OTCs in Action Episode 64: Relieving Zika pain

OTCs are in Action treating minor symptoms of the Zika virus, which has spread to 66 countries, according to the World Health Organization’s April 21 status report. In fact, the insect-borne disease has become so prevalent that OTC brands are investing in TV advertising detailing their benefits for symptom relief. For example, Nicholas Hall’s OTC INSIGHT Latin America reports this month: GSK’s A+P campaign in support of paracetamol-based Dolex systemic analgesic (known globally as Panadol) highlights its efficacy against symptoms of vector-borne viruses such as zika, chikungunya and dengue.

Nicholas Hall Events will host its 2nd Latin American OTC Conference, From Recession to Recovery: Analysing Latin America’s Return to Growth, on 9-10 June in Miami. Nicholas Hall will be joined by senior professionals with intimate knowledge of the local OTC environment, to offer delegates ways of navigating this dynamic yet unpredictable region.

Following the theme ‘From Recession to Recovery’, our speakers will analyse Latin America’s return to growth showcasing examples of local and global brands, highlighting ways in which they have found success in this region and what lessons can be learned. For more information, please click on the link:
Latin American OTC Conference: From Recession to Recovery

Health Ads To Make You Laugh (or Cry)

Disgusting? Definitely. Funny? I reckon. Memorable? Yes. Novartis’ recent UK TV ad for its Otrivin topical decongestant has probably turned a few stomachs, but also managed to capture the attention of a UK national newspaper and earned close to 3.5mn hits on YouTube at the time of writing. The ad features under-the-weather overweight office worker Kenneth who fantasises about his female co-workers drooling over him as he spreads menthol rub over his unsightly chest, before being advised by the narrator to take Otrivin instead. The message of efficacy is perhaps not immediately as clear as in previous promotions for the product, starring an animated nose and mouth, or a man surrounded by tissues, but the new content is ridiculous enough to deserve another watch… and then another, until the product’s claimed benefits do stick. It is not the first time Novartis has pushed the comedy boat out for Otrivin. Back in 2011 the marketer won a Cannes Lion Advertising award for Swiss ads featuring “mouth breathers”, or people unable to breathe through their blocked noses, carrying the tagline, “You look dumber with your mouth open”.

Comedy was at the heart of the Nicholas Hall & Company’s coveted Best European OTC Advertising Award in 2014, with Dr Reddy’s ad for its Nise topical analgesic winning over delegates. As Russian soldiers line up on the training ground, one poor soldier is utterly unable to twist his neck owing to muscle pain, a piece of slapstick with a message so simple that there is no need to understand the Russian orders barked at him by his commanding officer. The campaign certainly didn’t do Nise’s Russian sales any harm, with the brand posting impressive growth in 2013.

If you have an OTC ad campaign you’re particularly proud of, funny, serious, simple or surreal, which ran between 1st February 2014 and 31st January 2015, why not enter it into the Nicholas Hall Awards? Shortlisted entries will be judged and the winner announced at the OTC Marketing Awards Ceremony on 16th April 2015 in Paris. The categories include, “The Most Innovative Global OTC Marketing Campaign” and “The Colin Borg Award for the Best European OTC Advertising”, while we will also crown the winner of “The Most Innovative European New Product of the Year”.

Deadline for entries is 1^st February 2015. For more info on entry requirements, please download our brochure or contact Jennifer O’Donnell.

Cure the January Blues with Nicholas Hall’s Events

In the events team, we haven’t had time to think about the January blues; the awful weather or that payday seems to be further away than normal! I guess your wondering why? Well… I’m pleased to say it’s all down the constant flow of bookings to our OTC Conference & Action Workshop! With the host of guest speakers that will be presenting on innovation within the Consumer Healthcare, making this event a must attend. For more information on the guest speakers and their topics please see our brochure. There are still some great savings to be had and clearly our delegates are taking full advantage of them – and rightly so!! If you’re planning on attend any event this April, then make it this prestigious one, book early and make a saving!!

Introducting one of our guest speakers at Luzern 2014, Fuad Sawaya

A new year has started and I would imagine that like us in the events team, you are already planning your year ahead in the ever-changing Consumer Healthcare market.

We are kicking off the year with final preparations for our rapidly approaching European OTC Conference, which is being held in Luzern on 9th-11th April 2014.  With presentations on the future of healthcare and consumer business sustainability trends, attendance is a must for those who are already thinking ahead.

We still have great rates available for those who book before the 1^st March, you can save up to £200!

Our agenda is action pack with speakers from companies such as Catalent, Abdi Ibrahim and Unleash.

One speaker not to miss is Fuad Sawaya, Managing Director of Sawaya Segalas. Fuad will bring an interesting M&A perspective to the conference theme by addressing innovation as a way to create shareholder value. Fuad benefits from 25 years of experience advising some of the most respected consumer companies on M&A and Strategic Financial Advisory assignments.

For further information on this must attend Conference download the brochure here.

We also want you to be one of the first to know that we are holding a one-day workshop in Dubai on the 7^th May, so save the date!  

For more information please feel free to get in touch with us! lianne.hill@nicholashall.com or Jennifer.odonnell@nicholashall.com

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The New Year is coming get ready for 2014!

The activity in the NHC office is at an all time high, everyone is getting ready for the Christmas celebrations and preparing for a successful 2014.

It’s all go in Nicholas Hall Events

We are very excited in the events department right now, as we are planning to expand our events program. We will be increasing the number of workshops and conferences that we hold in each region. We are busy brainstorming fresh new topics and agendas, all of which will focus on the current trends in the OTC industry.

We are currently in the middle of our Asia-Pacific workshops. We kicked off with a very successful workshop in Auckland back in October and will are in the final stages of preparation for our workshops in Shanghai (25^th November), Jakarta (3^rd December) and Singapore (5^th December).

If you haven’t already heard, we have just completed the agenda for our annual European conference. This important meeting is going to be held in Luzern, Switzerland in April 2014.  The topic is focused on innovation and with it being our very special 25^th European conference it is certainly not one to miss.

For more information on any of the events mentioned please feel free to get in touch with us! lianne.hill@NicholasHall.com or jennifer.odonnell@NicholasHall.com