Pitching Legends: An
Evening With Robin Wight And Claire Beale
An opportunity to hear anecdotes and cautionary tales from Robin Wight, one of the industry's most formidable and passionate pitchers as he is interviewed by Claire Beale, Editor of Campaign. This is the first in a series of events by the IPA New Business and Marketing Group.
In a world where new business is the lifeblood of an agency, and where it appears to be more competitive and harder to find the sweet spot than ever, we are all searching for answers, top tips and techniques to secure wins.
To help inspire those of us who regularly pitch in today’s challenging environment, the IPA are launching the ‘Pitching Legends’ series, 1 hour sessions with pitch experts, individuals who are leaders in their field to share their views, anecdotes and cautionary tales.
Our 'Pitching Legends' series begins with Robin Wight, President of WCRS. Robin began his career at Collett Dickenson Pearce, one of the most influential agencies of the 1960s, and co-founded WRCS whilst still in his twenties. Even to this day he is known as one of the industry’s most formidable and passionate pitchers. He’ll be regaling us with tales of his greatest wins and losses, sharing his own philosophy and tactics in pitching and how it can build careers and businesses.
Leading the interview will be Claire Beale, editor of Campaign, industry influencer and expert in all things advertising.
This event takes place at the IPA, with drinks from 6.30pm on the 23rd May.
Biographies
Claire Beale - As editor of advertising bible Campaign, Claire Beale is often regarded as having one of the best jobs in trade journalism. She joined the Haymarket publication in 1999 as its media editor, before being promoted to deputy editor a year later. A redesign of Campaign in 2004 saw Claire take over as editor, and she still retains this position today. A mother of two, Claire regards Collett Dickenson Pearce’s ‘Photobooth’ spot for Hamlet as her favourite advert of all time.
Robin Wight - As President of WCRS, Robin Wight was part of the team that led the management buyout from Havas, in 2004. He began his career by establishing a student advertising agency while still an undergraduate at Cambridge. After university he worked as a copywriter in a number of agencies, including Collett Dickenson Pearce and Partners, and in 1979 co–founded Wight Collins Rutherford Scott (WCRS), with Peter Scott.
Robin has spent his entire career in advertising but has also enjoyed a number of outside interests. From 1992 - 2002 he was Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Charter for Business, which has since raised over £40 million and from 1997 – 2005, he was Chairman of Arts and Business, which encourages British businesses to invest £140 million a year in support for the arts. In 2000, Robin was awarded a CVO for his services to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
In 2003, he founded the Ideas Foundation, a charity which helps identify and nurture creatively gifted young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He appears regularly on television and radio and is a popular presenter and panellist at conferences in the UK and Asia.
Tickets cost £30 (+VAT) for members, and £50 (+VAT) for non-members. Please note the IPA will not invoice for tickets below £100.