Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer first digital leader to receive "Media Man of the Year" Award
Cannes, 19 June 2009 Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, will join delegates at the 56th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival next week (19-27 June). During a keynote address (Wednesday, 24 June), he will challenge the advertising industry to look beyond the seemingly complex digital media landscape and to recognise the opportunities that the medium presents as it goes through a period of unprecedented change. Ballmer will outline Microsoft’s commitment to working with the industry on the development of new technologies to help unlock the creative potential of digital and drive real competitive advantage as it moves up the CMO value chain and becomes ever more integral to a brand’s wellbeing.
Ballmer will be in Cannes to accept the IAF’s prestigious ‘Media Person of the Year’ award in recognition of his leadership and Microsoft's continued commitment to digital advertising. 2009 is the first year a leader from the digital industry has been given this prestigious accolade – a testament to Ballmer’s leadership and the role Microsoft has played in shaping today’s media landscape. He will separately share his passion and vision for the advertising industry with the ‘Creatives of Tomorrow’ at a private event designed to inspire and excite a new generation of creative talent in the international advertising community.
Demonstrating how brands can delight and engage the consumer through compelling digital advertising campaigns, whilst highlighting the role technology can play in reducing the perceived complexity of digital advertising, Ballmer’s keynote presentation serves as the centrepiece for a week-long agenda of Microsoft events:
* Microsoft Advertising Business Forum - visionaries, strategists and creative thinkers will come together for a provocative, forward-thinking and interactive conversation about the present, the future and the distant future of advertising. Speakers include:
- Joshua Green, PhD, Research Fellow Comparative Media Studies Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Naoki Ito, Creative Director, GT
- Scott McCune, VP Integrated Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company
- Donna Murphy, VP of Marketing Strategy, Discovery Channel
- Jeff Hyams, Chief Strategy Officer, MEC EMEA
* Microsoft Advertising Workshop - Showcasing some of the most creative campaigns across Microsoft Advertising’s gaming media (Xbox, Xbox Live and Massive), this workshop will explore how innovation and engagement are changing the face of games advertising.
* Microsoft Surface – Delegates visiting the Cyber Lounge and Microsoft Advertising Beach Club will be able to have a social and engaging Microsoft Surface experience which highlights new ways brands can reach their customers. In addition, Microsoft Surface will be part of a showcase demonstration for delivering multi-channel digital campaigns.
Marc Bresseel, General Manager, Microsoft Advertising, EMEA commented: “Cannes is a destination for the industry, the world’s only truly global meeting place for those interested in creative communications. The Festival represents a chance to not only recognise great creativity and reflect on the challenges of the past year but to set the agenda for the year ahead – never more important than in today’s challenging economic environment where marketing strategies and spend are in the spotlight. Given the rapid ascent of digital as a strategic driver within a brand’s communication strategy, this year’s event represents an opportunity for us to show how we are at the heart of the transformation of media. We are a pioneer and enabler of digital advertising and are uniquely placed to give guidance, insight and inspiration to delegates from the world’s leading communications agencies and brands. Our commitment has already been recognized through the awarding of Media Person of the Year to Steve Ballmer and we remain relentless in our efforts to achieve our vision. ”
In addition, the Microsoft Cyber Lounge will provide internet access for all delegates and an opportunity to check out the shortlisted Cyber Lions entries, whilst attendees wanting to connect with Microsoft can visit the Microsoft Advertising Beach Club, at the Grand Hotel Beach Restaurant.
Throughout the festival, Microsoft Advertising news, events, awards info and a wealth of on-the-ground commentary and opinion will be posted to the Microsoft Advertising Community site, on Facebook and Twitter.
Microsoft Advertising will continue to sponsor the Cannes Cyber Lions Awards until 2010 as part of the company’s investment in and ongoing commitment to the progression of digital advertising.
Ballmer will be in Cannes to accept the IAF’s prestigious ‘Media Person of the Year’ award in recognition of his leadership and Microsoft's continued commitment to digital advertising. 2009 is the first year a leader from the digital industry has been given this prestigious accolade – a testament to Ballmer’s leadership and the role Microsoft has played in shaping today’s media landscape. He will separately share his passion and vision for the advertising industry with the ‘Creatives of Tomorrow’ at a private event designed to inspire and excite a new generation of creative talent in the international advertising community.
Demonstrating how brands can delight and engage the consumer through compelling digital advertising campaigns, whilst highlighting the role technology can play in reducing the perceived complexity of digital advertising, Ballmer’s keynote presentation serves as the centrepiece for a week-long agenda of Microsoft events:
* Microsoft Advertising Business Forum - visionaries, strategists and creative thinkers will come together for a provocative, forward-thinking and interactive conversation about the present, the future and the distant future of advertising. Speakers include:
- Joshua Green, PhD, Research Fellow Comparative Media Studies Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Naoki Ito, Creative Director, GT
- Scott McCune, VP Integrated Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company
- Donna Murphy, VP of Marketing Strategy, Discovery Channel
- Jeff Hyams, Chief Strategy Officer, MEC EMEA
* Microsoft Advertising Workshop - Showcasing some of the most creative campaigns across Microsoft Advertising’s gaming media (Xbox, Xbox Live and Massive), this workshop will explore how innovation and engagement are changing the face of games advertising.
* Microsoft Surface – Delegates visiting the Cyber Lounge and Microsoft Advertising Beach Club will be able to have a social and engaging Microsoft Surface experience which highlights new ways brands can reach their customers. In addition, Microsoft Surface will be part of a showcase demonstration for delivering multi-channel digital campaigns.
Marc Bresseel, General Manager, Microsoft Advertising, EMEA commented: “Cannes is a destination for the industry, the world’s only truly global meeting place for those interested in creative communications. The Festival represents a chance to not only recognise great creativity and reflect on the challenges of the past year but to set the agenda for the year ahead – never more important than in today’s challenging economic environment where marketing strategies and spend are in the spotlight. Given the rapid ascent of digital as a strategic driver within a brand’s communication strategy, this year’s event represents an opportunity for us to show how we are at the heart of the transformation of media. We are a pioneer and enabler of digital advertising and are uniquely placed to give guidance, insight and inspiration to delegates from the world’s leading communications agencies and brands. Our commitment has already been recognized through the awarding of Media Person of the Year to Steve Ballmer and we remain relentless in our efforts to achieve our vision. ”
In addition, the Microsoft Cyber Lounge will provide internet access for all delegates and an opportunity to check out the shortlisted Cyber Lions entries, whilst attendees wanting to connect with Microsoft can visit the Microsoft Advertising Beach Club, at the Grand Hotel Beach Restaurant.
Throughout the festival, Microsoft Advertising news, events, awards info and a wealth of on-the-ground commentary and opinion will be posted to the Microsoft Advertising Community site, on Facebook and Twitter.
Microsoft Advertising will continue to sponsor the Cannes Cyber Lions Awards until 2010 as part of the company’s investment in and ongoing commitment to the progression of digital advertising.