Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec has whittled its field of competitors down to 10 finalist teams, heating up the competition that assigns briefs for real-world marketing challenges to students in undergraduate marketing programs.
The finalists, chosen from a field of 800 registrants and 170 entries, are:
• Chase Ellestad from Acadia University
• Matthew Marcuccio and Patrick Barsalou from Laurentian University
• Ryan Martin and Brandon Greenspoon from McMaster University
• Patricia Wozniak and Joanna Periversoff from McMaster University:
• Michelle Yee and Ben Richards from Queens University
• Kelsey Cole and Paul King from St. Francis Xavier University and University of Victoria
• Isaiah Balderissa and Carolina Dubanik from Simon Fraser University
• Michael Holmes and Maya Ciesznyka from University of Alberta
• Brittany Miller and Amanda Miller from University of Lethbridge
• Deven Dionisi and Kathryn Savoie from York University.
This year’s contest launched in January with competitors producing a two-page “elevator pitch” for a Chevy Sonic campaign. Each entry was to create a strategy to introduce the Sonic brand, generate positive awareness and reach a handful of very specific outcomes – 16% share of the market, generate “strong demand for product trail” and “establish Sonic as the new benchmark model in the [small car] segment,” among them.
In February, 25 teams were shortlisted, asked to expand on their ideas and create a three-minute video.
The final field of 10 competing teams and individuals now face the “pitch or perish” award gala on March 29, where two entries will be awarded 2011 Chevy Sonics. Other prizes include scholarships for $2,500 and $1,000 and internship opportunities.
