Audio advertising will take centre stage once again at the annual immersive awards. Enjoy food, drinks, live music, a few surprises, and certainly some awards at the Irish Audio Awards 2025 — 26. The awards take place at 5:30pm on Thursday, 12th March at Smock Alley Theatre. Space is limited—email info@irishaudioawards.ie for details. For now, you can read more about last year's event below.
The Science of Being
In a lively conversation, radio host Anton Savage and guest Dr. Lollie Mancey explored the rise of AI and its growing influence on the creative landscape. They delved into the evolving relationship between humans and technology, and unpacked its expanding role in advertising, from predicting consumer preferences to offering real-time personalisation. Looking to the future, Lollie highlighted the enduring importance of human creativity in an increasingly automated world.
Creating Effect
Anton Savage led a discussion about how measurement impacts creative advertising. Andrew explained System1’s use of emotional data to predict ad performance, while Emma argued that creativity should go beyond formulas, stressing the value of novelty. Shane highlighted the importance of understanding the rules while also knowing when to break them, and the panel finally tackled the decline of humour and jingles in ads, despite their proven effectiveness.
Heart and Beats
Anton Savage, Rahmon Agbaje, Maatin Adewunmi, and Denis Kilty dove into a compelling discussion about music, the value and challenges of music in commercial creativity and the behavioural science behind their practice. They analysed the benefits of AI as a tool to boost music’s impact, as well as addressing concerns about AI replacing human composers.
Standing Over It
Creative heavyweights Mark Shanley and Caroline Riis reflected on the process behind selecting winners for a prestigious audio advertising award. Moderated by Anton Savage, the conversation explored cultural differences in creativity, the unique power and accessibility of radio, and the high standards of the judging process. With only one award per category, the judges championed bold, innovative, and creative advertising that goes beyond just a well-written script.
Live Music
As well as thought provoking panels, and the presenting of awards, the Irish Audio Awards event also featured musical direction by Seán MacErlaine, with original musical compositions created by Seán, specifically for the awards.