Busan International Marketing & Advertising Festival (MAD STARS 2024) Sets the Stage for Global Excellence in Marketing and Advertising in Korea

The Busan International Marketing & Advertising Festival (MAD STARS 2024) has opened its doors for submissions from across the globe starting Monday, February 5. This prestigious event invites entries showcasing outstanding campaigns in marketing, advertising, and digital content.

With submissions organized into six groups, spanning 24 stars and an impressive 373 categories, the festival aims to recognize excellence in various aspects of the industry. A distinguished panel of over 340 judges, comprised of international experts in advertising, digital media, public relations, and other related fields, will meticulously evaluate the entries.

The evaluation process involves a round of preliminary judging followed by three rounds of final judging, ensuring only the most exceptional entries receive recognition. This year's competition promises to be even more rigorous, with 40 main jury members convening in person in Busan to deliberate and decide the final winners.

The coveted awards include the Grand Prix, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and the ultimate honor, the Grand Prix of the Year. The latter, considered the pinnacle of achievement at the Busan International Marketing & Advertising Festival, is bestowed upon the best work among the Grand Prix winners in each of the five groups, excluding the PSA Group and the Public Service Group.

Entrants need to adhere to a carefully planned submission schedule, with the first round of entries due on Friday, May 10, the second round on Friday, May 31, and the final round on Saturday, June 15. Submissions can be made through the official website of the Busan International Marketing & Advertising Festival.

One significant change this year is the introduction of paid entries in the 'Professional' category, a departure from the festival's tradition of free entries. The move aims to elevate the quality and authority of the awards while fostering sustainable growth. Entry fees vary based on the submission period and category, with early submissions benefiting from lower fees. Importantly, the 'General Public' category will remain free to ensure the festival's commitment to openness.

Choi Hwan-jin, Executive Committee Chairman of the Busan International Marketing & Advertising Festival, expressed optimism about the change, stating, "Charging for submissions, which we are trying for the first time in 17 years, will not only improve the quality of creative solutions but also enhance the authority of the judging." He emphasized the festival's dedication to being a global event accessible to both professionals and the general public interested in creative solutions.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Busan City, the 2024 Busan International Marketing and Advertising Festival (MAD STARS 2024) is scheduled to take place from August 20 to 22 at Busan BEXCO and Haeundae. As the festival sets the stage for a celebration of creativity and innovation, industry enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this year's standout campaigns.