It’s not often that a communications strategy involves decreasing visibility, but Optus did exactly that last weekend at the Gold Coast 500 Supercars’ round. It gifted long-term not-for-profit partner StandByU Foundation its usual front bumper sponsorship spot on the Mobil 1 Optus Racing Walkinshaw Andretti United car of driver Chaz Mostert. The logo swap exposed the foundation to millions at the track and on TV.  The StandByU Foundation "exists to foster the Connections that link people in need to those who care." The foundation also preaches for close connections and attempts to support those from all walks of life experiencing abuse or isolation. Optus's relationship with the StandByU Foundation dates back to 2018. The foundation was a finalist in that year's Future Makers program and a member of its small business council.  Speaking on the logo swap, Optus's Vice President of Small Business, Emma Jensen, said, "It's such a pleasure to support a small business like Standb

Dentsu India recently hosted the 8th edition of its global annual sustainability event, One Day for Change (ODFC), focusing on “Sustainable Behaviours.” The event, aligned with Dentsu's 2030 Sustainability strategy, emphasised reducing consumption, fostering a circular economy, and protecting finite resources for future generations. Held on September 4, 12, and 13 in Dentsu's Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bangalore, and Pune offices, the event featured activities like a tree plantation drive and a seed ball-making session in collaboration with the SankalpTaru Foundation. The latter resulted in the planting of 730 trees and the creation of over 5,000 seed balls. The final day included a Hackathon by Waste Warriors, addressing waste management in the Indian Himalayas. Harsha Razdan, CEO of Dentsu South Asia, praised employees for their commitment to sustainability, stating that these actions are not only about meeting 2030 goals but creating lasting positive change. Over 500 employee hours

Two marketing communication professionals on opposite sides of the world have alleged that an Australian start-up founder exposed his genitals to them during online business meetings. Last week, Ms. Kiran Deep Sandhu, a corporate communications coach in India, reported to Bangalore police a man she identified as Joe Anthony, alleging he exposed himself after requesting a discovery meeting via the TopMate online networking service. "When I joined, the name displayed was "Joe," which I confirmed was the same individual. However, upon asking him to turn on his camera, I was met with a deeply shocking sight — a naked man with his private parts exposed," she wrote. The incident left her "feeling traumatized and vulnerable", she added. On Friday, Canadian branding consultant Ms. Rose Alkamisi also alleged that a man, who identified himself as Joe Anthony, had exposed himself on a Zoom call, again, under the pretense of a consultation enquiry.  "This morning this perve tried to ruin

Efficacy Worldwide has been appointed the Agency of Record (AOR) for Hero Cycles, India’s largest bicycle manufacturer.    The agency will spearhead  Hero Cycles' new campaign, 'Cycle Hero Hai,' which is designed to engage urban consumers through innovative and strategic initiatives, a release stated.   With extensive market research to gain a deep understanding of the desires and needs of its target audience, the agency is able to craft compelling narratives that position cycling as a smart, everyday solution for challenges like traffic congestion and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. The agency has strategically placed Hero Cycles in high-traffic urban spots such as restaurants, QSR chains, malls, and upmarket areas through vibrant picture promotional displays in cities like Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, etc.  

Sefiani Managing Partner, ANZ, Mandy Galmes discusses the results of 2024 Communication that Matters report   The challenging business environment of recent years has left marketing communications professionals behind the eight ball in responding to an increasingly fragmented, and ever-evolving customer landscape. This was the overarching take-out from the Communication that Matters report from communications agency, Sefiani, which surveyed 100 Australian marketing and communications leaders. Sefiani managing partner for ANZ, Mandy Galmes told Influencing that one of the most eye-opening result was that investors were the primary audience for marketing communications activities with 28 per cent nominating those stakeholders as their top targets, with just 18 per cent prioritising customers. "It doesn't sounds right, but we actually weren't surprised by the result because when you put it in context of the broader economic environment and with all the macro-political is