Marketing News Roundup: November 23, 2022

Today we feature a round-up of some big events and recent industry happenings.

• NBA and YouTube Give Canadians “Short-Side” Access
• EPICA Awards Announces 2022 Shortlist
• Samsung Tech Connects Athlete Fred VanVleet with Next-gen Talent
• Staples Canada unveils Holiday Gifting Centre

Read more below!

NBA and YouTube Give Canadians “Short-Side” Access

First it was courtside, and now it’s short-side! NBA and YouTube Shorts has announced a new partnership to bring Canadian basketball fans into the world of NBA lifestyle and culture.

The partnership will give fans deeper access to their favourite players, and to connect top Canadian creators with top Canadian players to make magic happen on and off the court. Canadian viewers and basketball fans will get to see leading players and famous creators choose pre-game outfits together, build dance routines for winning plays, and share candid thoughts on ketchup chips and poutine.

Among the NBA players involved are cousins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, Knicks rising star RJ Barrett, Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin, Thunder guard Luguentz Dort and Mavericks veteran big man, Dwight Powell.

“YouTube has long been a place where Canadian basketball fans can see full-game highlights or top plays. Together with the NBA, we wanted to take the fan experience one step further by showing a side of the players fans don't get to see on the court, and shine a spotlight on the incredible Canadian talent we have in the league, and on YouTube,” said Alyssa Whited, YouTube Canada’s Marketing Lead.

These NBA stars will get to connect, create and share their stories with top Canadian creators including Basement Gang, Jad Slaibeh (Chad with a J), Jaclyn Forbes, Neema Naz, Torri Webster and Harjit & Jaz (YouTwoTV).

“We’re so excited to deliver exclusive content featuring some of the NBA’s brightest young stars, to basketball fans in Canada through YouTube Shorts,” said Cheryl Sebastian, Director of Global Partnerships, NBA Canada. “Our new partnership provides a fantastic platform to showcase the dynamic personalities of NBA players, with an assist from some of the most engaging and talented Canadian content creators.”

EPICA AWARDS ANNOUNCES 2022 SHORTLIST

The Epica Awards are delighted to announce the preselected entries for the 2022 competition. Reaching the shortlist is a fantastic achievement, so we would like to congratulate everyone who appears on it.

Over the past few days, a unique jury of editors and senior reporters has watched and analyzed over 3000 pieces of work. We would like to thank all the agencies, production companies and clients who took part. Every entry has been carefully appraised by the jurors, delivering valuable media exposure to all the entrants.

The full list can be found here: https://www.epica-awards.com/2022-preselection

These finalists will go through to the grand jury, which votes online from November 23 to December 2. Gold and Grand Prix winners will be screened during a special online ceremony on December 8.

Silver and Bronze winners will be published on the Epica Awards website the next day, December 9.

Since 1987, the Epica Awards jury has been exclusively composed of editors and senior reporters from the world’s leading titles covering creativity and communications. They are supported by journalists from specialist fields such as post-production, VR, design, finance and luxury. A full list of jury members can be seen at www.epica-awards.com

This year the Epica Awards received 3099 entries, a slight drop on last year explained by the absence of Russian agencies, which were banned from entering. The highest number of entries came from North America (400) followed by Ukraine (396), Germany (276), and France (158). There was an increase in entries from Asia, notably Thailand, China and India. In terms of networks, McCann, Publicis and Accenture were particularly well represented, but independent entrants are ever more in the majority, making up over 55% of total entries this season.

Samsung Tech Connects Athlete Fred VanVleet with Next-gen Talent

The newest brand campaign from Samsung continues with three new video spots showcasing the real, meaningful connections Canadians can make using Samsung technology. In the latest campaign spots, basketball star athlete Fred VanVleet, creative producer Mr. KOA, and content creator Isabelle Cheng, are leaning into their personal passions and crafts to illustrate how Canadians can “Do The SmartThings!” with connected devices that seamlessly work together.

Whether interacting with a fan, tackling a photo shoot, or creating delicious-looking food content, Fred, Isabelle, and Mr. KOA are all utilizing the power of Samsung products and SmartThings to make these experiences more efficient and enriching. We recently caught up with the stars of the videos to learn more about the meaningful connections they experienced with others through Samsung technology.

In the latest spot, up and coming basketball star and Team Canada athlete, Deniya Prawl, plays video games on her Neo QLED TV online with another gamer – not knowing that on the other end of the line is the star athlete Fred VanVleet, who surprises her with a call on her Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. You can watch the latest video here.

Read the full article, including the Q+A with Deniya, Isabelle and Mr. KOA, to learn more about their experiences with Samsung’s meaningful connections campaign, and how they themselves continue to leverage connectivity in their everyday lives.

Staples Canada unveils Holiday Gifting Centre

As the top destination for thoughtful and affordable working and learning gifts, Staples Canada has launched its Holiday Gifting Centre. Whether you’re shopping for co-workers, teachers, clients or tech-lovers this holiday season, Staples Canada has endless options of inspiring gift ideas at great value for everyone on your list.

“This year, we’re here to help Canadians find the perfect gifting solutions that offer value, affordability and an easy shopping experience,” said David Boone, CEO, Staples Canada. “We’ve introduced a collection of thoughtful and unique picks for everyone on your list – all at great prices – to help eliminate holiday stress and spread cheer.”

Top Gifts for Everyone on Your List: Staples Canada’s Holiday Gifting Centre features different categories to help Canadians easily find inspiration and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list – available right now at great value:

• Gifts for Co-Workers: Have a favourite co-worker or need something for the office party? Shop through a selection of candles, totes and more for a gift that’ll impress.
• Gifts for Teachers: The best teacher deserves the best gift. Discover a selection of gifts in pops of holiday accents reflected in agendas, stationary and vintage thermoses to show your appreciation for teachers in your life.
• Gifts for Employees and Clients: Show how much you care for your team and clients with gifts they’ll appreciate, including gift baskets, tech gadgets, scented holiday-inspired candles and customized mugs, photo books, blankets and socks to name a few.
• Gifts for the Tech Lover: Impress the tech lover in your life with the latest and greatest tech gifts, including top tablets, gaming, and audio gifts.

With the Holiday Gifting Centre, you can also discover great gifts for great value: picks for under $25 or under $50, Gifts for Home Office, Gifts for Travellers, Gifts for Kids and Creatives and Housewarming Gifts are all available via the Gifting Centre.

In other Staples news, the Spreading Holiday Joy with Howie Mandel and P.Y. Lord is back! Launched in 2021, Let’s Find Out is Staples Canada’s brand campaign which aims to inspire Canadians to pursue their passions and explore their curiosity. Staples has once again partnered with Howie Mandel and Pierre-Yves Lord who will star in a series of TV commercials leading into the holiday season, exploring everything from finding the perfect gift for your co-worker, teacher or tech-lover – all questions centred around the theme of pursuing your passion at this time of year. The commercials will air on major Canadian networks starting November 2022. Check-out one of Howie Mandel’s commercials here and one of P.Y. Lord’s commercials here.

Compiled by Emma Whiten, Former Editor of Marketing News Canada