Beauty brand Avon has partnered with marketing and advertising conference MAD//Fest to launch a £20k search for ‘tech solutions in low tech environments’.
The brand challenge is to focus on how innovation can enable Avon’s representatives to power more personalised marketing content from the brand’s content hub, Avon ON, including those representatives in parts of the world where they have to rely on low capability tech.
Following an application process, five firms will be invited to pitch live at the event to Avon’s chief beauty officer, James Thompson, and executive director of procurement – global marketing and transformation, Stephanie Bell. The winner will receive £20k to develop a pilot for Avon, subject to regulatory approval.
“Avon is undertaking a major marketing transformation right now that will build on our heritage and lead to us firmly establishing the brand as a digitally-enabled global beauty player,” said Thompson.
“There’s a huge opportunity to create more engaging, personalised and effective mobile marketing content for our global audiences but it requires the right technology, partners and approach. We’re excited to be teaming up with MAD//Fest to encourage collaborative innovation in our unique international business.”
The free-to-enter challenge is open to tech firms, content businesses and agencies, and is open for entries until October 8.
Dan Brain, co-founder and content director at MAD//Fest, added: “The beauty of this challenge is the huge opportunity for start-ups, scale ups and more established tech and content businesses to collaborate and play a pivotal role in the transformation of an iconic brand.
“We’re thrilled to announce another exciting brand partnership that will connect this ambitious brand with the most cutting-edge technology and assert MAD//Fest as the place where the industry meets to discover new solutions, innovations and collaborations.”
Supported by Mediatel, the conference is the UK’s only invite-only event of brand, agency, media and tech decision makers. Over 100 speakers are confirmed for 2019, including Ogilvy vice-chairman Rory Sutherland and Dishoom co-founder Shamil Thakrar.
MAD//Fest London will take place on November 13-14 at The Old Truman Brewery – more information is available here.
