FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

University of Virginia Wins 2016 National Student Advertising Competition for Snapple

Blaise D’Sylva, VP Media at Dr Pepper Snapple Group announced the University of Virginia as winner of 2016 NSAC.

ANAHEIM, CA, Jun. 6, 2016—Tasked with creating an integrated marketing campaign for Snapple to expand its consumer base, the University of Virginia’s (District 3) creativity came out on top as they bested seven other collegiate teams to win the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) 2016 National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC). Blaise D’Sylva, VP Media at Dr Pepper Snapple Group announced the winning team earlier today.

West Texas A&M (District 10) and Ringling College of Art + Design (District 4) were awarded second and third place, respectively, at the NSAC national finals, which took place during the AAF’s annual national conference, ADMERICA, at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA.

“The NSAC is a fantastic opportunity for students to apply everything they have learned in the classroom into a real-world practical situation,” said Blaise D’Sylva, VP Media, Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “Nothing prepares you better for what it’s like in the advertising business than participating in what essentially is a new business pitch by creating a fully integrated marketing plan.”

This year, corporate sponsor Snapple challenged student teams to develop innovative business solutions to enable the brand to better connect with audiences across the United States and expand consumer reach. After creating a written campaign proposal and 20-minute presentation, winning its AAF district competition and advancing from semi-finals to the finals, the University of Virginia was selected as the overall national champion with their “That’s the Stuff” campaign. Other finalists included The George Washington University, Webster University, Purdue University-Calumet, St. John’s University, West Texas A&M University, the University of California Berkeley and Ringling College of Art + Design. Judges for the final competition included executives working on the Snapple brand at the Dr Pepper Snapple Group and from its creative agency Deutsch Los Angeles.

“The Snapple Brand team is thrilled to have partnered with the NSAC and students from across the country,” said Dave Falk, Vice President Brand & Content Marketing, Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “With this unique experience, students have had to tackle a real business case through analytics, research, creativity and team collaboration. The Snapple case competition has been a great experience for us as a brand team and more importantly gives students a-hands on experience and appreciation for the hard work that goes into advertising campaigns.”

In addition the national title, prizes were awarded by the NSAC research partners in recognition of exceptional work throughout the competition. AdMall for Agencies awarded the University of Virginia for its superior use of market research and Ringling College of Art + Design was recognized for the Best Plans Book by Simmons Research. Finally, Amanda Koontz from West Texas A&M University received the AAF District 7 Bolton-MacVicar Best Presenter Award.

For more information about the National Student Advertising Competition, please contact Laetitia Brock via email or by phone at (202) 898-0089. Or, visit the AAF’s website  to learn more.

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