David Plouffe, the campaign manager behind Barack Obama’s historic presidential election, will join the advertising industry at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in France this June.
Plouffe, scheduled to speak on the 25th of June at 10:45 am in the Debussy auditorium at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, was the first person, other than family, President Obama credited in his acceptance speech in which he referred to Plouffe as “the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the… best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.”
In making the announcement Chuck Brymer, President and CEO of DDB Worldwide, noted, “This was the election heard round the world. Plouffe’s blend of digital and traditional media was spot on and the key driver behind the successful brand story and record campaign fundraising. This year there could be no better speaker and no better event for our multinational, creative celebration in Cannes. We look forward to having David with us in Cannes.”
Bob Scarpelli, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of DDB Worldwide, said: “Plouffe’s smart campaign, characterised by bold, creative use of media and consistent, authentic messaging, arguably made President Obama the brand of the year and his political campaign the campaign of the year.”
This autumn, Viking Press will publish Plouffe’s The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory.
The 56th International Advertising Festival will be held 21-27 June 2009 in Cannes, France.
About DDB
DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) is the largest consolidated advertising and marketing services global network in the world, according to Advertising Age. DDB also has been frequently ranked as the most awarded agency network in the world by Creativity magazine and The Gunn Report, among others. With more than 200 offices in over 90 countries, the DDB Group believes that creativity is the most powerful force in business, building enduring and powerful brand experiences that create TalkValue™, influence social communities and drive results. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).
About The International Advertising Festival
Cannes Lions – is the largest gathering of worldwide advertising professionals and advertisers as well as the most prestigious annual advertising awards. More than 10,000 registered delegates from 94 countries and around 12,000 total visitors from the advertising and allied industries attend this event to celebrate the best of creativity across all media mix, discuss industry issues and network with one another. Over 28,000 ads from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy, honouring the most creative TV/cinema, print, outdoor, interactive, radio, design, sales promotion, integrated advertising, as well as the best media and direct marketing solutions. A unique programme of high-profile seminars, workshops and keynote speakers are also presented by some of the biggest names in the industry. For further information, please visit www.canneslions.com
