LIA in Vegas: Advertising is dead, or maybe it’s not, or maybe it is (depending on who you talk to)

Leo Burnett Melbourne creative team Elle Bullen and James Orr (left) were two of the 60 young creatives from around the world attending this week’s LIA ‘Creative Conversations’ in Las Vegas. Here they write about their experience for Campaign Brief.

It’s been five epic days in Vegas, and now all there is to do is try to win back some of our money and give the folks from LIA a big high five.

This has been one sensational experience.

Deciding to ditch the traditional award ceremony in favour of an educational event was a great idea.

Instead holding an that most people can’t attend, and that the rest sit through bored until they can get boozy and subsequently schmoozy, why not celebrate creativity by holding an event that will inspire people to create work that deserves to win in the future? And inspiring it was. 

We learned so much, and we learnt it from the best. 

Here’s a sampling of some of the wisdom we’ll take home with us…

Legends can be legendary – When Neil French turns up to your tutorial session without shoes and wearing someone else’s pants because he lost them the night before after a date with a Japanese pornstar come wrestler, you know you can learn a thing or two from this guy. Barefoot and full of eye-opening wisdom – he is Jesus of the adworld.

Advertising is dead, or maybe it’s not, or maybe it is (depending on who you talk to) –  There were plenty of theories floating around about the future of advertising this week – some claim it’s evolving, others believe it’s stronger than ever, and one guy thinks we’re all about to lose our jobs. After weighing up all the possible theories we’ve come to the conclusion that it sure is changing, but with the amount of talent and passion for ideas that we saw this week, it will always have a place. 

Our jobs are pretty good – Sure the budgets might suck, the hours may be long and the deadlines absurd, but advertising is fun. As one of our speakers put it –  ‘This is advertising, not rocket science – and if you’re not having fun doing it then you’re doing it wrong.’ 

Don’t always bet on black –  Sorry Wesley Snipes, but you’re wrong on this one. Just ask Matt Lawson and James Orr who are both $100 poorer this week. 

*Matt is actually $102 poorer as he wanted to win the most, but failed.

Uniting 70 young creatives from around the world in Vegas means – Money lost, friendships made, minds blown, endless conversations about ads, awards and logo sizes, stretch hummers, filthy hangovers and a great time. 

We’re thinking the future of advertising is looking pretty bright. 

– James Orr & Elle Bullen