Change is in the air. From e-mail marketing to postal regulations, from interactive technology to how people respond, from Caples to the creative community. No matter what we do, it is impossible to stop change. And we shouldn’t try to stop it — instead, we must embrace it and, as direct marketers, figure out how to use it. At Caples, we’ve changed too. With our partnership with DMNews and Haymarket Media, Caples is ushering in Caples 2.0.
But much of what makes Caples special remains exactly the same. Founded more than 30 years ago by the redoubtable Andi Emerson, The Caples Awards was established in honor of industry pioneer John Caples, a legend for his mentoring and championing of creative talent. Caples is the only awards program that honors the individuals responsible for devising creative solutions to direct marketing problems.
The awards are judged in a peer-to-peer review that is truly exceptional. Creative directors from around the world convene for five days in New York to review, discuss and debate the ineffable qualities that make for outstanding creative work. Caples is privileged to enjoy the support of this global creative community.
This year, for the first time, Caples also includes a category for Student Campaign of the Year, sponsored this year by Alloy Media + Marketing. College students were invited to submit ideas for a real-world direct marketing campaign for Pentel’s Recycology line. The quality of entries we received was incredibly encouraging for the future of the DM industry, and I know you will enjoy hearing more about the ideas and contributions from the next generation of DM creative.
The student award program is representative of an important ongoing mission for Caples, to support and promote direct marketing as a creative profession for the best and brightest to enter.
Our most persuasive case is made with the success and high-level work that is on display through the Caples Awards. But I hope that all of our stakeholders will play a role in evangelizing for the rich, creative community that is uniquely empowered in direct marketing.
The Caples Awards dinner is a celebration of individual success, but also of the collective achievements of this dynamic and powerful marketing discipline. Thank you for taking part in this celebration.
Caples Board of Directors
PRESIDENT/COO: Patrick Fultz, DM Creative Group, LLC
SVP/Operations: Ian Baer, President, Big Fuel
EVP/Creative: Steven Di Manni, Freelance copywriter/creative director
Director Emeritus: Loren Granville, VP/Eastern Sales, Bankrate, Inc.
VP/Outreach International: Duncan Gray, ECD, Proximity, London
Corporate Secretary: Juanita T. James, Chief Communications Officer, Pitney Bowes Inc.
VP/Finalists: Stephen Juhasz, VP, Midwest Direct Mailers
SVP/Strategy & Development: Lawrence Kimmel, former Chairman and CEO of G2 Direct and Digital
Haymarket Partner: Lisa Kirk, President/Managing Director, Marketing & Technology Publications, Haymarket Media
SVP/International: Sid Liebenson, EVP, Director of Marketing, DraftFCB
SVP/Fundraising: Worth Linen, President/Creative Director, Worth Linen Associates
VP/Public Relations: Ray Roel, Director of Corporate Communications, McCann Worldwide
SVP/Judging Division: Gary Scheiner, EVP, ECD, TBWAChiatDay
VP/Awards Showcase: Penny Vane, President/CCO, Vane & Friends
