goal will be the 3% Movement, one of the industry’s most high-profile groups advocating for gender balance in agencies—especially in creative roles. The organization’s name stems from the time of its founding, when only 3 percent of creative directors were women.

“We are big believers in metrics,” Khai said. “And the big reason we have to put our heart and our head and our gut to this and commit to this publicly is [that] we want this to be measured. That’s why we’re partnering with Kat (Gordon) and the 3% Movement.”

“We’ll keep you honest,” said Gordon, who joined Khai and other Ogilvy leaders for the announcement at a discussion on diversity at Cannes.

Gordon said she was especially glad to see the agency’s commitment to creating a better pipeline for minority women to advance in the network and in the industry at large.

“Diversity is not a headcount issue,” she said. “If you hire a bunch of women or leaders of color and they don’t feel they belong and are prized, they’re going to leave. And I don’t want to see that happen at Ogilvy or anywhere.”

Ogilvy New York creative director Della Mathew, who attended the announcement, said she was proud of the agency’s commitment, which she sees as a starting point.

“I think it’s amazing,” Mathew said. “You have to start somewhere. If 20 is the number we’re going to start with, then we start with 20. Making the move to make the commitment is what is impactful and meaningful.”

14061: Secret Crusading Is A Bitch.

Fast Company, Adweek and Advertising Age reported Diet Madison Avenue was temporarily shut down, but quickly reappeared—probably because it would have been too sad for the divertsity-driven Instagram account to be eliminated during Women’s History Month. However, the anonymous whistleblowers are facing opponents, including a group of female advertising executives publicly stating concerns and critiques. What’s most disturbing is Diet Madison Avenue’s response to anyone questioning the secret crusaders. That is, challengers to the cause are blasted as badly as the alleged sexual harassers. The DMA crew makes Mean Girls look like Mother Teresa. On the one hand, Erin Johnson’s trials and tribulations probably deter most legitimate victims from filing official accusations. At the same time, agencies are increasingly offering anonymous hotlines for employees, which diminishes the need for DMA. So in many respects, Diet Madison Avenue should die. Then again, if the DMA crew is comprised of actual advertising executives, the oh-so-provocative creators are undoubtedly reluctant to miss out on their shot at a Glass Lion.

13760: Regulating White-Women Worship.

Adweek shat out a lengthy turd titled, “Why the U.S. Ad Industry Will Never Regulate Gender Stereotypes.” Oh, really? The White women’s bandwagon will absolutely demand and direct regulation of gender stereotypes—and White men will eagerly jump on board—ultimately providing a smokescreen to avoid dealing with all the racial and ethnic stereotypes so prevalent in advertising campaigns, as well as the discriminatory racial and ethnic profiling that fuels exclusivity in advertising agencies. Clients and trade organizations are already pushing matters, and a spike in gender-friendly awards seals the deal. It’s a safe bet that the U.S. advertising industry will regulate gender stereotypes long before the 66 years it will take to bring diversity to the field.

13672: Cannes 43.5% Conference.

Advertising Age reported women will comprise 43.5% of the judges at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, a figure that has doubled over the past five years. DDB Worldwide North America President and CEO Wendy Clark was tapped to chair Glass Lions—an honor she undoubtedly earned by producing Mickey D’s campaigns that deserve an Ass Lion. No word on the number of racial and ethnic minorities among the judges. Hell, Fearless Girl has a better chance of being named a judge than any person of color.

13622: Gender Equality Exclusivity.

Ads Of The World published the Gender Equality in Advertising collection, featuring the latest diverted diversity designs from all over the planet. The patronizing propaganda is accompanied by the following explanation:

Gender equality is becoming a very popular topic, especially in today’s society. Gender equality focuses on people’s rights and encourages the same opportunity, no matter what gender one may be. Many agencies around the world are ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ and creating ads drawing attention to the importance of women and girls, while also informing the public to let their voices be heard. The collection focus on International Women’s Day, the inequality of women across the globe and the overall importance of gender equality, just to name a few.

Hey, when there’s a chance for an award, White advertising agencies suddenly transform into dedicated defenders of diversity. Forget that the advertising industry’s interpretation of gender equality ultimately stifles genuine equality—and even segregates gender via its favoritism for White women. In the end, “gender equality in advertising” is an oxymoron. And it’s becoming a very popular topic changer, especially when the topic of conversation involves true diversity and equality.

13584: Vapid Vagina Varsity.

Vagina Varsity launched to hawk Libresse panty liners via BBDO in South Africa. Gee, did the idiots behind this bush-league bullshit draw inspiration from the infamous “Hail to the V” debacle for Summer’s Eve? It appears that the stars of the campaign are two Black women, while the creatives snatching credit for the concept appear to be White women. The agency will undoubtedly insist they deserve a Glass Lion for thinking outside the box.

13230: Self-Seeking & Selfishness.

Adweek reported the Cannes Lionesses are seeking the “original Peggy Olsons” at Cannes. “We’re trying to find the first Lionesses, the original Peggy Olsons,” purred a Cannes Lioness. “Cannes has an amazing archive, but the data on female creatives doesn’t go that far back. They started in 1954, but [information about female creatives] from that date isn’t available. So we’re going to have to do a proper bit of detective work to find out who the original Lioness was.” Yes, let’s salute all the noble White women who blazed trails and—like their White male perpetrators/counterparts—completely ignored the people of color facing far more discrimination. Maybe the next sleuthing will uncover the original Dawn Chambers and Hollis.

2 Female Agency Creatives Are Trying to Track Down the ‘Original Peggy Olsons’ at Cannes

Finding the first Lionesses

By Kristina Monllos

Last year, after winning their first Cannes Lion, a pair of creatives from Mcgarrybowen in London, Holly Fallows and Charlotte Watmough, started a movement called Cannes Lionesses to champion female creatives at Cannes. This year, the women are back, and they’re on a mission to find the first female creative winner of the Cannes Gold Lion.

“We’re trying to find the first Lionesses, the original Peggy Olsons,” Fallows told Adweek. “Cannes has an amazing archive, but the data on female creatives doesn’t go that far back. They started in 1954, but [information about female creatives] from that date isn’t available. So we’re going to have to do a proper bit of detective work to find out who the original Lioness was.”

Fallows added, “We want to create this definitive list [of female creative Cannes Lions winners] from 1954 to 2016 so that we get this archive of amazing female creative talent that are winning awards. It’s to inspire people, really.”

During their time at Cannes this year, the duo is conducting interviews with past Cannes Lionesses including Grey’s Vicki Maguire, and Saatchi & Saatchi’s Kate Stanners and Rosie Arnold.

“We’ve set up loads of interviews with past winners, and we’re going to track down the winners from this year and interview them so the website can be more of a source of inspiration and motivation,” said Fallows.

Fallows and Watmough are also hoping anyone who knows of or has information about the first Cannes Lioness will reach out to them. They’re using the hashtag #canneslionesses on social media to spread their message.

“We were obviously aware that there’s a gender imbalance in the industry, but within our agency, it’s never been an issue,” said Fallows. “Winning the award made us realize, when we saw everyone walk up on stage and there weren’t any females, that’s when the penny dropped.”

13229: Cannes Lionesses And Liars.

Campaign published a call-to-arms from Cannes Lionesses—an example of diverted diversity worthy of a Glass Lion. Or an ADCOLOR® Award, at least. “The lack of senior female creative blights the industry and affects the work,” declared the Cannes Lionesses. “Without them the work simply does not represent the diversity demanded by today’s society. And that’s not what our clients want or what our consumers need.” Of course, the womanifesto does not extend its convictions to racial and ethnic diversity. Given that the predominately White women comprising the organization have likely done little to nothing to promote real diversity throughout their careers, this grand endeavor seems a tad narcissistic and hypocritical. The Lions and Lionesses could benefit from inviting a few Black Panthers too.

Cannes Lionesses hunt first females to take on the Lions

A lot of heat — but not a lot of light — has been generated by the gender diversity debate in advertising.

It is right for us as an industry to bemoan the lack of agency female representation, particularly in creative departments.

But we must do more

The lack of senior female creative blights the industry and affects the work. Without them the work simply does not represent the diversity demanded by today’s society. And that’s not what our clients want or what our consumers need.

The time has come to point out the obvious and truly celebrate female creativity; to ram home the reasons as to just why it is vital that the industry is more gender representative; to inspire the women who we hope will follow in our footsteps in ever increasing numbers.

On the prowl

Too few of us consider a career in creative, put off, perhaps, by its reputation as a “Mad Men” all boys club instead of championing our inner Peggy Olsons. Too many find it a struggle too far to clamber up the industry’s greasy pole and land those coveted senior creative roles. It’s not about tokenism; about employing or promoting women for women’s sake. It is more, much more, than that — about realising that an industry with too few senior females on board is missing out on so much. With more women that matter involved in creating advertising, the creative bar is set higher for everyone, men, women, clients, agencies and — ultimately — the consumer.

So where better to lead the charge than at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the world’s most prestigious and publicised celebration of advertising (and more)?

For the second year running, two creatives at Mcgarrybowen London are proud to host the Cannes Lionesses — a website that celebrates and champions female creativity.

This year we’re going large — broadening and expanding the site to get even more women involved in the conversation.

Striking gold

By shining a light on brilliant and award-wining creativity we hope to shift the dial from the 267 female Cannes Lions winners last year (from a pool of thousands) to something rather more representative.

Our mission, in fact, is to seek out those first ever female creatives to strike Cannes gold.

The ambition of the website www.canneslionesses.com is to document all of the Cannes Lionnesses to have picked up metal from the festival’s launch in 1954 to the present day.

We will film this year’s crop of female Cannes winners and are sharing interviews with high profile winners from previous years and from across the globe.

Grey’s Vicki Maguire, Kate Stanners of Saatchi & Saatchi and Rosie Arnold, soon to join AMV BBDO from BBH, are among the (too few) female luminaries to be involved from the UK.

By offering advice and career tips to today and tomorrow’s crop of female creatives we hope to inspire women to push for their rightful places at Adland’s top tables.

But we can’t do it alone. We want — need — the advertising and wider marketing industries (including, yes, men) to join the conversation by using the hashtag #canneslionesses on social channels. We need them to get their rolodex out, ask their old boss to search out the first female Lions winners from back in the day and help us make the list complete.

You can also find Cannes Lionesses on Instagram and Twitter. Come on Cannes, help us roar!

13226: #SeeHer Looks Like Bullshit.

Adweek reported on the latest diverted diversity dung heap from the ANA, whereby the trade group is launching an initiative designed to create more accurate depictions of women in the media. According to Adweek, the effort will include providing advertisers and advertising agencies with “tool kits to score their creative to make sure it accurately portrays women and girls, and encourage brands to review their ads for unconscious bias.” Okey-doke. First of all, what makes the ANA an authority on portraying women—or anything else, for that matter? Hell, ANA President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Liodice can’t even portray himself without producing an embarrassing mess. Will agencies that effectively utilize the tool kits also win free certification from The 3% Conference, as well as gain eligibility for a Glass Lion at Cannes? Wonder if this latest faux philanthropic endeavor will be more successful than the Army for diversity.

How the ANA Will Push for More Accurate Portrayals of Women in Ads

AFE and Girls’ Lounge partnering in #SeeHer initiative

By Christine Birkner

The clichéd, sexist portrayals of women and girls in advertising just took another blow from the ANA’s Alliance for Family Entertainment (ANA AFE). On Thursday, the organization announced the launch of #SeeHer, an initiative that aims to create a more accurate portrayal of women in the media. The goal is to see a 20-plus percent increase in the accurate portrayal of women and girls in ads by 2020, the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the U.S.

More than 50 marketers met at the White House to announce the initiative at the United State of Women Summit in Washington, D.C.

Through #SeeHer, the ANA AFE will provide marketers, ad agencies and media agencies with tool kits to score their creative to make sure it accurately portrays women and girls, and encourage brands to review their ads for unconscious bias. #SeeHer also includes a data-tracking Gender Equality Measure to identify advertising that supports girls and women, and a website where consumers can see ads that reflect the initiative’s message.

“The right advertising environment for women can improve ad effectiveness by as much as 30 percent, so there is a business imperative to truthfully and accurately portraying women and girls. More importantly, it’s the right thing to do,” said Bob Liodice, CEO of the ANA, in a statement. “We’ll know that our job is done when every CMO and agency CEO associated with the ANA never produces an ad that diminishes the role of girls or women in our society.”

Industry leaders including Gail Tifford, vice president of media and digital engagement at Unilever North America, and Shelley Zalis, CEO and founder of The Girls’ Lounge, are partnering with ANA AFE on the effort. “We need to be conscious of our unconscious biases and ensure the visibility of women and girls in media and advertising is authentic and inspiring, because we believe if you can see her, you can be her,” Zalis said in a statement.

In January, the agency Badger & Winters introduced a similar initiative, #WomenNotObjects, which aims to combat ads that objectify women and fight sexism in advertising.

13060: Howdy, Partner Awards.

What if White men partnered with White women and brought in The 3% Conference who then called ADCOLOR® with the goal of making the world’s biggest diverted diversity smokescreen made with unconscious bias. Why, you’d be eligible to win the 4A’s Partner Awards—as well as a White Pencil and Glass Lion. Hurry, the Partner Awards entry deadline is February 12, 2016!