FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week 2016 unveils provocative new campaign and keynote speaker Maurice Lévy, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe

-- Canada's must-attend strategy, innovation and creativity event underscores relevance of change with iconic industry leader --

TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - "Don't let change leave you behind," advises The Institute of Communication Agencies (ICA) www.icacanada.ca and Publicis Canada (www.publicis.ca) as they unveil a compelling new theme -- underscored by an updated logo and digital and print marketing campaign -- to promote Canada's largest and most anticipated annual communications and advertising event, FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week 2016 (www.advertisingweek.ca) taking place January 25 – 29, 2016 in Toronto. Both the ICA and Publicis are also honoured to announce the Canadian visit of Mr. Maurice Lévy, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe and widely recognized as an international global leader in communications, to speak at the FFWD: Ad Week closing luncheon on January 29, sponsored by The Globe and Mail.

This year's provocative campaign, created by Publicis Toronto emphasizes the notion of transformation and how the industry is in a state of radical change, with constant innovation affecting companies, jobs and roles across the board. The tongue-in-cheek creative leverages the fear of being left behind, and challenges with provocative notions as "…Carry the weight of an enlightened mind," "If you're not prepared to stay ahead, be prepared not to stay," and "Ignorance is bliss. Followed by a quick visit to HR." The messaging encourages those in the advertising, marketing and communications community -- both marketers and agencies alike -- to attend the week's more than 40 events, which will better empower attendees to both effect and manage change, and understand the rapidly changing industry dynamics. The campaign includes banner ads for online and mobile devices, posters, print ads and radio, supported with a refreshed website, updated logo and a comprehensive public relations campaign.

"Both agencies and clients alike are dealing with unprecedented change across the communication landscape and our work for FFWD dovetails with the ICA's mission to embrace that change," said Duncan Bruce, president and CCO, Publicis Canada and Chair of FFWD. "Our industry is in a state of radical transformation and we all need not only to adapt, but harness this change."

Change is everything. Don't get left behind.
In addition to the keynote presentation by renowned business leader, agency head and agent provocateur Mr. Lévy, highlights of the action-packed calendar include presentations, conferences, seminars, awards, panel presentations, the education-themed Morning Masters Series, and Next Generation Day for students and young communication executives -- all of which promise to address the complex needs and issues the industry faces. An expanded speaker series will include presentations of the 4th annual Ipsos Brand Influence study, as well as presentations from Adobe, Google, Yahoo, Twitter, Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail, among others. Popular events such as the Cannes reel screening, the AOL Industry Breakfast, and Toronto Star opening cocktail party will return this year.

Added Mr. Bruce, "We are proud to host Mr. Lévy in Canada as a keynote speaker at FFWD 2015 and are keen to hear his global perspective and insights on transformation in our industry. His presentation will no doubt be the highlight of the week."

Early bird ticket packages will go on sale on October 27. Full week early bird (available for two weeks only until November 6) ticket packages include the Platinum Experience Full Week Pass (transferable) for $699.00 and the Gold Full Week Pass (transferable) for $549.00. For more information, schedules and tickets visit www.advertisingweek.ca.

"This year's FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week and its overriding theme of change promises to be bigger and better than ever, with compelling keynotes, content, thought leadership, and networking events. You need to be there or risk getting left behind in this rapidly transforming world of communications," added Gillian Graham, CEO, ICA. "For anyone in our industry or with an interest in the communications world around us, FFWD is definitively the year's must-attend kick-off event for 2016."

About FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week
Advertising Week was launched in 2009 and has grown into the Canada's largest and most diverse annual gathering of advertising, marketing and media leaders, attracting 6,000+ attendees to Toronto each January. It consists of international keynote speakers, conferences, seminars, awards, panel presentations and Next Generation events and showcases the industry's best, while offering a forum to highlight new ideas, key business drivers, and industry discussions. The brand identity was changed to FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week in 2013, to better reflect the content's appropriateness for the entire industry. The week is spearheaded by the ICA in conjunction with the associations, agencies, advertisers, suppliers and public service partners in the communications industry. Every year, the composition of the week is re-engineered, with some past programming being phased out, while new content is explored on a pilot basis. View 2015 FFWD here.

About the ICA
The Institute of Communication Agencies is the professional business association which represents Canada's communication and advertising agencies. The ICA's mission is to champion commercial creativity, amplify the industry's economic impact, and to embrace and drive change. As such, the ICA promotes thought leadership, higher standards and best practices. It serves as the largest source of information, advice, education and training for Canada's communication and advertising industry. ICA's member agencies and subsidiaries account for over 75 per cent of all national advertising in Canada, with an economic impact worth more than $29 billion annually. More information about the ICA and its initiatives can be found at www.icacanada.ca, on Twitter @adweekcdn or @icacanada #FFWD2016 or Facebook.

SOURCE Institute of Communication Agencies

Media: For event accreditation, additional information, visuals or to book an interview with an ICA spokesperson, Mr. Maurice Lévy or a FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week presenter, please contact Susan Willemsen or Heather Anthony at The Siren Group Inc. Tel: [phone]. E-mail:[email protected], [email protected], visit www.thesirengroup.com or on Twitter @thesirengroup.