Drugi jezik na kojem je dostupan ovaj članak: Bosnian
By: Ekrem Dupanović
The second half of last week was marked by the media trends conference SEMPL, held in Portorož. It was a great conference, from which everyone who came to Portorož left satisfied.
About the first impressions after the conference, we talked with Valeria Prevolšek, CEO of Media Pool and President of SEMPL.
Media Marketing: Could we say that this was the best SEMPL, given the program and the number of visitors?
Valerija Prevolšek: Absolutely. SEMPL is excellent for several years now. Every year we succeed to do something a little bigger and a little better. This year’s program was at a really high level, the number of visitors was greatest so far, the hall was practically packed from beginning to end of the conference, workshops were excellent, but what impressed me the most was the atmosphere. SEMPL has always been known for its great atmosphere – but so many smiling people, positive comments and enthusiasm I’ve never heard or felt until now. I must say that for me personally, this was definitely one of the best SEMPLs, and that I enjoyed it from the very first to the very last minute.
I would like to add that I’m sure that SEMPL this year once again proved itself as one of the best conferences in the region. Therefore, I hope that even those who think that we are still a marginal, local event for media planners, will put us on their calendar for next year, because I think there is not much chance in our region, so close to home, to learn and experience so much. If advertising legends come to SEMPL and return to the conference rooms as listeners, it means that we are making a good story. And there were such. Some of those legends you mentioned in your Diary log from the SEMPL.
Media Marketing: Even in the hotel hallways you couldn’t hear a single bad comment, which is not quite usual for similar events.
Valerija Prevolšek: I’m happy to hear that. After so many months of work and effort, creating ideas for sponsors, selecting the right speakers … satisfied participants are the greatest award I could wish for. I’m happy, really happy.
Media Marketing: What made the biggest impression on you? Whom among the speakers you would mention in particular?
Valerija Prevolšek: As for the main speakers, Kindra Hall, Shed Simove and Dorie Clark, I knew in advance that they would be great. But I never dreamed that all the speakers would be so good. Not only did we learn, we had fun. The greatest impression among the speakers was certainly made by Shed, who wasn’t just a star on the stage, but also at the party, until the early morning.
Media Marketing: The jury has done a great job it seems. I know that the jury decisions are not commented, but still, are you satisfied? Were the awarded campaigns your favorites as well?
Valerija Prevolšek: I can only say that I am very satisfied with the work of the jury. We had a marathon jury session and I must say that they invested tremendous effort and energy and that they chose true winners. I think that all the awarded works are great, and I’m very glad that this year’s Sempler awards were celebrated throughout the region.
Media Marketing: Grey Ljubljana has some objections to Luna being declared the most successful agency of Sempler, believing that Grey was more successful. Could you explain this misunderstanding for our readers?
Valerija Prevolšek: I know nothing about that. Grey hasn’t contacted me with any complain. At the SEMPL we never select the agency of the year, so I believe there is no need to debate about which agency was the most successful at Semplers. The facts are that Luna TBWA has made the best media strategy of the year, and won another gold, while Grey won gold with two works they entered, and had also participated on the third one. That’s it. As far as I’m concerned, all the agencies that went home with awards have a reason to celebrate, because this year in some categories there was really great competition.
Media Marketing: Would you like to thank some sponsors or collaborators in particular for their support in organizing the SEMPL?
Valerija Prevolšek: A big thank you goes to all partners and visitors for creating a great atmosphere, and for their financial support – without sponsorship and registration fees, SEMPL today would not be what it is. Finally, a big thank you to my SEMPL team. So many hours of work, so many ideas … To make such a successful conference is by no means easy.