In an era when people often view awards as predetermined and biased, the KAMN Awards have emerged as a representation of fairness and transparency in the awarding process. By empowering people to have a direct say in recognising excellence, KAMN is reshaping the landscape of accolades.
The KAMN Awards is a pioneering step that honours outstanding contributions in marketing and advertising. Rooted in the belief that genuine recognition stems from the audience’s voice, these awards recognise brands, individuals and campaigns which resonate most with the public.
A Brief History – When Did It All Begin?
Fourteen years ago in 2011, Khalid Alvi approached Neil P. Christy with an idea to improve marketing standards in Pakistan through an education platform targeting youth. They formed a team, including Nazia Ahmed, Shoaib Shamsi, Farheen Zehra, and Sarah Dawood, and decided on the name KAMN (Khalid Alvi Marketing Next). Initially, they created marketing education modules at universities like IBA, SZABIST, and CBM. However, as social media grew, the KAMN Facebook group became the primary focus, bringing together students and professionals to critique and discuss marketing campaigns.
Despite its no-holds-barred approach, KAMN became Pakistan’s increasingly growing marketing community. However, after Alvi moved abroad for work, organising in-person marketing workshops became difficult. As a result, the co-founders decided to focus on KAMN’s only remaining asset: the Facebook community.
Today, KAMN is a respected online platform in Pakistan’s marketing and advertising industry, attracting students, advertising enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Founding member and expert Neil Christy envisioned KAMN as a space where brands could engage with real consumer feedback on social media. He consolidated his previous marketing groups into one based on the belief that social media is the future of marketing and advertising.
To maintain high standards of discussion, KAMN has always had a strict membership process. According to admins Neil Christy and Nazia Ahmed, the number of blocked requests is twice as large as the group’s current membership of 55,695 people. KAMN’s discussions focus on daily marketing blogs, analysis of trending campaigns and engagement with business school students (who make up 80% of the members). Many brand managers now monitor KAMN closely, knowing that poorly executed campaigns will receive strong criticism. As Christy puts it, Pakistani advertising gets the critique it deserves.
Read More: Top 10 Richest Actresses of Pakistan
The KAMN People’s Choice Awards
In December 2023, KAMN reached a milestone of 50,000 members and launched the KAMN People’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Kashmir Cooking Oil, with support from Bake Parlour, House of Ideas, and Peridots.
This year, KAMN continued the tradition and announced the 2024 awards. The event was sponsored by Kashmir Cooking Oil, supported by Active Media and Bank Alfalah and partnered with Brandsynario as a media partner.
The awards are designed to empower the public by giving them a say in the selection process, moving away from traditional industry awards that may be perceived as biased. This approach reflects KAMN’s commitment to transparency and community-driven recognition. Instead of administrators deciding the nominees, KAMN members submit their own choices. The most popular categories are then selected through a live poll, narrowing them down to final award categories.
No monetary or other rewards are given to winners. Instead, the awards are conducted entirely online, providing a genuine measure of community response. Upon announcement, winners are notified that their recognition is based on a single, significant factor: the endorsement of their peers, earning them the distinction of being “the people’s choice.”
Award Categories
The KAMN People’s Choice Awards ’24 showcased categories that accurately mirrored public opinion, providing a genuine reflection of the community’s voice. The categories included:
- Most Loved Brand: Celebrating brands that have earned an extraordinary place in the hearts of consumers.
- Best Drama: Celebrating the most beloved drama that resonated with audiences and left a lasting impact.
- Favorite Brand Ambassador (Male and Female): Honouring personalities who have made a significant impact and inspired others through their influence.
- Outstanding Content Creator: Recognising exceptional individuals who have inspired audiences and made a lasting impact through their innovative and engaging content.
- Best TVC (Television Commercial): Honouring the most memorable and impactful commercial that resonated with viewers.
- Best Media Channel: Celebrating outstanding channels that consistently deliver high-quality programming and captivating content.
These categories were carefully curated based on community input and feedback, guaranteeing the awards reflect the voices and opinions of the people.
Winners of the KAMN Awards 2024
The 2024 KAMN People’s Choice Awards celebrated remarkable talents and brands. Notable winners included:
-
Most Loved Brand: J. Junaid Jamshed
2. Best Drama: Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum
3. Favourite Brand Ambassador (Male): Fahad Mustafa
4. Favourite Brand Ambassador (Female): Hania Aamir
5. Outstanding Content Creator: Irfan Junejo
6. Best TVC: PSO’s Women’s Day
7. Best Media Channel: Ary Digital
These winners represent the pinnacle of excellence, showcasing outstanding accomplishments and dedication.
Why KAMN Awards are a Step in the Right Direction- A Personal Take
In an industry where accolades often seem predetermined, the KAMN Awards offer a refreshing departure by placing power directly into the hands of the people. This democratisation fosters a sense of community and ensures that recognition is earned, not bestowed. Such initiatives set a commendable example, making the way for more inclusive and transparent practices in our industry.
Final Thoughts
The KAMN Awards are more than just a ceremony; they represent a movement towards equitable recognition in marketing and advertising. By valuing public opinion and maintaining transparency, KAMN is redefining what it means to honour excellence. As this initiative continues to grow, it holds the promise of inspiring similar transformations in award systems worldwide.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates.