LATAM advertisers get inspired in Cartagena

More than 2,300 industry professionals from Latin America and beyond gathered in the picturesque city of Cartagena, Colombia at the end of September for Cartagena Inspira, a three-day congress on communication, creativity, innovation and marketing organised by the Association of Colombian Advertisers (ANDA) and other industry bodies in the country.

With a history spanning almost 40 years, this year's congress extended geographical boundaries to address regional topics, putting the event on the radar of advertising communities from beyond Colombia as one of the biggest, most important industry events in the region.

With a mission to foster inspiration and shared experiences, the Congress focused its seminars, forums and panels, master classes and workshops on four themes: People, Culture and Society (the consumer); Creativity and Innovation; Marketing and Brands; and Media, Channels and Platforms. HP CMO Antonio Lucio, PepsiCo LATAM CMO Ricardo Arias, and WFA CEO Stephan Loerke were among the speakers at the event.

In addition, the Congress trade show attracted more than 100 exhibiting companies who showcased their products and services to attendees.

Cartagena Inspira was also the venue for the first LATAM Effie Awards. PepsiCo won Brand of the Year while Sancho BBDO bagged Agency of Year.

At the WFA LATAM regional meeting during Cartagena Inspira, ANDA Colombia launched a pioneer initiative to measure and compensate for carbon emissions by industry events. They aim to promote the development of industry events that generate a more sustainable and positive impact on the host city's people, visitors and environment. At least a thousand native trees will be planted in October and November 2016 as part of this initiative.

For more information, visit the event website or contact ANDA Colombia.