Budding ad people learn the art of the pitch

The AdSpace High School Advertising Challenge has been running for more than a decade and invites students from Years 10-12 to work in teams of six with a QUT advertising student as their mentor.

Professor Gayle Kerr from QUT’s School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, said the event was cancelled last year because of COVID-19 but is all set to go ahead on Friday 23 July.

“Students will be briefed on the day by the client. This year it is Dominos, while in the past, students have pitched campaign ideas for high profile other organisations including the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Australia Zoo, Brisbane Lions," Professor Kerr said.

“Teams from Hillbrook Anglican School won the competition in 2018 and 2019, while Sheldon College took first and third place in in 2017,” Professor Kerr said.“We’ve had teams from as far afield Townsville, and it is always hotly contested but this year we are looking for new schools to participate.

“So far, Calamvale Community College has signed up two teams, Kelvin Grove State College one and Music Industry College one. We hope to attract 13 teams like we did in 2019.

“The students get morning tea and lunch on the day. They learn to work collaboratively to a deadline before receiving constructive feedback and advice from industry leaders. It is an invaluable experience for them and a great exercise for QUT in student engagement.

“It is a fun day, giving them insight into the creative world of advertising creative environment of the world of advertising. We have also found one of the things the students enjoy most is getting a taste of university life.”

AdSpace 2021 will take place at QUT’s Gardens Point Campus from 9am-3pm on Friday 23 July. The entry fee is $120.00 per team (includes GST and catering). Professor Kerr said schools can find out more and register online. If the event is cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, a full refund will be provided.