The Asia Pacific region has been longing for a new chapter of creative talent development and alas, the moment has arrived: introducing the Cairns Hatchlings, presented by Yahoo.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Cairns Crocodiles Festival, this program will hatch, spotlight and help nurture the next generation of industry leaders.
Scheduled to take place alongside the blockbuster Cairns Crocodiles Festival from May 13-15, 2025, the Hatchlings is poised to inspire creativity across diverse segments of the marketing and advertising industry.
Enter the Cairns Hatchlings now!
The Hatchlings is a competitive program designed to showcase emerging talent within the advertising, marketing and media sectors.
Participants will compete across seven categories representing various industry disciplines. Open to all ages and a diverse range of backgrounds, with three to eight years of media experience in the Asia Pacific region, the program emphasises the belief that true talent and creativity transcends age and background.
Cairns Hatchlings categories
- Audio
- Design
- Digital
- Marketing – Sponsored by Boomtown
- Media – Sponsored by Yahoo!
- PR
- Video
The Hatchlings competition is designed to test the creativity and ingenuity of its participants. Finalists will be flown to Cairns during the Cairns Crocodiles Festival to compete in front of esteemed industry leaders, having just 24 hours to create groundbreaking work. This high-pressure environment will not only challenge emerging talent but also provide them with invaluable exposure to some of the most influential names in the business.
Being a Hatchling provides participants with meaningful recognition, helping them unlock new opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. The initiative goes beyond traditional awards by serving as a launchpad for future growth and development within the industry.
Enter the Cairns Hatchlings now!
Each year, The Hatchlings will partner with a local Cairns charity to offer pro-bono marketing and strategy support. In its inaugural year, the initiative will partner with Mission Australia. This collaboration not only allows participants to hone their skills in real-world settings but also reinforces Cairns Crocodiles’ commitment to social responsibility.
Finalists will enjoy a fully sponsored trip to the Cairns Crocodiles event, allowing them to engage directly with industry leaders and peers. This networking can lead to mentorships, collaborations, and potentially transformative career paths. Participants will also have the opportunity to sit in on Masterclasses with top advertising and marketing leaders who will share insights and secrets to their success.
The Hatchlings will be held in conjunction with the Cairns Crocodiles, a renowned three-day content extravaganza that features a variety of inspiring speakers, awards, and networking opportunities. With Pinterest as its headline partner, Cairns Crocodiles aims to enthral and inspire attendees through incredible content and leading industry figures.
Key Dates and Entry Information
Cairns Hatchlings – 15 May 2025
Entries Open: 6 November 2024
Workshops between Monday, 10 – Friday, 14 February 2025
On-Time Deadline first-round submissions: Thursday, 27 February 2025
Late Deadline first round submissions: Thursday, 6 March 2025
Finalists announced: Thursday, 27 March 2025
Second round brief: Monday 12 May 2025 (Cairns Convention Centre)
Live pitches (24hr round): Tuesday, 13 May 2025 (Cairns Convention Centre)
Film category judging (48hr round): Wednesday, 14 May 2025 (Cairns Convention Centre)
Awards Ceremony: Thursday, May 15 2025 – Cairns Convention Centre
The Hatchlings initiative represents a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among the next generation of marketers and creatives in the Asia Pacific region. By providing a platform for emerging talent to shine, the Cairns Crocodiles Festival not only celebrates current achievements but also invests in the future of the industry. With its unique blend of competition, community engagement, and networking opportunities, The Hatchlings promises to be a transformative experience for all involved.
Enter the Cairns Hatchlings now!
Join us as we celebrate the future of talent and encourage you to enter now—be a part of the Cairns Hatchlings and help shape the creative landscape of tomorrow!
