Thanks to the industry volunteers that chair the committees, what was potentially an upheaval, now seems like a lark.
Tentative shakes to the speakers have not affected its strong lineup. “Nothing has changed in terms of content and speakers. We simply converted the same to plenary format. Delegates now will not miss any talk versus a simultaneous breakout format,” says Susan Dimacali, Program Committee Chair. The program now starts an hour early at 9AM and ends 7PM.
By requesting speakers to include CSR in their topics, the AdCon adds another layer to the program. “The endgame is to rally the industry to sustain support for the relief and recovery efforts and launch a cohesive campaign to educate the public on environment issues that have exacerbated the impact of typhoons,” adds Dimacali.
Spectrum, the trade exhibit, prepares to host Baguio City and its trademark sweets and souvenir cornucopia, on top of the new technology, media, and products on display—still making it the biggest and the grandest yet. “It is still grandiose, only the configuration was changed,” says Allen Velez, Trade Exhibit Committee Chair.
Of the sudden transfer, the biggest concern was briefing the exhibitors. “The Subic move was welcomed by sponsors for safety and proximity considerations. There was a rush to get the best spot,” Velez adds.
Telecoms exhibitors and sponsors will equip the entire AdCon venue and trade exhibit with Wi-Fi. Spectrum will be open longer hours, until 9PM, to accommodate delegates from the sessions.
The Sports, as well as Special Events Committees have had to regroup the most. The 4th leg of the AdBoard Cup will be played at the Mimosa Golf Club in Clark. Except for golf, all sports events, including Badminton, will be held at Subic, with a Three-point Shootout in lieu of Bowling. The 5K Fun Run, renamed “Itakbo Mo – Itulong Mo” is open to the public.
“All (sports) participants will have registration fees of P200 each. 100% will be turned over for fundraising,” reports Ed Acosta, Sports Committee Chair.
For Special Events, the arduous task of mounting the adventure race “Utakan o Habulan”, goes to the backburner, leaving only the Leap of Faith complex, and the Photo Walk exhibit and contest intact.
With the relocation to Subic, and the peace pipe smoked between the AdCon and the Baguio City government, it should be smooth sailing on calm seas. Baguio City Mayor Bautista is expected to deliver the invocation on Opening night.
Standing by its decision to fulfill the event as scheduled, the AdCon is determined to accomplish what took over a year to prepare. What is has scaled down in show, it attempts to regain with a higher purpose, good sense and significance.
