I see that Thomson (holidays) is up for pitch again. We pitched for the account last time (October 2006) and didn't get it. A shame, but these things happen. WDMP deservedly did win and went on to produce a fabulous campaign that won the prestigious IDM Business Performance Diamond Award 2008. Now, the IDM awards are not one of the narcissistic, creative love-ins, that acknowledge stuff that simply looks pretty or has been produced by that year's most trendy agency. The submissions are thorough, the judges are of the highest calibre and the focus is very much on campaigns that have demonstrably improved a client's business.
For me, the news that the account could change hands again follows the age old rule about winning awards and losing clients. TVL and Proximity is another recent example. HTW won loads of awards for M&G but still didn't hang on to it. I've said for years that If you want to forecast an account move, just look at who's won an award recently.
Why does this happen? Is it complacency after winning gold? Are the results not actually that good - merely 'sexed up' to impress a relatively inexperienced judging panel? Has the agency put too much focus one pretty but ineffective job? I'm convinced winning awards and losing clients are related. Anybody else know why?
