Business
Creativity matters more than big budgets, says SLIM DIGIS Judge
Organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the national body for Marketing in Sri Lanka, the final call for applications for SLIM DIGIS 2.1 will be drawing to a close on 25th November 2021. The highly anticipated SLIM DIGIS is the only awards ceremony that celebrates Sri Lankan’s best digital marketing endeavours, innovation and talent and recognizes the region’s growing influence on the global digital industry.
Over the years, Digital Marketing has become a key focus for mainstream marketers and as a platform, SLIM DIGIS aims at recognising Digital Marketing professionals by empowering every digital marketer to become a master of their own destinies with a clear-cut focus on key deliverables that need not be backed by big budgets in comparison to mainstream advertising.
According to Imal Fonseka, Jury Chair of SLIM DIGIS 2.1, a stand out entry would always have three key components: The campaign, the case and the presentation. “The campaign must break through the clutter and surprise the jury. The case of your entry must be compelling-in that, its goals, strategy, execution and results have to have a clear ‘linear relationship’. Finally, its presentation; has to be impactful. The applicant must understand that the Jury has gone through many entries, and therefore for the applicant’s presentation to grab the judges’ attention it has to stand out”. He adds that “based on past experiences, Jurors do not wish to see ‘long winded’, ‘non-linear’ submissions with ‘documentary type’ presentations”.
Both SLIM and its jury have volunteered their time to consider a fair, transparent and competent evaluation of the submissions. If applicants require further clarity on entry pre-requisites, they may reach out to SLIM via email at hesara.u@slim.lk or Gangani.l@slim.lkand they will be guided accordingly.
Unlike most other campaign awards, big budgets are not a prerequisite to standing out at the DIGIS. “There are plenty of ways to create cool social media campaigns with small budgets as opposed to conventional media campaigns”. Additionally, while it’s true that paid social is extremely effective, organic social serves as a strong foundation for any social media strategy, especially when there are creative marketers involved”. He concludes “Creativity matters more than big budgets”.
The entry process for SLIM DIGIS 2.1 is unique, as entries must be submitted in a video (mp4) format not more than 05 minutes long. Applicants must submit an entry video along with supporting annexures (data, statistics, reach etc.) in PDF format. In addition to the above, a practice that is common in other award events, but not adopted by SLIM DIGIS is the creation of a ‘shortlist’ of entries for evaluation/judging. All entries are evaluated by the panel of judges, and judging takes place when a primary round of submissions is validated and verified to ensure that all entry prerequisites are fulfilled.
There are general and special categories in SLIM DIGIS 2.1. Whilst the general categories are self-explanatory when applying for the special categories, Imal advises applicants to “read beyond the title and fully understand the descriptor”.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”