Advertising Association Expands Kriti Awards Outreach With Kathmandu Session

KATHMANDU — The Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) has organised 'Kriti Connect' in Kathmandu as an expanded briefing session ahead of the 13th edition of the Kriti Awards, incorporating non-member agencies into the programme for the first time.

Corporate Nepal and Annapurna Post reported that the gathering, themed 'Creativity Connect, where it all starts', was designed to broaden the awards' reach and establish professional standards across Nepal's marketing and media sectors. In earlier editions, the association conducted closed agency briefings to outline submission criteria and operational procedures. The revised format deliberately invited non-member agencies alongside member firms to strengthen industry collaboration and elevate the competition's profile.

During the session, veteran industry figures reviewed the structure, eligibility requirements, and objectives of the upcoming 13th Kriti Awards 2083. Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar, former AAN president and founder of the awards, addressed participants on the founding purpose and continuing relevance of the honours, according to Kendrabindu. Ujjwal Shakya, the association's first vice president, outlined the specific technical parameters and updates governing this year's competition.

Agency strategy and submission practices were also discussed. Bidhan Rajbhandari, head of Make Ways Pvt Ltd—identified in multiple domestic reports as the agency with the highest tally of Kriti Award wins to date—shared guidance on campaign preparation, case documentation, and effective presentation techniques for entrants.

The programme included an open panel discussion addressing contemporary developments, shifting brand strategies, and creative challenges facing Nepali advertising agencies and marketers. Concluding the gathering, AAN President Sudip Thapa told attendees that expanded engagement sessions are intended to foster unity across the marketing ecosystem while raising operational transparency and professional benchmarks within domestic agencies, according to Corporate Nepal and Clickmandu.

Sponsorship agreements for the 13th edition have also been finalised. Red Bull serves as the title sponsor, according to reporting by Kendrabindu and Clickmandu. Digital agency Inmark India and Associates, along with GMW Ora, Coca-Cola, and Yeti International College, are co-sponsors under the 'powered by' banner. Telecom operator Ncell and Prime Tiles are among the commercial partners participating as supporting sponsors for the event.