I stepped foot in Vegas for the second time this year after nine years.

In 2016, I was here as a participant of the Creative Liaison program - the most wonderful program for young creatives, according to me, in the world. I was one in a multinational group of young creatives - a tribe of advertising dreamers. And the exposure and learnings designed for us were invaluable. 

One of the key ones is getting to watch a jury in action. We were split into groups and assigned to jury rooms where we got to watch them go through the entire jury process. It was a great privilege to gain access to this elite room - a place where the best leaders in the industry room discuss and reward the world's finest work.

Cut to nine years later. It was a nostalgic moment to step foot back in Vegas. But the magic began much before. When I got the invite to be on the jury, it was a moment coming full circle. From a young creative watching the jury room in action to being in the jury being watched by the young creatives was a moment. But beyond that, it was really the opportunity to represent India in the jury and the panel that made it doubly special and important. I was honoured to be on the panel on ‘Craft is Now Crucial’ with the legend Michael Ritchie, who just won a Grand Prix at Cannes, amidst 20 years of stellar wins; Dan Lucey, our amazing jury President; and Jon Woodbury, whose work feat Beyonce and the likes had my jaw on the floor.

I was proud to see the excellent pieces of work from India. Work that reflects our culture and creative nuance, ranging from the MahaKumbh to the truck drivers forming the heart of our country, to social taboos being challenged, to our stories told with craft par excellence.

While it is difficult to pick from the multitude of amazing pieces, here’s a humble curation from the winners from India, Asia, and the global level, each for you to enjoy and get inspired by as we hit the Diwali festivities.

Desi Oon has the word desi in it and a stellar team behind it, including the legends Suresh Eriyat, Swanand Kirkire, and Grammy-winning Resul Pookutty. Thank you, Eeksaurus, for telling an original Indian story with so much art and craft.

Death of a Salesman for Five Star Chicken by BBDO Bangkok. It had us in split every single time we watched it. The humour is so Thai, but the craft is reflected in the choices made from music to cast to the scenes, which were equally enjoyed by all.

And finally, a hat tip to the one that demands a standing ovation no matter where you are reading this from - ‘The Final Copy of Elon Specht’ for L’Oreal by McCann Paris. We have all known the enduring positioning of L’Oreal’s tagline and positioning of ‘I’m Worth It’ and the iconic work we have seen in its fold over the years. To know the story of Elon Specht, the copywriter behind it from the era of the ‘Mad Men’ is an enthralling story of the creator always reflecting in the creation, and a recognition long due.

The light of ‘What happens in Vegas’ always shines for much longer when it comes to the London International Awards - thanks to the wonderful team that puts it all together every year.

Wishing a sparkling, amazing, and inspired Diwali to all.