First impressions are very important to an awards and festival. They’re usually the most honest appraisal and set the tone for how the entire experience is appreciated. ADFEST 2019 wanted to get some first impressions from the judges who arrived over the weekend to begin sorting the stars from the huge numbers of entries submitted to its Lotus categories, so we released a few from their jury room prisons just long enough to allow them to share their experiences. Here are some first impressions of judging at ADFEST 2019.

AJ James, Chief Innovation & Growth Officer of Trinity Consulting, is here at ADFEST for his first time. He is also holding a workshop on building your personal brand as part of TMRRW BIZ SCHOOL. His impression of ADFEST, prior to coming, was that of a world-class event that brings the best of best throughout Asia-Pacific, across a wide range of disciplines. So far from what he’s seen, he says, the quality of work has been of a great standard. The eCommerce category, which is very new to ADFEST, he says, is setting a benchmark for future events, highlighting that innovation and tech are at the core of the industry.

Barbara Humphries, Creative Director at The Monkeys is also a first-time attendee and ADFEST judge of Design and Print Craft. So far, she has found it to be a really well run, exciting event with a lot of fantastic people immersed in truly brilliant work. Barbara noted, “it’s really important to keep reminding ourselves of the core impact and setting new benchmarks that reveal what is possible.”

We caught up with San Shui, Founder of W, caught up on the way to dinner with the judges. Dinner is one of the highlights of judging at ADFEST – an opportunity to network as well as relax in a different venue every night, at which ADFEST’s sponsors reward the judges with enticing buffets and gorgeous surrounds. 2019 is Shui’s second time visiting ADFEST. He’s judging Audio and Film this year and is glad to be back. Last visit, he found himself compelled by all of the wild and wonderful Japanese advertising work. “Nearly every piece from the region is quite unique and inspiring,” he commented.  Overall, he believes ADFEST provides a unique view and inspiration for agencies. There is so much value for everyone visiting the event, he says.