The countdown kicks off a year-long calendar of celebratory initiatives to mark the pivotal role that NABS has played since its inception as a force for good supporting professionals working across the industry.

 

The occasion is also an opportunity for NABS to recognise the extraordinary people that make the advertising world special, from generous donors to those who have overcome challenging times with the charity’s support. 

 

A campaign to drive awareness of NABS’ Big Birthday Bash will run through WCRS with media donated by Clear Channel and will break on 8th February.

 

As part of the countdown celebrations, NABS will also be launching its very own Centenary Award. This will mark the contributions of extraordinary individuals – to be named ‘NABS Centurions’ - who give their time generously to good causes and show infectious enthusiasm within the industry and beyond.

 

NABS will also celebrate the inspirational individuals that have made the industry great over the last 100 years, choosing one figurehead per decade. Lord Northcliffe, the famous newspaper magnate and NABS’ first president will be the first to be recognised. NABS was born in 1913 with a generous cheque for 1,300 guineas from Lord Northcliffe (today around £60,000) who had identified the need for a professional body to nurture success and provide support in times of crisis. It was a clear sign that the industry had come of age. 

 

The Centenary also allows NABS both to celebrate its legacy and to cement its intent for the next 100 years. Objectives include a continued focus on ensuring the highest levels of support for everyone in the industry and identifying and nurturing the next generation of aspiring leaders.

 

Zoë Osmond, chief executive officer, NABS said: “It’s testimony to the goodwill of this industry that NABS has supported individuals for a hundred years, helping many thousands across two world wars through the Mad Men days and through many recessions. But it’s not just about the past – we’re focused on continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of individuals across the industry. We believe that by supporting people in advertising through good times and bad, we can help make working life a bit easier.”

 

Phil Georgiadis NABS’ president commented: “The work NABS has done over the past 100 years cannot be overstated, and the charity continues to reinvent itself to meet the evolving needs and issues affecting the industry. Initiatives like the Centenary Award and NABS Tuesday Club Talks are great examples of NABS’ tireless work to inspire future leaders of the industry.”

 

Speaking of the quest to find and celebrate ‘NABS Centurions’, Jeremy Bullmore NABS’ patron said: “These people are the present representatives of thousands of their predecessors who have shared NABS’ values for the last 100 years. They may not be particularly senior, but the influence they have – and they have plenty – comes not from their job title but from their personality. 

 

We want to find and reward 10 NABS Centurions and we need your help.”