In the dynamic realm of marketing, constant evolution is the norm, with new trends and lifestyle changes shaping the landscape daily. This ongoing process ensures that marketing strategies are continuously updated and diversified. In today’s world, Gen Z emerges as a complex and influential consumer group, necessitating young marketers to align their thinking and actions with the impulses, rationalities, and preferences of this demographic.

Regional and global marketing competitions such as Young Spikes and the Young Lotus Workshop hold paramount significance for young professionals. These platforms provide a unique opportunity for youths to not only showcase their creative prowess but also to gain invaluable experience in navigating the ever-changing marketing landscape. Participation in these competitions fosters a deeper understanding of diverse market dynamics, challenges participants to think innovatively, and cultivates crucial skills needed for career growth in the competitive field of marketing. The exposure and insights gained through these experiences contribute significantly to the development and success of emerging talents in the marketing industry.

Bangladesh Brand Forum, in line with the company’s motto, “Inspiring the Nation” organises The Young Lions Competition Bangladesh every year. This year, BBF  organised the 8th Young Lions Competition Bangladesh and Young Lotus Competition Bangladesh 2024 in Collaboration with Advertising Agencies Association of Bangladesh, AdClub Dhaka & The Daily Star and in Association with the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity at The Daily Star Centre on January 20, 2024. The competition was hosted in two categories – Integrated and Digital – in search of ‘The Ultimate Creative, Competitive Young Professionals & Ultimate Young Marketers’ to represent Bangladesh at Spikes Asia 2024.

The competition concluded with the announcement of three winning teams. The winner of the digital competition, alongside one winning team from the integrated competition, will represent Bangladesh at Spikes Asia 2024. Another team from the Integrated Competition will take part in the Young Lotus Workshop 2024 in Pattaya, Thailand, from 21-23 March.

After a comprehensive and meticulous evaluation, the jury panel announced the names of the winning teams. A team from Grameenphone Ltd. consisting Syed Saddam Hussein, Brand Strategist and Maisha Hossain Chowdhury, Brand Manager, won the Young Lions Competition Bangladesh under the integrated category and a team from Beatnik Design, consisting of Rifat Ara Papri, Creative Manager and Md. Tahmidur Rahman Kadery, Executive, Strategy and Planning won the Young Lotus Competition Bangladesh 2024 under the same category.  In the digital category, Asiatic Mindshare Limited’s team, consisting, Kumkum Jahan, Creative Writer and Fariha Rahman, Brand Communication Strategist, won the Young Lions Competition Bangladesh 2024.

Muneer Ahmed Khan, Managing Director & Chief, Unitrend Ltd.; General Secretary, Advertising Agencies Association of Bangladesh (AAAB); and Sanaul Arefeen, Managing Partner, Mattra; Convener, Adclub handed over the winning accolades to the teams.

In this year’s edition, a total of 45 teams, comprising two members each, participated in the Young Lions Competition Bangladesh. Both competitions were held simultaneously, while the teams were given two distinct cases to develop campaigns within a seven-hour duration.

Immediately after the allotted time, the teams were given the platform to explain their campaigns in a 5-minute presentation before the jurors. The jury panel included industry experts, seasoned professionals, and thought leaders such as: Taufique Mahmud, Executive Creative Director, Mediacom Limited; Sharmin Rahman, Head of Corporate Brand, Grameenphone Hasib H Chowdhury, Executive Creative Director, Adcomm Limited; Md. Ehsanul Hoque, Partner Director, Mediam Group Bangladesh; and Galib Bin Mohammad, SBU Head, Meghna Group of Industries (MGI).

The winning teams will be participating in the upcoming Young Spikes Digital Competition and the Young Spikes Integrated Competition at Spikes Asia 2024 on behalf of Bangladesh. Additionally, the winner of the Young Lotus Competition Bangladesh 2024 will take part in Young Lotus Workshop 2024.

The competition ensured a wide array of participation from aspiring and progressing agencies and organizations of the country.

Digital Competition

Breaking Barriers

The story revolves around Faisal, a six-year-old boy on the autism spectrum, facing societal misunderstandings and challenges in Bangladesh. Faisal’s family encounters hurdles in social life, employment, and education due to a lack of awareness and support for autism. The broader issue in Bangladesh includes limited resources, social stigma, and discrimination against disabled individuals. Despite government initiatives and World Autism Day celebrations, there’s a crucial need for sustained efforts to increase awareness, integrate autism care into healthcare systems, and promote inclusivity. The case concludes with a call for a digital campaign addressing multifaceted autism issues, promoting integration, and presenting solutions for victims’ utilization.

Integrated Competition

Threads of Tourism: Unraveling Bangladesh’s Cultural Riches through Geographical Indication

Bangladesh, a nation rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, faces a challenge in unlocking its tourism potential. Geographical Indication (GI) products, representing 17 unique treasures, hold the key to revitalizing the tourism sector. Despite challenges hindering their global recognition, success stories like Rangpur Shataranji carpets showcase the transformative power of GI certifications. The lack of documentation, public-private sector involvement, quality assurance, and research efforts has limited the international presence of these products. The list of GI products includes Jamdani, Ilish, Khirshapat Mango, and more. To rebrand the tourism sector, an integrated campaign focusing on GI products can position Bangladesh as a captivating destination for global travelers, fostering authenticity and cultural immersion. The case calls for a campaign that aims to build a cohesive brand identity and a unified tourism brand, celebrating the country’s diversity and uniqueness through its GI products.

Partners and Patrons

The prestigious Young Lions Competition Bangladesh 2024 was organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum in association with the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and in collaboration with The Daily Star, Advertising Agencies Association of Bangladesh and AdClub Dhaka, Strategic Partner – Roaring Lions, and Knowledge Partner- Marketing Society of Bangladesh.