Plico is burning bright on the award stage

The Plico team and their creative agencies are celebrating dual award notifications this week, with confirmation they are one of only six national finalists in the Data and Insight Driven Marketing category at the upcoming 2023 Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Australian awards. Additionally, the team are pleased to be named as a finalist in the Innovation Excellence category in the renowned 2023 AIM WA Pinnacle Awards.

Zina Reeves, Plico’s Head of Brand and Marketing (pictured) said its cliché but just making the finalist list in both coveted awards was something of an achievement.

“No matter the result, being a finalist shows we have talented agencies in the West across a range of marketing disciplines, and together they have helped grow the Plico business, which is fundamentally what it’s all about,” Reeves said.

The Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Data and Insight category perfectly fits the Plico approach according to Reeves who said while developing clever creative is vital, equally important is the data and evidence driving the campaigns.

“We have strong creative, but without evidence based, customer-focused messaging, and smart media planning, we would only have half a campaign,” Reeves added. “Our approach is considered, and data driven, so when we invest in a campaign and launch, we feel confident we are addressing customer real needs.”

Reeves admits the team feels upbeat with the announcements, “we wouldn’t submit for an award unless we had demonstrated using solid data and insights in campaigns, to drive a strong ROI.”

The AIM WA Pinnacle Innovation Award is in recognition for the successful launch of its Plico Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

Meanwhile, never to rest on his laurels, Mister Sun has hit our screens again, as effervescent as ever.

Developed by Wildings Creative, Plico’s creative agency, the ‘Home Economics with Mister Sun’ campaign depicts Mister Sun presenting the simple solar saving equation on a projector, while using a pointing stick as a grumpy teacher, for his Aussie family ‘friends’ in their living room.

“Mister Sun continues his underappreciated attitude, this time in the form of a rather grumpy teacher. In his typical curmudgeonly way, he holds a Home Economics lesson in which he breaks down the relationship between panels, batteries and savings. Although the setting has changed, we ensured Mister Sun’s brilliant personality continued to shine through!” said Nicole Lennox Gray, Wilding Creative’s Client Partner.

“Mister Sun was bought to life by our cohort of brilliant agency minds. The story arch is in its infancy, and collectively we’re excited to see how it evolves,” Lennox Gray added.

Plico’s media agency, Bureau42, led by Jon Ricciardone added measurement and a continual test and learn approach as fundamental.

“In today’s market it’s all about pivoting and reacting quickly to changing conditions and to take advantage of opportunities almost instantly. That’s how we maximise media return,” he added. “I firmly believe we are achieving strong results because each agency contributes significant value. Plico values a collaborative team culture and actively brings everyone into the tent across the entire campaign,” Ricciardone said.

Plico work with Wildings Creative, Bureau42 for media planning and buying, Unify for digital media and performance marketing, The Hub Marketing for PR and corporate communications, and Core Data for research.