The management of the largest online provider of gifts, home accessories and lifestyle products in Switzerland Geschenkidee.ch is passing into experienced hands, according to a statement: Maud Hoffmann will take over as managing director at the beginning of August 2015. She has been head of e-commerce Melectronics.ch since 2009. Prior to that, she held various positions in online retail for several years. Among other things, she was Business Development Manager at Apple from 2007 to 2009.

Thomas Kaiser, CEO Ringier Digital: "Maud Hoffmann is an accomplished e-commerce expert and brings experience from a wide range of sectors. With her expertise, she will drive the Geschenkidee.ch, Ideecadeau.ch and Parfumidee.ch platforms forward."

Patrick Strumpf has been responsible for Geschenkidee.ch since March 2011. In summer 2013, the portfolio was expanded under his leadership with parfumidee.ch. In the meantime, parfumidee.ch is the largest Swiss online provider of perfume, cosmetics, care and make-up products. Strumpf takes the opportunity to participate in a medium-sized trading company as part of a succession plan. He will therefore leave geschenkidee.ch at the end of May 2015.

Until Maud Hoffmann takes up her post, the company will be led on an interim basis by Kilian Kämpfen, Chief Business Development Ringier Digital.

For some years now, Hollywood has been reaching deep into its digital bag of tricks when fantastic creatures or alien worlds are shown on the big screen. Thanks to the latest computer technology, this now looks more realistic than was possible with analog tricks. APG|SGA has recently started using a similar method for new business activities and customer presentations: The basis of "Virtual Campaign" (virtual campaign) is film footage of digital and analog APG|SGA advertising spaces, which is edited together into a product clip and digitally processed by partner Herzbergmedia in Cologne. The result is product films that show real-looking poster campaigns. Herzbergmedia impresses with its many years of filming experience, good references and a specially programmed Internet portal that is easy to use. According to APG|SGA, no one in Switzerland currently offers a comparable portal.

For APG|SGA, the investment in this project has already paid off: "Virtual Campaign" has proven itself as an enriching sales tool and as emotional generic marketing for Out of Home Media, according to the press release. The clips, which can be put together individually and flexibly by our APG|SGA employees, trigger strong emotions. The customer can get a realistic impression of their future campaign.

Manfred Strobl, CEO Mediaschneider, Mark Becher, Client Service & Strategy Director at FCB Zurich and Peter Schäfer, Planning Director and Member of the Executive Board at Havas Worldwide, are on the first-round jury that selects the finalists for the award. In the second round, Hammett, Global Head of Brand & Communications at Procter & Gamble, Peter Ottiger, Owner & CEO at Ottiger & Partner BSW, and Marc Schumacher, Strategic Planning Director and Executive Committee Member at Contexta, sit on the jury. In this round, the points are awarded that will subsequently decide who wins a bronze, silver and gold Effie.

The jury comprises experienced communication specialists from agencies and clients from all over Europe. The first stage of judging will already take place on 27.5.15. The Euro Effies is organized by the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) in cooperation with Euronews and with the support of Bacardi-Martini, The European Publishers' Council, Warc, Adforum.com, Procter & Gamble, Nielsen, creativebrief & Viva Xpress Logistics.
 

Sabine Boss, born in 1966, started out in a punk band at a young age and then became a radio presenter and sound engineer. Her 15-year career as a director and screenwriter has been followed en masse by the Swiss public from the very beginning: 18 episodes of "Lüthi & Blanc", Swiss television's most successful series productions before "Bestatter" were her work. Also the diplomatic comedy "Ernstfall in Havanna" (2002) with Mike Müller and Viktor Giacobbo. She went on to make "Tatort", "Studer" and "Tag und Nacht". And then came "Der Goali bin ig", the film adaptation of Pedro Lenz's novella.

Born in Aarau, she not only captivates audiences with films such as "Der Goalie bin ig" and "Vecchi Pazzi", but has also won over the jury of the AZ Medien Culture Prize, chaired by Sabine Altorfer: "Sabine Boss is a filmmaker with national and increasingly international appeal. With "Der Goalie bin ig", a film that is as melancholy as it is humorous, she has definitively proven herself as an auteur filmmaker and shows that she is one of the best in the Swiss film business. The jury is proud and happy to present Sabine Boss with the AZ Medien Culture Prize 2015".

Sabine Boss is the 17th Culture Prize winner. The award will be presented to her at a ceremony this October. The AZ Medien Culture Prize has been awarded in previous years to: Scuola Teatro Dimitri, Tanzcompagnie Flamenco en route, Egon Amman, Hugo Suter, Franz Hohler, Ruedi Häusermann, Sonja and Roger Kaysel, Klaus Merz, Samir, Sol Gabetta, Beat Zoderer, Max Lässer, Andreas Fleck, Pedro Lenz, Massimo Rocchi and Dieter Amman.

Image: Condorfilms.ch

Five agencies have joined the ranks of the award-winning, owner-managed communications agencies:Raphaël Surber from the Mehrwert agency in Baden, Tobias Gläser from Glaswerk Design in Baden, Pascale Hoch from Kraftkom in St. Gallen, Ursula Keller from Prädikat in Aarau and Fredy Obrecht from Publix advertising agency ASW in Lyss (pictured from left to right).

Benno Frick also bid farewell to the long-standing managing director of the industry association bsw. In a witty interview, Benno asked the departing Peter Leutenegger about his vision for the industry and his own plans for the future. As a farewell gift, Peter received the ASW cube in the form of a Truffe cake, "several 10,000 calories heavy" and decorated with the ASW logo made of the purest sugar. The event took place in the extensive cave system of Brünig Park in Lungern. There, the participants also competed in a shooting competition with crossbows, bows and blowpipes.
 

This realignment will enable the company to provide advertising customers with even better advice and respond more specifically to their individual needs. During the eight-month tour, products and services in and around Circus Knie will be presented throughout Switzerland or selectively at individual guest venues in a way that is close to the audience and effective in terms of advertising. The Swiss National Circus provides various attractive advertising options for this purpose: Commercials, slide advertising, poster sites around the Chapiteau and in the entrance tent, a children's competition before the afternoon performances and advertising opportunities in the Knie magazine.

Sybille Amstutz is Head of the Advertising Market department. The 39-year-old has been working in the media industry for 15 years and most recently worked at NZZ Media, where she was responsible for the NZZ and NZZ am Sonntag titles.
 

Facebook and Co. remain an essential seismograph of consumer sentiment for the German economy: This is underlined by a recent study conducted by the Macromedia University of Applied Sciences together with the Webguerillas agency. According to the study, one in three Germans has made a brand recommendation or a negative brand statement on the social web at least once in the past six months. More than half of these (54 percent) also go beyond the network of friends, according to the study "Brand Recommendations in Social Media." It is based on a representative online survey of 2,000 respondents between the ages of 18 and 65 in Germany and the USA and is the first international comparative study of recommendation behavior in social media and consumers' motives for doing so.

According to the study, 15.9 million online users are considered "recommenders. Around one in three of them sees themselves as particularly brand-savvy, communicative market experts: These consumers, 4.6 million in total in Germany, are so-called "influencers.

Characteristic of this group: They identify with the brands they follow on social media, use the social platforms on a daily basis, and are particularly strongly networked. In total, one in eleven Germans belongs to the group of influencers. In terms of sociodemographics, according to the analysis, they are above-averagely young, male and employed, and tend to have a higher level of formal education.

"Many consumers today deliberately seek contact with proven experts on the social web before deciding to buy a particular product. Influencer marketing is about connecting with those who are in demand as experts. In 2015, marketeers must rise to this challenge," says David Eicher, CEO of Webguerillas.

Three special types can be differentiated in influencer marketing: The "Brand Lovers" (27 percent) are very interested in the product and maintain a strong personal bond with the brand. They like to help other users with their experience and want to support their favorite companies. The "Brand Critics" (24 percent) want to get companies to react by criticizing the brand or simply vent their anger about a particular product. At the intersection of these two types are the "Brand Mavens" (23 percent). They can exert a particularly strong influence due to the combination of their fundamentally positive attitude toward the brand and their basic attitude as critical consumers.

Overall, 78 percent of influencers say they report both positively and negatively about brands and products - purely negative comments are the absolute exception at two percent. 54 percent of influencers write posts on blogs and forums every week. Another 64 percent comment on these at least once a week. Almost all influencers (99 percent) follow their favorite brands on Facebook, 89 percent on Twitter and another 75 percent on YouTube.

"The way people deal with and engage with brands on the social web is very similar in Germany and the USA. What's more, respondents in both countries cite the same motives for expressing their opinions about a brand or product on the web. The only difference is in the use of social media channels: Twitter is much more popular in the U.S.," explains Castulus Kolo, scientific project manager and dean of the Macromedia University of Applied Sciences.
The entire study is now available under this link  available for download (PDF).
 

The 34-year-old from Schaffhausen has already appeared in front of the camera for various TV productions. In addition to the RTL series "Unter uns," she has also appeared in various Sat.1 series or on Aktenzeichen XY (ZDF). For a commercial on German television, she stood together with footballer Michael Ballack in front of the camera. Esther Fischer graduated in acting at the "Film Acting School" in Cologne and has a classical vocal training. "I'm looking forward to showing viewers great excursions in my region," says the likeable Schaffhausen native. The program "Top Usflug" presents a new excursion destination from eastern Switzerland every week. Esther Fischer will welcome viewers for the first time on June 6, 2015, as Simona Amati's successor. She will be traveling on the Rhine in a weidling.
 

Advertising pillars, shop windows and local doors adorned eastern Switzerland with a new never-ending story over the last few days. Simple black posters with a large white "8" served as a teaser. Flanking 220 advertising agencies and studios were contacted with a mailing.

The much-discussed communication appearance in Eastern Switzerland without a recognizable sender was followed a week later with supplementary info posters, teaser mailing and a new Website dissolved. The company behind this campaign is called "8 Days a Week" and is a proven professional for the distribution of posters and flyers with over 2200 poster sites and 22 years of experience. 8 Days a Week is mainly active for advertising agencies, cultural and event organizers.

Responsible at 8 Days a Week: Rubel Vetsch. Responsible for vitamin 2: Jan Hasler (consulting), Dominic Rechsteiner (graphics/design), Thomas West (programming).
 

Instead of lower fees, the referendum campaign is discussing public service and SRG programming - issues that are not at stake in the June 14 vote. The only issue to be decided is a change in the system: the current device-based reception fee is to be replaced by a general fee. The Federal Council and Parliament want to take into account the fact that radio and television programs can now also be consumed on a computer or cell phone. Because there would no longer be any "off-air" viewers and listeners, the financing could be spread over more shoulders. According to the Federal Council, this would reduce the fee for households from 462 to around 400 francs.

Higher fees for large companies

The fact that the new law is being fought at all has to do with the rules for companies. Today, most do not pay any fees, although they should - between 612 and 1409 francs per business premises, depending on use. With the new law, about three-quarters of companies - those with sales of less than 500,000 francs per year - would be officially exempt from the fee. For companies with sales between 500,000 and one million francs, 400 francs per year would be due. At a turnover of one million francs, the levy would be 1000 francs and would then gradually increase. Companies with sales in the billions would thus have to contribute more than they do today.

Fundamental criticism of state television

This is opposed by the trade association, which has filed a referendum. In the future, entrepreneurs would have to pay twice for the same imposed service, privately and at work, the opponents criticize. In times of a strong franc, of all times, companies would be asked to pay more - even though, strictly speaking, they would not be able to listen to the radio or watch television. The opponents' campaign did not confine itself to this aspect, however, but warned of a new "Billag media tax" - and launched a fundamental discussion about state television, which was becoming a bottomless pit. The new law would give the Federal Council and SRG a free pass for unlimited fee increases, warned Jean-François Rime, president of the trade association and SVP National Councilor. There was a threat of fees of 1000 francs.

Taken out of the air

This in turn angered the supporters. They complained that such statements were completely made up out of thin air. They are deliberately scattered, absurd false statements. Both Media Minister Doris Leuthard and SRG Director General Roger de Weck assured that the fee would not rise, but fall. The fact is that the Federal Council could increase the fees if it wanted to. However, it already has this authority today, and nothing will change in the event of a No to the new law. In the event of a "No" vote, the current reception fees will remain in place, and households and companies will still have to register with and deregister from Billag.

Transition period of five years

In the event of a "yes" vote, there would be a transitional period of five years during which media abstainers could be exempted from the fee. All residents of retirement and nursing homes would be permanently exempt. Billag controls would no longer be necessary. Private radio and television broadcasters would also receive a larger share of the fees. Today, the private broadcasters with a public service mandate receive a total of around CHF 54 million per year; in the new system, they would receive up to CHF 81 million - up to 6 percent instead of the current 4 percent.

SVP, FDP and GLP against

In parliament, the SVP and the GLP, as well as part of the FDP, had opposed the new radio and television law. These parties are therefore also recommending a No vote. The outcome is open, according to the first SRG referendum poll: At the end of April, 46 percent of those willing to participate were definitely or rather in favor of the bill, 45 percent were definitely or rather against it, and 9 percent still had no opinion. The proponents had not expected such strong opposition. If one considers that the current law only serves the black listeners and viewers, the massive campaign against the new law is somewhat surprising, noted BDP National Councilor Urs Gasche (BE). Water on the mills of the fee critics was a Federal Court decision that fell in the middle of the referendum campaign. The ruling means that the Billag fee will fall by around 11 francs because it is no longer subject to VAT. However, this has nothing to do with the law that will be voted on June 14. (SDA)

Last year, the SuvaLiv prevention spot "Ein Fussballstadion voller Verletzter" by Ruf Lanz caused a sensation. The audience voted it the best by online voting. Spot of the year, moreover, he was awarded the Edi with gold and at the ADC with silver awarded. Werbewoche.ch reported on it. Now comes a new surprising campaign from Suva, this time for the Suvacare brand. With Suvacare, Suva is committed to the holistic rehabilitation of people after an accident, including two of its own rehabilitation clinics in Sion and Bellikon.

The new campaign focuses on a craftsman, a plumber, a car mechanic, a gardener and a plasterer who are already making themselves useful again after an accident in hospital, applying their professional skills with professional pride. With good reason: after an accident, many people miss their work. After all, getting back to work gives them back some of their quality of life, opens up new perspectives and rejoins the circle of colleagues. Suva supports people on their way back after an accident. However, the moral support of the entire environment is also crucial. That is why Suva calls on people to support colleagues affected by an accident in their return to work.

The new films, staged with attention to detail, were conceived by Ruf Lanz and implemented in close cooperation with the film production company Stories. The concept is used with high recognition value in the following media: online and TV spots on all relevant channels, online banners on high-profile websites, and a quiz on Facebook that conveys knowledge about reintegration in a playful way.

Responsible at Suva: Urs Schaad (Head of Marketing Communications), Nadja Kunz (Campaign Management), Beat Widmer (Technical Consulting), Beat Mark (Medical Consulting). Responsible at Ruf Lanz: Markus Ruf, Danielle Lanz (creative direction), Isabelle Hauser (art direction), Florian Birkner (text), Tanja Felix (consulting management), Pascal Trütsch (consulting). Jonathan Heyer (Photography), Patrik Rohner, Tobias Stierli (Image Editing). Programming online measures: part.ch (Alain Zeiter). Responsible at Stories: Tobias Fueter (Director), Yves Bollag (Executive Producer), Anna Lehmann (Line Producer), Pascal Walder (Camera), Beni Fueter (Editing), Fabian Sturzenegger (Music), Adrian Suter (Visual Effects), Fabian Kimoto (Color Grading), Gian Dolder (Sound Design & Mix), Peter Scherz (Production Design).

Female Genital Mutilation, FGM for short, is one of those topics where all you can do is shake your head in disbelief. But shaking your head doesn't help anyone. Information and awareness-raising campaigns are more promising. The organization 28 Too Many - named after the 28 African countries in which FGM is practiced - has set itself the goal of banishing the shameful practice to the history books. And not just in Africa, but everywhere where girls and women are mutilated and circumcised because of tradition and superstition. This includes countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Indonesia and Malaysia... and Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands. In Switzerland, too, it is estimated that there are over 10,000 women at risk or already affected (source: SRF). Up to 50,000 migrant women (or women with a migration background) are under threat in numerous European countries. Ogilvy communicates that the incomprehensible is also happening on our own doorstep - and that there are organizations worth supporting that do not want to stand idly by. (hae)