The new June 2023 HOT List was filed by Mediaweek contributing editor and MFA Hall of Famer Greg “Sparrow” Graham moments before he jetted off to the Cannes Lions 2023. In this latest list, he continues tracking the best-performing media and creative agencies.
Hot List: Sizzling HOT
Media agency
Initiative
Initiative has featured prominently in the Hot List over the last year and for good reason. When you are sizzling hot and at the top of your game the momentum continues. A massive congrats to Initiative Australia for recently being recognised as the #1 Media Agency in the world! An Aussie agency with outstanding leadership and talent smashing it on the world stage … Bravo! It recently announced its latest win – Cricket Australia.
Creative Agency
Akcelo
Continually creating powerful brand experiences for some of the hottest brands in the world e.g. Netflix, Lego, TikTok, PepsiCo, Tinder, etc. Excellent leadership, driving customer engagement and sales growth to new levels Akcelo keeps the temperature high. Plus, with a recent win for Forty Winks, they show no signs of cooling down.
HOTTEST
Media Agency
Hatched
One of the hottest local indies in town continues to demonstrate its media mastery. Impressive client list including Mission, Village, Reece, Mirvac, Dairy Australia, etc an impressive depth of talent that’s having a hot streak of new business success including winning the media duties for Forty Winks.
Hatched celebrating 10th birthday this year
Creative Agency
The Hallway
Another hot indie creating effective ideas always uncovers how people tick, behave, and feel. Brilliant work for Gotcha4Life, Suncorp, Tourism Fiji, Google, The Mens Table, etc. A healthy win for Anytime Fitness plus I love their recent recruitment drive using a QR code on the Banh Mi sandwich bag from the local Vietnamese canteen.
Team Hallway
HOT
Media Agency
Half Dome
After a successful rebrand unlocking its Whole Potential, this hot indie continues its extraordinary growth trajectory. Transitioning from an edgy start-up 6 years ago to now over 65 crew … half dome is quite rightly very proud of its, product, people, and culture. The new business wins multiple after Nectr Energy to sustainable bedding company ecosa to plant-based nutrition business, Vitasoy.
The crew at Half Dome
Creative Agency
The Special Group
After topping more global creative awards this very special hot indie dominates the Australian and NZ creative community with a growing presence in the UK & the US. Over 230 people across seven offices with ever-expanding services from advertising, design, and now PR. The outstanding work speaks for itself (did I mention the four-meter-high plastic poo on Bondi Beach got my attention) and their brave ambitions plus world-class talent continue to keep them hot and highly revered/respected.
Something very Special about this group
See also: Sparrow’s recent Hot Lists
Doing some good work and kicking goals? We are happy to hear from you – send details to [email protected].
Criteria for making the Mediaweek Hot List
• New business success
• Current client retention
• Momentum
• Industry acclaim and buzz