Billed as 'Fight Night', it will be held at the TBWA Auditorium in Sandton, Johannesburg on Thursday 25 October 2012.
In favour of the pitch are Odette van der Haar, CEO of the Association for Communication & Advertising (ACA) and Linda Thomas, group marketing and innovations executive of Famous Brands. Up against them are Danie Strachan, a partner at law firm, Adams & Adams and Johanna McDowell, CEO of Independent Agency Search and Selection Company (IAS) with chairman of Yellowwood, Andy Rice, "refereeing".
The issue of free pitching has been on the Council's radar as a priority concern with its chairman, Sean McCoy saying that the upcoming debate was crucial in creating momentum around what he called 'a scourge'. "The BCSA's view is that using material gained in the free pitching process is tantamount to theft and we're actively pursuing industry consensus to deliver the knock-out blow and eliminate the practice."
The panellists aren't expected to pull any punches with many of them having made their positions clear on the controversial and emotive issue, eg Danie Strachan recently published an article on Bizcommunity entitled 'Pause, Pitch Engage' on the legal issues surrounding the protection of copyright.
The bell will ring at 5.30pm for 6pm with ringside seats costing R100 for BCSA members and R200 for non-members. Wine, malt and light snacks will be served after the debate. To book, call Ronelle Mossop on tel +27(0)11 461 6764 or email gro.aslicnuocdnarb@nimda before 22 October.
