Florida State University wins regional National Student Advertising Competition

Florida State University’s Arrowhead Advertising team won the 4th District American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition in Tampa on April 30th. This is the fourth year in a row and seventh time in the last ten years that FSU has won the competition to represent the 4thDistrict in the national competition.

Each year, a corporate sponsor provides a case study with a particular advertising challenge. Students across the country research the client and its competition to develop a comprehensive advertising and communications campaign to meet the objectives. A panel of judges scores the team’s 32-page plans book and a 20-minute live presentation.

The 2010 corporate sponsor is State Farm. Their challenge was to create a campaign to position State Farm as a contemporary brand to 18-25 year old adults who are responsible for 50% or more of their own living expenses. The goal is to increase auto and renter policies within this segment.

In addition to winning the overall competition, the FSU team also took honors for best research, best strategy, best creative and best question and answer session. Other team winners include University of Miami (2nd place), Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (3rd place) and University of South Florida (4th place).

The Arrowhead Advertising team will compete in the national competition at the American Advertising Federation’s annual conference in Orlando on June 10-11.

If you’re going to the conference or are in the Orlando area, I encourage you to watch the presentations. I guarantee you’ll walk away inspired and if you’re in advertising, you’ll start watching over your shoulder for the next generation of ad pros! And if you’re interested in what goes on behind the scenes, there is a rumor the NSAC will be turned into a reality show.

Congratulations Arrowhead – way to carry on the legacy. I’m sure you’ll represent the 4th District well. FSU turns out some pretty great advertising grads… if I do say so myself 🙂

Tampa Bay public relations