PARTNERS
PRESENTER:
Who We Are
The International Advertising Association (IAA) is the world’s most influential network of marketing communications professionals. Established in 1938, the International Advertising Association is the only global association that represents all spheres of the marketing and communications industry. For over eighty years the IAA has played a strong role in supporting key industry issues such as freedom of commercial speech, self-regulation, responsible advertising, education and professional development.
The IAA has over 4,000 individual and corporate members spanning marketing, advertising, media, IT communications and academic sectors – all involved in the wide range of brand marketing and communications disciplines. The IAA has presence in most markets through Chapters and education affiliates reaching across 56 countries serving the collective interests of the entire marketing communications profession.
Our Mission
The IAA is committed to be the Global Compass of the marketing communications industry.
We point towards excellence in meaningful creativity that helps our constituents remain true to the timeless principles of building strong brands and forging meaningful relationships with the consumers they serve and the society in which we live.
We use our thought leadership, initiatives in education, continuous development programs and world-class conferences, to help navigate through the ever-changing areas of regulation, technology that empowers, and the aspirations of increasingly confident consumers.
We are a unique network of marketers, advertising agencies, media, tech-companies and educators who are responsibly and constantly evaluating what is new, while remaining rooted to our core belief that “what’s good, is good for business”.
For more information please visit: www.iaaglobal.org
"The IAA is offering hundreds of university students around Australia the opportunity to follow their stars into the industry by sharpening their communication skills and talents in a real world, hands-on learning experience that is essential career training in the preparation of graduates for the transition from university into professional practice.
IAA 'Big Idea' is Australia's national marketing communications challenge specially created for undergraduate student teams from Australian universities and tertiary institutions with courses in advertising, marketing, media and communications, and aims to foster the professional development of the upcoming generation of communications practitioners, which is central to the IAA's ongoing mission and commitment to education in the industry.
IAA ‘Big Idea’ has a proud record of contributing to the development of future leaders in the marcoms industry in fulfilling the IAA vision of being “the global compass of marketing communications.”
— Sheba Nandkeolyar l President l IAA Australia
2026 Client Partner:
Our purpose is to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives and make a better world.
At Bupa, we believe health is about more than what happens when you are unwell. It is about supporting people to look after their health and wellbeing at every stage of life.
Across Australia, Bupa supports millions of customers through a broad range of health and care services, including private health insurance, dental, optical, mental health, digital health and aged care.
Our focus is on making healthcare more connected, accessible and easier to navigate — combining trusted health expertise with new technology and more convenient ways for people to access care.
Through Everything for Health, Bupa celebrates the everyday effort people put into looking after themselves and the people they care about, reinforcing our commitment to being there for the many different moments that make up a healthier life.
“At Bupa, we believe great ideas can come from anywhere. That’s why we’re proud to partner with The Big Idea to champion emerging talent, inspire fresh thinking, and uncover bold new perspectives. We’re excited to see how students apply their creativity to real-world challenges.”
- Naomi Driver, General Manager Brand and Marketing, Bupa
2026 Planning Partner:
Australia is one of the world’s most multicultural countries, and diverse communities are increasingly shaping the way brands grow, communicate and connect.
For 20 years, MultiConnexions Group has helped leading brands unlock the power and potential of Australia’s multicultural market. As the country’s leading independent multicultural marketing and communications agency, MultiConnexions brings together strategy, research, creative, media, PR, community engagement and activations to create culturally relevant and commercially meaningful connections.
“Celebrating 20 years of MultiConnexions makes our continued partnership with the IAA Big Idea Competition especially meaningful. We’ve always believed that the best ideas come from truly understanding people, culture and community. We’re excited to see the next generation of marketers bring that thinking to life through this year’s Bupa brief.”
- Sanchay Mohan, COO, MultiConnexions
Presented in 2026 by
