Burnetter recognised at Merton College, Oxford University

Selonica Nalawansa, Brand Group Head at Arc Worldwide Sri Lanka, was recently awarded the ‘Best International Presenter’ honours at the PAC (Participate – Associate – Communicate) 2007 programme for Young Professionals which was conducted by the International Advertising Association U.K. (IAA UK) and held at the world renowned Merton College at Oxford University.

She was given this recognition after making a presentation before a panel of 14 judges encompassing leaders from major corporates such as Newsweek, Financial Times U.K., BBC World, Visit London, OMD, National Geographic and EuroSport. Selonica was nominated to participate at the PAC 2007 programme as part of the ongoing career development initiative conducted by Leo Burnett Solutions Inc. (LBSI), the local office of the internationally acclaimed advertising agency network Leo Burnett Worldwide.

The title of ‘Best International Presenter’ at PAC 2007, given to Selonica was one of the most prestigious awards given out during the programme. Her insightful presentation, titled ‘Imagine London,’ was one in a series of activities during the training sessions, and focused on the pre- established conceptions of London, and how this changes on visiting the city. A number of presentations on a variety of topics were made by the participants over the course of the sessions, and each of these were judged by an esteemed panel of judges who awarded points based on quality, style, clarity, and content of each speaker.

The PAC programme is a longstanding and well-respected annual communications education course that is created specifically for the next generation of the world’s ‘bright young minds.’ The course focuses on creativity and problem solving which is generated ideally through debate, discussion and communication. It also concentrates on the ultimate objective of endowing what is inevitably proven to be the best communications course for young professionals the world over with a holistic approach to the marketing communication discipline.

Speaking after the presentation of the award, Selonica said that it was a great honour to be so highly recognised from the number of qualified and talented professionals present at the PAC 2007. She added, “To walk away with the award for the best international presenter at the programme, displayed that professionals in this country are on par with those from other parts of the world. I am grateful to LBSI for nominating me to be present at PAC 2007, which has been an experience rich in both information and unforgettable memories.”

PAC 2007 was a week long programme held at Merton College, Oxford University in August, and was an intensive training course for delegates from all corners of the globe from all the related disciplines in the advertising industry, including media owners, advertising agencies, clients and media agencies. The programme was limited to only 78 delegates from a number of countries from regions as diverse as South America, North America, Europe, Australia, and South Asia.

This year’s PAC course work focused on a brief presented by the client, ‘Visit London,’ which is the official tourist promotion organisation for the city. Its role is to promote London as the most exciting city on the planet, targeting domestic and overseas leisure and business visitors, as well as Londoners themselves. ‘Visit London’ works in partnership with the Mayor, the London Development Agency and the tourism industry in London. In keeping with their overall goal, ‘Visit London’ briefed delegates on their requirements pertaining to increasing visitors to London ahead of the scheduled 2012 London Olympics.

The brief outlined several interesting points including the likelihood of a common perception relating to cities scheduled to host the Olympics in the past, which is incorrect in London’s case but a situation in which London could also suffer. Included in the programme, to facilitate learning and improve the quality of the outcomes, were a series of lectures highlighting Creativity, Presentation Skills and Effective Teamwork. Creativity and Guidance About The Advertising Process was provided to delegates by two highly reputed and creative marketing communications sources from the U.K.: C Squared Communications and OMD

Delegates also benefited from teachings in Presentation Skills by Barry Graham who is the Founder / Trainer of Speakers’ Corner. He is also the Founder Member of the Professional Speakers Association as well as a Past Member of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.

One of this year’s innovations was the inclusion of a highly experienced group, the members of the IAA Young Professional Committee, who were present throughout PAC 2007 for advice and motivation for teams. Individual members of this committee were also assigned as resource people to the 8 identified teams so that they could facilitate Effective Teamwork.

The PAC 2007 programme also featured Motivational Speaker, Ed Coode MBE; an Olympic Gold Medalist at Athens 2004 and world Champion in Rowing, who gave delegates insights into being world class in execution and going for the gold and never giving up in everything you do.
Commenting on Selonica’s international success, Managing Director of Leo Burnett Solutions Inc., Ranil de Silva, said: “It is indeed a great honour for Selonica, for Leo Burnett, and also for Sri Lanka. I have always believed that our professionals have the talent. They need the opportunities to excel. This belief is proven on the recognition Selonica earned as the best international presenter.”