The former Awards Executive at the Association of Marketers has been at the helm of the prestigious Loeries Awards for the past fourteen years. The event recognises, promotes and rewards creativity in the advertising industry.
"This is the 25th anniversary of the Loeries Awards and the first time that it is being staged under the auspices of the MFSA. I'm, therefore, very thrilled to be on board," enthuses Newby.
She adds that the transformation drive spearheaded by the MFSA within the industry made her excited about the creative potential of this year's contestants. Those efforts that reach the final stages of judging will be displayed at Sandton City a week before the Awards ceremony.
"I've always been impressed by the sheer creative brilliance displayed by our entrants. I'm certain that this year will be no different," states Newby.
Newby's re-assumption of the Loeries hot-seat has been greeted with enthusiasm. "We've even had to relent to pressure from potential entrants and extend our deadline by over a week. Those who have yet to submit their entries can now do so by 12 March 2003."
Since its inception in 1978, the Loeries Awards had been hosted by the Association of Marketers, one of three marketing bodies that merged to form the MFSA. The Institute of Marketing Management and the Direct Marketing Association are the other two partners in the merger.
An equally upbeat Davy Ivins, CEO of the MFSA, remarked that he was "delighted" to have Newby back in the fray. "Her experience ably complements the work of the MFSA's Loeries Committee which is bound to make the function the classy showpiece that it has become renowned for," said Ivins.
This year's print and electronic categories, sponsored by Media 24 and MNET respectively, promises to be a dazzling event on the occasion of the Loerie Awards' 25th anniversary.
Sarel du Plessis, of Media 24, welcomed Newby's return to the Loeries fold. "I am happy that Sylvia is back on board as she brings a wealth of experience," he said.
