Are you an emerging creative professional ready to make your mark? The Cairns Hatchlings program is a premier award designed to elevate emerging talent across the Asia Pacific region. This initiative offers finalists an unparalleled opportunity to attend the prestigious Cairns Crocodiles festival, with flights and accommodation covered. Participants will showcase their work live before top industry leaders and decision-makers, gaining invaluable networking and mentorship experiences.
Key Dates:
- Workshops: Friday, 7 March 2025
- Round 1 – On-Time Entries Close: Thursday, 13 March 2025
- Round 1 – Late Entries Close: Thursday, 20 March 2025
- Finalists Announced: Thursday, 10 April 2025
- Round 2 – Live Briefing: Tuesday, 13 May 2025, Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, Australia
- Round 2 – Live Pitching: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – Thursday, 15 May 2025 (Video Category Only), Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, Australia
- Awards Ceremony: Thursday, 15 May 2025, Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, Australia
The 7 Cairns Hatchlings Categories
Audio (Sponsored by Acast)
This category is for those who understand the power of sound. Teams will create an original audio execution, which could be: Sonic branding, A radio or podcast ad or An immersive audio experience
Judges will be looking for technical execution, storytelling, and audience engagement through sound.
Design
This is where visual creativity meets strategic thinking. Teams will craft a striking and impactful design solution that enhances a brand’s identity, using elements like typography, color, and composition.
Digital
How do you cut through in a digital-first world? This category challenges teams to create a highly engaging digital campaign that leverages platforms like social media, interactive web experiences, or mobile-first content.
Marketing
This category focuses on strategy and impact. Teams will develop a marketing campaign that not only resonates with audiences but also drives measurable business results.
Media
How can a brand maximise its media presence? Teams will devise an innovative media strategy that optimises placement, reach, and effectiveness across multiple channels.
PR (Public Relations)
This is all about earned media and storytelling. Teams must create a PR campaign that generates buzz, changes opinions and drives audience action—without relying on paid media.
Video
The power of visual storytelling takes center stage in this category. Teams will create an original video concept that captures attention, evokes emotion and delivers a compelling brand message.
Why Enter?
Live Pitching Experience – Present your ideas in front of top industry leaders
Networking & Mentorship – Connect with APAC’s best creatives
Career Acceleration – Stand out in the competitive creative industry
Flights & Accommodation Covered – All finalists are flown to Cairns for the event
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your creativity and advance your career.
Enter now and be part of the next generation of industry leaders at Cairns Hatchlings.