MAM
IAA marks 85 years of existence
Mumbai: This October, the International Advertising Association (IAA), the world’s most influential network of marketing and marketing communications professionals and global umbrella body for the marketing and advertising industry is celebrating 85 years of existence with a series of key events and initiatives aimed at bringing together its thousands of multidisciplinary members. Among the initiatives are:
● The official launch of IAA’s new 85 years celebrations logo starting 3 October 2023
● 3 October 2023 – The IAA Global B2B Brand Summit with a selection of the finest voices in B2B from around the world.
● 4 October 2023 – A gala dinner in New York City, attended by 85 of IAA global leaders and IAA Compass partners from 56 countries around the world.
● 6-8 March 2024 – The 45th IAA World Congress, which takes place every two-three years in major cities around the world, will be held in Penang, Malaysia highlighting sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion and ESG.
IAA Global chairman and world president Sasan Saeidi said: “Since IAA was founded 85 years ago by Thomas Ashwell and 12 Ad Execs at the New York Harvard Club, much has changed in the industry and in the approach of advertising goods and services. IAA is kicking off celebrations with initiatives which bring together our vast and multidisciplinary members, allowing IAA to tap on global best practice and play a strong role in supporting key industry issues and values.”
IAA Global executive global director Dagmara Szulce said: “The IAA North Star values of creativity, advocacy, education, collaboration, professional development, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide IAA and underscore our 85 years celebrations. IAA is committed to helping the communication industry navigate the implementation of the North Star values in their own company cultures, in a rapidly changing world.”
IAA Global VP diversity, equity, and inclusion of and IAA Australia president Sheba Nandkeolyar said: “It is a privilege to lead IAA DE&I and Australia at this important time in IAA’s history. As our 85 years celebrations spotlight IAA’s value for members, I am pleased to see increased demand in joining our network of over 4,000 individual and corporate members spanning marketing, advertising, media, IT communications and academic sectors spanning 56 countries.”
IAA Australia chair Heather Leembruggen said: “In our 43 years existence in Australia, IAA has flourished and established a strong reputation through our thought leadership and initiatives such as IAA Australia’s Big Idea Challenge – one of the iconic initiatives designed by IAA for the next generation – now in its 21st year. With the benefit of a rich and long history to learn from, the future of IAA and IAA Australia is bright.”
IAA area director & vice president, Asia Pacific region Pradeep Dwivedi said: “The IAA APAC region has amazing potential and joins the IAA @ 85 celebrations along with chapters in Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, S. Korea, Malaysia, Macao, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taipei and new emerging chapters to take the ideals of the IAA forward and collectively ensure that IAA remains the leading compass of marketing communications globally in a dynamic business world, even as we thrive on the amazing confluence of creativity and technology in our industry with social impact as a key tenet”
IAA India Chapter president Avinash Pandey expressed, “As the International Advertising Association marks its remarkable 85-year journey, we take pride in being part of this global community that has consistently shaped the landscape of marketing and advertising. The series of events and initiatives planned for this milestone not only reflect the IAA’s enduring commitment but also offer a platform for our diverse members to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of our dynamic industry. We look forward to contributing to the continued success and influence of the IAA as we navigate the exciting intersection of creativity and technology, with social impact at the forefront of our endeavours. Here’s to 85 years of innovation, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit that propels the IAA forward.”
MAM
Star Sports under fire for ‘cringe’ India–SA Super 8 promo
Broadcaster accused of arrogance and disrespect as fans slam Super 8 promotion
AHMEDABAD: Star Sports is facing a wave of criticism after its latest promotional campaign for the India–South Africa T20 World Cup Super 8 match triggered a fierce social media backlash, quickly dubbed “Cupcakegate”.
The advertisement, released this week, hinges on a cupcake metaphor that many viewers have condemned as patronising and disrespectful. In the clip, an Indian supporter mockingly offers a pink cupcake to a South African fan, a visual jibe widely interpreted as portraying the Proteas as a soft, easily beaten opponent.
The backlash has been swift across platforms such as X and Reddit, with fans and commentators accusing the broadcaster of tone-deaf bravado at a crucial stage of the tournament. The criticism is sharpened by the context: both India and South Africa arrive in the Super 8s unbeaten, undermining any suggestion of a one-sided contest.
Online, the cupcake symbol has been read as carrying multiple barbs. Some users argue it alludes to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa’s domestic nickname, while others see it as recycling the long-running “chokers” trope associated with South Africa in ICC tournaments. The casting choice has also drawn scrutiny, with viewers noting the physical disparity between the actors playing the two fans, which critics described as a cheap attempt to belittle the opposition.
Even Indian supporters have joined the pile-on. Many warned that such chest-thumping marketing risks “jinxing” the team, pointing to past tournaments where aggressive campaigns preceded unexpected defeats.
Star Sports is no stranger to rivalry-led advertising, having struck gold with its earlier “Mauka Mauka” series. But analysts say the cupcake campaign misreads a fanbase that has grown less tolerant of overtly mocking narratives and more attuned to sporting parity and respect.
India and South Africa meet on Sunday, 22 February, at the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium. With South Africa securing their Super 8 berth through a commanding win over the UAE, the fixture is widely billed as a heavyweight clash, not the walkover the ad appears to suggest.
