WE'AR FOR WET FEET NOT BROWN NOSES

Canada's Next Top Ad Exec isn't just a nation-wide advertising and marketing case competition - it's your big break into the industry.
If you're studying business - minor or major, undergrad and post-grad - we're giving you the opportunity to create a five million dollar marketing campaign for a brand-new Chevrolet vehicle.
You could win a scholarship, prizes, and maybe even the keys to your very own 2013 Chevrolet Spark. PLUS the chance to network with industry execs, and earn internships in marketing and communications along the way.

The Prizes

Yep, there are prizes. Over $30,000 worth, to be exact.
Each member of the winning team will drive home in an all-new 2013 Chevrolet Spark!
Also up for grabs - two $2,500 scholarships, two $1,000 scholarships, internship opportunities and more.

Who can enter?

FULL TIME undergraduate business or commerce students
OR Masters of Business Administration (MBA) students
OR Undergraduate students completing a minor in business or commerce
For the complete competition rules and regulations, click here.

The Details


Phase #1: The Elevator Pitch

Deadline: January 23rd, 2012 @11:59am EST
Your first challenge is to develop a two-page summary outlining your big idea. Keep it short enough that you could pitch it to someone on an elevator ride - hence the name. Your submission must include the downloadable cover page as page one of the document. For judging purposes, only the cover page can show the participant name(s). The top 25 pitches will be selected to move on to Phase Two in the competition.

Phase #2: Strategy Document

Deadline: February 20th, 2012 @11:59am EST
The next task for the teams is to create a comprehensive report outlining key objectives, positioning, media strategy, creative execution and executive summary. The top 10 will be selected for a final round of competition.

Phase #3: Final Presentation

Deadline: To be presented in Toronto on March 25th, 2012
The top 10 competitors will be brought to downtown Toronto to deliver a 30 minute presentation pitching their idea to a high-powered judging panel. Only one team will get the glory, the prizes, and the title of Canada's Next Top Ad Exec.


being hungry now prevents starving later

What is a Campus Account Manager (CAM)?

Campus Account Managers (CAMs) are passionate, proactive students at Universities across Canada that are on-campus advocates for the Canada's Next Top Ad Exec competition. A CAM's job is to raise student awareness of the competition and to educate students on how the competition works.

What does a CAM actually do?

  • Strategically hangs CNTAE signage and posters across your university campus
  • Hands out info and fun promotional swag
  • Delivers 3-5 min. presentations to business classes about CNTAE
  • Spreads the word about CNTAE through social networks - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
  • Serves as the primary contact and liaison between your university and the CNTAE Executive Team
  • Organizes information session locations at your campus for the Executive Team during their On-Campus Road Trip
  • Wins prizes! (details below)

CAMs are welcome to work in teams within their institution. All CAMs will receive a promotional package with all the materials they'll need to be successful. CAMs will also be invited to join a CAM Facebook group, where they have access to other CAMs' contact information, the opportunity to discuss strategies in a forum setting and the ability to view other CAMs' progress.

For more details, please download the CAM PDF

kicking ass sure beats kissing it
In the battle of school vs. school, how is your campus stacking up? For every team that enters from your school, your school's name will grow in the ranks. The bigger it gets, the more chances your school has to knock out the competition. Sure, not everyone will win a car, but you will be able to claim that your school is home to Canada's Next Top Ad Execs of 2012. Remember - your school can't win if no one enters. Use Facebook and Twitter to talk about CNTAE and recruit more teams. And may the best school win.


Athabasca University University of Alberta University of Calgary University of Lethbridge Royal Roads University Simon Fraser University Thompson Rivers University Trinity Western University University of British Columbia University of Northern Britsh Columbia University of Victoria Brandon University College universitarie de Saint-Boniface University of Manitoba University Winnipeg Mount Allison University Universite de Moncton University of New Brunswick Memorial University of Newfoundland Acadia University Cape Breton University Dalhousie University Mount Saint Vincent University Saint Mary's University St. Francis Xavier University Universite Sainte-Anne Brock University Carleton University Lakehead University Laurentian University of Sudbury McMaster University Nipissing University Queen's University Ryerson University Trent University University of Guelph University of Ontario Institute of Technology University of Ottawa University of Toronto University of Waterloo University of Western Ontario University of Windsor Wilfrid Laurier University York University University of Prince Edward Island Bishop's University Concordia University Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC Montreal) McGill University Universite de Montreal Universite de Quebec a Chicoutimi Universite de Sherbrooke Universite du Quebec - Ecole nationale d'administation publique Universite du Quebec a Monreal Universite du Quebec a Rimouski Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres Universite du Quebec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue Universite du Quebec en Outaouais Universite Laval First Nations University of Canada University of Regina University of Saskatchewan Grant MacEwan University University of Fraser Valley

winners don't get throphies they get hired
Finalists in Canada's Next Top Ad Exec have gone on to do great things. Read about some of our top competitors to find out what they learned from CNTAE, what happened after the competition was over, and their advice for this year's competitors.


Maya Cieszynska
Maya Cieszynska

1st place - CNTAE 2011


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

I got to hang out with some of the most amazing people I've ever met. I got to learn more, push myself more, and gain more in my education than any classroom has ever been able to. I got to mingle with some of Canada's most renowned people in Marketing - especially coming from [Alberta], we don't get to rub shoulders with people that influential every day. It was life-changing.

Where are you now?

I moved from good ol' Edmonton to big ol' Toronto, where I am an Assistant Marketing Manager at Pepsico foods. I work on the Tostitos brand. Not only do I have a say in what we do across Canada, but I'm leading the entire Quebec program. And I just graduated from school!

How has CNTAE helped you get to where you are today?

For myself personally, the moment Mike and I finished that presentation was single-handedly the moment my life would forever change. I was interviewed for the position I'm in today literally 20 minutes after presenting at Canada's Next Top Ad Exec.

Michael Holmes
Michael Holmes

1st place - CNTAE 2011


Where are you now?

I'm still pursuing my undergraduate degree, but currently I'm on a co-op work placement at Microsoft, where I'm doing some marketing work on the Windows brand team.

How has CNTAE helped you get to where you are today?

I wouldn't be where I am right now if it wasn't for this competition. It's that simple. The one thing that CNTAE gives you above everything else is credibility; it proves you have a knack for both creative and analytical thinking, and that you excel at presenting ideas in a captivating way.

Words of wisdom or advice?

If you don't place, don't sweat it - but learn from the experience. My partner and I submitted an entry the year before we won, and it was an absolute train wreck of an idea. I felt embarrassed to have my name on it. But being able to reflect back a year later and understand where we made our mistakes was an invaluable experience, and we were far better off because of it.

Joanna Periversoff
Joanna Periversoff

2nd place - CNTAE 2011


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

I gained much more than I could have anticipated. Not only did I get to work with a GM product and create a full-out marketing plan, I got to present it to people who matter. Real world executives listened to what I had to say and they valued the ideas that my partner and I came up with. In addition, I made a number of good friends and influential business contacts throughout the process. Personally, I was able to push myself beyond my comfort zone, broaden my understanding of the role of a marketer and push my time management skills to the max. Ultimately, I begin to see myself as someone who could become a successful marketer.

Where are you now?

Currently, I am in my second-last semester of the McMaster MBA co-op program, and I am happily completing this academic term on exchange in France.

How has CNTAE helped you get to where you are today?

[CNTAE] has helped me personally, educationally, and professionally. Not only was I able to develop valuable communication, marketing, and interpersonal skills throughout the competition, but I was also able to observe all the ways in which I need to continue my personal growth. The fantastic people you meet while competing serve as wonderful role models. Educationally, the opportunity to work with a GM vehicle and apply classroom knowledge to a real, current case was of incredible benefit. The feedback given from the judges and the comments from my mentors allowed me to gain new perspective. I now approach in-class cases with a better overall understanding of what I need to consider. Professionally, [CNTAE] was able to give me an invaluable opportunity. Through the program I earned a summer co-op position with PepsiCo Canada. The work term was fantastic and it helped me to focus the plans I have for my career.

Amanda Miller
Amanda Miller

3rd place - CNTAE 2011


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

If you can do CNTAE, then you have the imagination and creativity to fulfill any marketing strategy. It's that confirmation that marketing and advertising is the right career path for you.

Where are you now?

Currently I am working as a Community Development Coordinator for Leduc County (a municipal government in Alberta). My main focus in this role is strategic social media and not-for-profit consulting. As a result of this role, I also do strategic marketing consulting on the side.

How has CNTAE helped you get to where you are today?

CNTAE is an experience that demonstrated to my employer that I was capable of my position, and that I could bring creativity to the workplace. It also has made me extremely confident in strategic marketing and social media communications.

Brittany Miller
Brittany Miller

3rd place - CNTAE 2011


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

The opportunity to take what I have learned in school and actually apply my ideas and knowledge to resolve a challenge that a real company faces. Now that the competition is over, it's neat to see some of our ideas ad suggestions actually implemented by GM Canada. No other business competition has provided me with this type of experience, and my resume truly stands out because of it!

Where are you now?

Currently, I am in my 4th year at the University of Lethbridge with one year to go. I am VP Marketing for JDCW (Jeux du Commerce West) at the University of Lethbridge, Campus Account Manager (CAM) for CNTAE at the U of L, and working on my applied study with the University Pronghorns basketball team. A lot of the positions I currently have are because of my experience and success with CNTAE.

Words of wisdom or advice?

My sister and I went into this competition naive. We weren't sure if what we were doing was right so we pushed ourselves to do better, thinking way outside the box! If you decide to compete in this amazing competition, that is what you need to do. There is no rubric, or grading scale (because let's be honest, in the real world there isn't one) so you just need to be as creative as possible, but stay realistic and do your research.

Mark Scattalon
Mark Scattalon

1st place - CNTAE 2010


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

Aside from a beautiful Chevrolet Cruze, I gained the experience of a lifetime. Every day I was working on my campaign, I was learning something new. Competing independently was a challenge, but it trained me to work smarter and ask the right questions. For any student considering competing, my only advice is: do it. This is by far the single most challenging and rewarding competition across Canada - it will pave the path for your future, as it has done for me.

Where are you now?

Today, I'm working at e=mz2 Inc., a game-based sales training organization in Burlington, ON. I am the Director of Marketing and Social Engagement, and attribute my success in this role to [CNTAE]. I have also started my own advertising consulting business, which spawned directly from winning the competition.

Words of wisdom or advice?

One of the greatest lessons I learned through [CNTAE] is that in order to provide a realistic and creative idea, you have to quantify each decision with empirical research. It's one thing to believe an idea will work, but it's another to demonstrate how and why it will work through your research and findings.

Bram Warshafsky
Bram Warshafsky

1st place - CNTAE 2010


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

I got to meet some really great people along the way, and walked away with a Chevrolet Cruze. For those considering participating in CNTAE, my advice is to stop everything else you're doing and register for the program. There's no better way to test yourself against your cohort on a national stage

Where are you now?

I am current working for Johnson & Johnson as an Associate Brand Manager on JOHNSON'S® Baby, DESITIN®, and PENATEN®.

How has CNTAE helped you get to where you are today?

Top Ad Exec was the hardest I've worked on any single project. I learned how far I can push myself as well as the importance of grounding a marketing plan in a solid consumer insight.

Gregory Duggan
Gregory Duggan

1st place - CNTAE 2008


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

Aside from meeting some very talented people and networking with industry executives, I personally gained a lot of self-confidence from the process. I thought it took a lot of resolve to stand in front of a panel of marketing professionals and pitch them an idea. With respect to those looking to enter the competition, I would recommend they just go for it - even if marketing isn't entirely your thing, there is nothing more important than the ability to present an idea you have developed, and this competition prepares you very well for just that

Where are you now?

I am currently working for Credit Suisse Securities in Investment Banking.

Words of wisdom or advice?

You never know what you're going to be good at so just go for it and give it 100%.

Patricia Wozniak
Patricia Wozniak

2nd place - CNTAE 2011


What did you gain from participating in CNTAE?

I met the most wonderful people through the program, grew my professional network and built friendships that will last a lifetime. CNTAE pushed me to the edge and made me consistently ask the right questions to get maximum results. It allowed me to move outside my comfort zone and think in strategic ways I never did before. CNTAE also taught me how to build creative and memorable presentations, how to keep the audience engaged and bring the big idea to life.

Where are you now?

Currently, I am still at McMaster University completing my final year and co-Chairing CNTAE. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be part of the executive team and make this year bigger and better than ever. CNTAE has opened so many doors for me. I am excited to join the real world and use everything I learned to make a difference in the business world.

How has CNTAE helped you get to where you are today?

Being part of CNTAE and now having the opportunity and great challenge of running the program gives me an insider perspective and advantage. I can now adjust the program based on last year's learning, and implement new strategies and ideas that are necessary for the program to grow in the future. Being part of CNTAE translates into my daily life as I constantly challenge myself to be innovative, strategic and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Words of wisdom or advice?

There will be many long nights, coffee breaks, challenges, and roadblocks, but the best and most rewarding outcome will prevail if you give it all you've got. Do your research, always ask questions, and no matter how hard it gets, never give up! Use as many resources you have available to you and take advantage of your networks and professors - they are there to help you and guide you! Just do it and never look back!

turn your potential into a pay cheque
CNTAE wouldn't be possible without the help of Canada's greatest partners.
partnerspartnerspartnerspartnerspartners

Lead Partners

partnerspartnerspartnerspartnerspartners

Platinum Partners

partnerspartnerspartners

Media Partners

partnerspartnerspartnerspartnerspartnerspartnerspartnerspartnerspartners

Resource Partners

fasten your suitbelts
Last year, Chevrolet asked students to develop a million-dollar pre-launch campaign for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic - Chevrolet's newest small car.


Winners

Winners





Michael Holmes
University of Alberta

Maya Ciezynska
University of Alberta

Congratulations to last year's first place winners Michael Holmes and Maya Ciezynska, who each won their very own all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic!


1st Runner Up

Winners

Joanna Periversoff, McMaster University

Patricia Wozniak, McMaster Univerisity

First runner-ups Joanna Periversoff and Patricia Wozniak from McMaster University, each won a $2,500 scholarship from General Motors. Joanna Periversoff was also the well deserving recipient of an exclusive internship from Pepsico.

2nd Runner Up

Winners

Amanda Miller, University of Lethbridge

Brittany Miller, University of Lethbridge

Second runner-ups Amanda Miller and Brittany Miller from the University of Lethbridge each won a $1,000 scholarship from General Motors. Way to go, everyone!

We're the light at the beginning of the tunnel
Meet the future business gurus behind CNTAE 2012.


Patricia Wozniak

Patricia Wozniak

4th Year Commerce Student

Co-Chair, CNTAE

A fourth-year student, returning from a yearlong internship at Mercedes-Benz Canada, Patricia participated in CNTAE last year. She considers her 2nd place finish a great accomplishment, and she looks forward to the opportunity and challenge of making this year's program better than ever. Through being part of extra-curricular activities at the DeGroote School of Business and participating in various competitions, she has learned that persistence and hard work is rewarding and pressure is the best motivation. She brings passion, enthusiasm and creativity to every situation and is excited to bring this program to the next level in 2012.

Ed Shin

Ed Shin

4th Year Commerce Student

Co-Chair, CNTAE

As Co-Chair of Canada's Next Top Ad Exec, Ed believes that the program has great potential that has yet to be reached. He wants to challenge the status quo, and to help elevate CNTAE to places it has never gone before. Collectively, he believes that the team has the right attitude and dedication to reach new heights in 2011/12 and set a stepping-stone for future years to come. Cheers to a great year!



Lisa Choi

Lisa Choi

4th Year Commerce Student

National Campus Promotions Director

Lisa is a fourth-year Commerce student recently returning from a 12-month internship at Fujifilm, where she specialized in marketing communications. This is her first year being involved in Canada's Next Top Ad Exec, and she is extremely excited to take part in such an amazing competition. She is a passionate and driven individual, and she looks forward to bringing her past work and extra curricular experiences to help make this year's competition the best yet!

Husnia Ludin

Husnia Ludin

4th Year Student

Social Media Director

Over the past four years, Husnia has been heavily involved in many of the extracurriculars that McMaster has to offer - ranging from being an executive member of the DeGroote Commerce Society to leading spirit teams of Commerce Faculty Representatives during McMaster's Welcome Week. After the completion of her undergraduate degree, she intends to pursue her MBA with a specialization in Marketing. She is extremely excited to be involved in Canada's Next Top Ad Exec 2012.

Olivia Stille

Olivia Stille

4th Year Commerce Student

Judging Officer

Olivia is a graduating Commerce student at McMaster's DeGroote School of Business. After a year 'in the real world' on internship at IBM Canada, she is back at school and happy to be getting involved with Canada's Next Top Ad Exec. If you can't find her around the Commerce Building, she'll likely be rehearsing with the McMaster Dance Company, in her kitchen whipping up a delicious meal... or doing school work of course!


Allison Miceli

Allison Miceli

4th Year Commerce Student

Chief PR Officer & Event Coordinator

During her time at McMaster, Allison has been an executive member with the DeGroote Accounting Association and the Campus Marketing Ambassador for CMA Ontario. Off-campus, she donates her time to the Good Shepherd as well as the Canadian Centre for Diversity. She hopes that her enthusiasm for marketing, outgoing personality, and creativity will bring a fresh set of ideas to this year's team. Her goal is to make this year's Closing Ceremonies a memorable experience for all participants, and to build strong relationships with all of the sponsors to make the most of the CNTAE experience.

Claudia Zawadowicz

Claudia Zawadowicz

4th Year Commerce Student

Chief Finance/Judging Officer

Claudia has just returned from a backpacking trip, gaining international exposure from visiting 10 countries in just 32 days. Prior to this, she completed a 13-month independent internship at Earls Restaurant as the Office Manager. Her passion for Marketing has led her to volunteer for the past two years as an executive for "Mac Cares," and spearhead a marketing program at Earls. She is very excited for the opportunity to bring her energy and charisma to Canada's Next Top Ad Exec.

Sydney Forsythe

Sydney Forsythe

4th Year Commerce Student

Chief Finance Officer

Sydney is a fourth-year Bachelors of Commerce candidate with a focus in Finance and a minor in Economics. In his time at McMaster he has been involved with the Degroote Commerce Society as a Marketing Coordinator, and has participated in the Commerce Internship Program. After returning from a 16-month internship at Arcelor Mittal Dofasco, he realized that an education takes place as much outside the classroom as within. He is excited to use skills he has learnt during his time at DeGroote to make this an exciting year for Canada's Next Top Ad Exec.

Robin Kwan

Robin Kwan

4th Year Commerce Student

Chief CAM Officer

Hard work. Dedication. All day; every day. This is the mantra that drives Robin towards results and excellence.
As CAM Officer for CNTAE, Robin plans on stretching the boundaries and reaching new heights in 2011/12. As he travels the country to spread the word about this fantastic program, he poses a challenge for you: if you're confident that you could be Canada's Next Top Ad Executive... prove it. He's out there looking for the best of the best on the CNTAE national road trip - stop by and say hello when he visits your campus!

Sam Chan

Sam Chan

4th Year Commerce Student

PR Director

Sam is currently in his final year at DeGroote. He brings his experiences in organizing industry networking events and conferences to Canada's Next Top Ad Exec. He plans on using this year to further increase and develop new avenues of promotion to make CNTAE the top advertising competition in Canada.



Jasleen Boparai

Jasleen Boparai

3rd Year Commerce Student

CAM Director

Jasleen is a third-year Commerce student interested in specializing in Marketing and Languages. Her goals for the year are to get more involved within the McMaster, Degroote and Hamilton communities; to meet more people within her faculty, school and the industry; but most importantly, to enjoy whatever she does.

Patrick Kedzior

Patrick Kedzior

1st Year Commerce Student

CNTAE Intern

Patrick is in his first year at McMaster University, enrolled in the Undergraduate Commerce program. Along with three other colleagues, he will be providing first-year support for Canada's Next Top Ad Exec 2012. He aspires to bring unique ideas to the team, and to help out wherever he is needed. He is looking forward to learning from the team, and to making this year the most successful one yet!

Chris Vincelli

Chris Vincelli

1st Year Commerce Student

CNTAE Intern

Chris is a first-year Commerce student at McMaster. He's unsure where he wants his degree to take him but he wants to get as involved as possible and learn as much as he can, inside and outside the classroom. His goals for a successful CNTAE term include finding sponsors and learning as much as he can from the experience.

Vanessa Bozzo

Vanessa Bozzo

1st Year Commerce Student

CNTAE Intern

Vanessa is a first-year Commerce student at McMaster University. She hopes to graduate at McMaster University in 2015, and start her MBA with a focus on Marketing. She is currently on the first-year team, helping to promote Top Ad Exec to universities across Canada. She joined to help CNTAE spread the word to anyone with an interest in the business world. She is a very friendly person, and loves meeting new people, cooking and running.

Alizeh Khan

Alizeh Khan

1st Year Commerce Student

CNTAE Intern

As a first-year Commerce student, Alizeh recognizes the necessity of being adaptive and ready to learn. Seeing new sights, learning new things and having a subtle enthusiasm for the post-secondary experience, she says it's hard not to get giddy over planning, preparing and making CNTAE 2012 truly amazing. Her goals include becoming a corporate lawyer, and giving back to the community.

Jacob Truant

Jacob Truant

4th Year Commerce Student

CNTAE Campus Coordinator

Jacob Truant is a fourth-year honours Commerce student at McMaster University hailing from Oakville, Ontario. He has an interest in Sales and Marketing, and just completed a 16-month internship at New Balance Canada. He's on the executive team for CNTAE because he wants to help students like you get involved, and get real world experience.

The CNTAE Executive Committee is a dedicated team of McMaster commerce students. Committed to improving the experience of the participant and partner, the team spends hours securing sponsorship, visiting campuses, recruiting judges and promoting the event across Canada.


Our team is here to help you with any questions or comments you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@topadexec.com.
your step ladder to the corporate ladder