SYDNEY: Ikon was crowned AdNews Agency of the Year at a packed Star City last night.
It is the first time a media buying agency has taken away the top prize with Ikon beating a stellar field of winners in 15 categories in front of more than 630 guests.
Ikon won some monster accounts in 2009, including Vodafone Huchinson Australia and Myer amid a slew of new business wins. However it was the agency's strategy, innovation, staff development and future plans that impressed the judges most in a year that saw a record number of award entries.
Ikon, which retained 100% of its clients, also won the Media Agency of the Year award for the second year running.
Belgiovane Williams Mackay tookout the hotly contested Creative Network of the Year. "Big ideas on big Brands," is what separated BWM from the pack, according to the judges.
OMD successfully defended its Media Network of the Year title for retaining 100% of local clients, growing staff numbers, and having a clearly defined plan for the year ahead.
NSW Agency of the Year was awarded to Leo Burnett not only for its excellent growth in billings, revenue and two Cannnes Gold lions, but also an environmental commitment that saw the agency relocate to a five star green rated office.
DDB Melbourne was anointed Victorian Agency of the Year for continuing to be a pitching force in 2009 with 13 new business wins and a 30% growth in staff numbers.
Direct Agency of the Year was won by Mark. M&C Saatchi's direct and digital division won some big clients, including Ford, the Heart Foundation and EMI as well as growing profits more than 50%
Soap Creative was awarded Digital Agency of the Year for its raising revenue, snaring new accounts, new accounts, including Optus and Impulse, and a 100% client retention rate.
State Agency of the Year went to Perth's Meerkats with successes including launching iiNet’s internet/phone gadget BoB nationally, increasing profit by 18% and billings by 12% as well as a 100% staff and client retention rate.
Other winners included:
Ad Campaign of the Year
SapientNitro Brisbane - Tourism Queensland, "The Best Job in the World"
Media Campaign of the Year
OMD Sydney - Yates, "The Party Garden"
PR Agency of the Year
One Green Bean
Promotion Agency of the Year
Momentum Worldwide
Specialist Agency of the Year
Hulsbosch
Experiential Agency of the Year
Urban Media
Emerging Agency of the Year
Ward6
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