Introduction to Pitch-Chella
Welcome to Pitch-Chella – where your skills meet opportunity and creativity.
‘Pitch-Chella’ is an innovative initiative launched by the IMAA to showcase the incredible talent within the indie sector. This Awards Programme is specifically designed for IMAA agency members who have been in the media industry for five years or less. It offers a dynamic platform for budding professionals to team up, enhance their pitching skills, share knowledge, and foster collaboration across the industry.
At its core, Pitch-Chella embraces the creative minds of our upcoming Indie Talent, championing fresh perspectives and bold ideas that will shape the future of our indus
Purpose of The Awards Programme?
The primary goal of ‘Pitch-Chella’ is to cultivate a spirit of collaboration among independent agencies and provide emerging talent with opportunities to learn from seasoned industry professionals.
This initiative enhances entrants pitching skills and allows them to participate in an Awards Programme that will increase their brand through PR exposure while they have fun and learn.
Structure of the Awards Program
- Team Configuration: Entrants can join individually or form teams. Team configuration is between 2-4 members. Agencies may submit their own teams, or individuals can join forces with other agency staff. The IMAA will also assist individuals with forming a team.
- Eligibility: This opportunity is exclusive to IMAA Members with five years or less tenure in the media industry.
- Exclusions: C-Suite executives are not eligible to participate.
- Accessibility: This nationwide Awards Program, including the final pitch, is conducted virtually.
- Registration: The number of teams an Agency can submit is unlimited. However, there is a cost involved in participating:
- Individual = $90 (ex GST)
- Team = $300 (ex GST) per 4 entrants.
Awards Program Benefits
Agencies benefit from:
- Enhanced collaboration amongst internal agency teams, or other independent agencies.
- Exposure for members to larger and more complex briefs.
- Investing in staff.
- PR of your agency’s involvement with this initiative.
Employees will enjoy:
- Extensive networking and collaboration across the industry.
- Recognition of their skills and contributions.
- Increase in personal brand, through PR and social media channels.
- Networking.
- A fun and enjoyable experience.
- Opportunity to showcase your skills to a wide market.
Awards Program Criteria
The criteria that must be met to enter in Pitch-Chella have been outlined below:
- Eligibility is limited to IMAA members.
- Participants must have a tenure of no more than five years within any media discipline, including Investment, Strategy, Client Lead, Data, Tech, and Sales.
- Team Expectations:
- Entrants must be available to collaborate with their team throughout the competition.
- If shortlisted as a finalist, all team members must be available for the virtual pitch on Wednesday, July 2nd.
- Individual involvement will be at each entrant’s discretion, depending on the time they dedicate to the competition.
Awards Program Cost
The entry fee to participate in this Awards Program
- Individual = $90 (ex GST)
- Team = $300 (ex GST) per 4 entrants.
Application Expectations
This Awards Program will run for three months. Below is a timeline of the key milestones.
The one key expectation is that each entrant must be available to collaborate with their team over this period. If shortlisted as a finalist, all team members must be available on Wednesday 2nd July for the virtual pitch.
Individual’s expected involvement will be at their discretion based on how much time they dedicate to this competition.
Mon 28th April: Applications open
Fri 9th May: Applications close
Thur 22nd May: IMAA announces team structures and distributes briefs.
Fri 13th June: Teams submit a written response to the brief.
Tue 17th June–Fri 20th: Judges review submissions.
Tue 24th June: Feedback provided and shortlist finalists announced.
Wed 2nd July:Finalist teams pitch to Judges (15-minute presentations) (Note: These sessions will be recorded.)
Thur 17th July: Winners announced at a celebratory event in Melbourne (open to all entrants, IMAA members and Media Partners.)
Terms and Conditions
- Participants must work in an independent agency with a tenure of 5 years or less in media.
- No C Suites.
- Participants must be committed to actively participating in this initiative amongst the selected team.
- All costs associated with this initiative are at the agency’s expense.
Next Steps: How to Apply
To apply for Pitch-Chella 2025, download the application form below and submit it by COB Friday, May 9th to info@theimaa.com.au.
