Advertisers, marketers and communication experts (and those just getting into the field) get together in Toronto for ideas and creativity in the industry for the ICA’s “FFWD Advertising & Marketing Week”. With a series of events including galas and awards, it draws in top influencers from companies such as Google, Facebook, Yahoo and many more.
So “Galaxy” was the theme of this year’s Ad Ball held at Uniun last night and it turns out “ad men” know how to throw a smashing party (last year was pretty great, too). Here are the photos:

2nd from left: Steve Levy (Chief Operating Officer, Ipsos Reid), Mark Childs (Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics Canada), Gillian Graham (CEO, Institute of Communication Agencies), Stephen Graham (Chief Marketing Officers, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.)

Chicken tacos
More photos:
- Fabio
- r: Dan Levy
- Jon Gauthier
- Chicken tacos with piri piri sauce
- Chicken tacos with piri piri sauce
- l: Susan Willemsen
- 2nd from left: Steve Levy (Chief Operating Officer, Ipsos Reid), Mark Childs (Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics Canada), Gillian Graham (CEO, Institute of Communication Agencies), Stephen Graham (Chief Marketing Officers, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.)
- l: Sari Colt, r: Tanya Hsu
- Ashleigh Mair, Alexandra Kwan, Laurie Hall
By the way, the annual list of the “Most Influential Brands in Canada” were revealed by Ipsos Reid surveying 5,008 Canadians. Here’s the top 10:
1. Google
2. Microsoft
3. Apple
4. Facebook
5. Visa
6. Coca-Cola
7. Samsung
8. YouTube
9. MasterCard
10. Procter & Gamble
It’s interesting to note that the only non-US brand is Samsung and Google maintains it’s lead from last year.
For more info visit advertisingweek.ca
ABOUT THE ICA
The Institute of Communication Agencies or the ICA (www.icacanada.ca) is the professional business association which represents Canada’s communication and advertising agencies. The ICA’s mission is to champion commercial creativity, amplify the industry’s economic impact, and to embrace and drive change. As such, the ICA promotes thought leadership, higher standards and best practices. It serves as the largest source of information, advice, education and training for Canada’s communication and advertising industry. ICA’s member agencies and subsidiaries account for over 75 per cent of all national advertising in Canada, with an economic impact worth more than $19 billion annually. More information about the ICA and its initiatives can be found at www.icacanada.ca or follow on Twitter @adweekcdn or @icacanada.
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