AGM
of the
Publicity Association of Northern Ireland
at Ten Square
Tuesday, 24th January 2012
Minutes
In attendance from Council:
Hugh Black, Victoria Square; Basil Singleton, Basil Singleton Ltd; Tony Axon, Navigator Blue;
Nuala Meenehan, CBS Outdoor; Jackie Cullen, Fire IMC; Christine Anderson, CBS Outdoor;
David Bownes, Janine Forester; Genesis Advertising, Lindsey Loughlin, Victoria Square, Orla
Ross, Q Network
President Basil Singleton welcomed all to the AGM noting that the first PANI AGM took place in
1958.
Apologies received:
Hon Sec NM read: Stephen Morris, Ardmore Advertising; Cathy Martin, CMPR; Robin Boyd,
Stephen Boyd, Alexander Boyd Displays.
2011 AGM Minutes
Honorary Secretary reported minutes of previous AGM being posted on website. No matters
arising. 2011 Minutes were passed with no matters arising.
BS reported that as per the PANI constitution the vice chair is automatically installed as the
chair. Council appointed TA as vice chair during 2011. BS announced Tony Axon as PANI
Chairman for 2012. BS handed over to TA to chair the AGM.
Chairman’s Report
TA thanked and welcomed everyone. He stated that the year that had passed had seen growth
in membership, in attendance at events, and in PR. He stated this left a positive path for the
year ahead and the level of involvement anticipated. 2012 and 2012 would be a big year with the
return of the PANI Awards, which would send out a very positive statement for the local industry.
Highlights of the year included the Education Programme with UUJ, handled by Jackie Cullen,
which saw the Blood Transfusion Board involved and created very positive feedback and buzz.
He wished to highlight this as an area for new members to get involved in. Social Events saw the
Quiz Night sold out at 120 places. The event was sponsored by Citybeat and hosted by Stephen
Clements. It is an event which TA encouraged all to attend. The Race Day saw an attendance of
85 people v’s 66 last year and was a very enjoyable day. The Golf Day held at Shandon saw 16
teams compete. It was a successful event with strong support from the industry. The Christmas
Drinks saw almost 100 people attend despite diary clashes with other events.
TA stated that Business Events are proving to be a new marker of PANI. Events included
'Marketing Northern Ireland as a Tourist Destination', with speakers from NITB which
proved very successful. Cleaver Fulton Rankin provided a valuable overview into
intellectual property and the dangers and issues surrounding it. Chris Sherry organized
that Barry McIlheney, CEO of the Periodical Publishers Association gave a unique view
from inside the magazine industry. Next year will see 3 to 4 business events of use and
value. TA called on members to let him know what resources and topics they would like
explored. Membership saw year on year growth with over 230 members representing
creative, media, research and clients. Speakers at events have joined to stay in touch.
TA thanked members for staying on board, he recognized that we are in difficult times
with corporations under pressure but PANI was moving with that, planning carefully and
organizing professional events. TA stated that our primary communication is online, on
the web, email and Facebook. We now have 1300 Facebook friends, and a new Twitter
account has been set up PANIAWARDS, and all are encouraged to stay in touch.
TA reported that across all categories it was all very positive and benefited by the work
done the previous year, stating that this will be kept moving forward. TA said particular
thanks to the PANI Council, noting that it is the best functioning committee that he has
worked on. HB’s leadership last year was outstanding. Now the chairman simply chairs!
It is a very positive experience, reiterating again thanks to Council for their excellent
hard work. TA noted that NI Tourist Board was claiming 2012 to be ‘their year’ – but he
sees it as our year! He then thanked all for the privilege of chairing.
Honorary Treasurer’s Report
Hon Treasurer Lindsey Loughlin read the highlights of the audited accounts report for 2011 and
circulated copies of the full report containing income and expenditure breakdowns.
2011 Opening Balance - £2,686.26
Total Income - £18,127.50
Total Outgoings - £16,235.01
Balance - £4,578.75
Memo Items;
£100 cheque in 2010 never cashed (showing in account)
Pending payment out £512.35 Magazine Event Catering
Pending payment out £117 Magazine Event Photography
Pending payment out £2628.80 Shandon Golf fees
Pending refund of loan to PANI Awards £4000
Balance after consideration of memo items - £5420.60
LL stated that Auditor Stephen Markwell reported that in summary he is of the view that the
schedule prepared shows a true and fair view of the PANI activity for 2011.
2011 PANI Accounts proposed by Mickey O’Neill, Spot On and seconded by Hugh Black,
Victoria Square.
PANI Council Members 2012
TA called on BS to announce the PANI Council Members for 2012. Introduced as follows;
Christine Anderson – CBS Outdoor
Orla Ross – Q Network
Lindsey Loughlin – Victoria Square
Nuala Meenehan – CBS Outdoor
Stephen Morris – Ardmore Advertising
Janine Forster – Genesis Advertising
Michael Keenan – Yellow Brick Road
Jackie Cullen – RLA
David Bownes
Chris Sherry – Ulster Tatler
Cathy Martin – CMPR
Lynn Doherty – Power People
2012 Council members were proposed by BS, seconded by DB and carried. Roles will be
defined at next Council meeting.
TA noted that there was a very positive support in the form of volunteers who have come
forward to be involved. He wants to set up a committee of these persons;
Russell Moore – RLA
Gary Wells – Independent News and Media
Sarah Cochrane – Primesight
Keri Heatley – Clear Channel
Neil Williams – JCD
Micky O’Neil – Spot On
Stuart Hackney – Greer Publications
Michael O’Connor – Irish News
Siobhan Lavery – U105
2012 PANI Awards
TA called on Awards Chairman Hugh Black to provide an Awards Update.
HB reported that all is going well for the 2012 PANI Awards. The venue has been visited.
Exciting menu on par with The Merchant. An Awards email is now going out weekly. 230 people
or so have booked.
Paula Kane stated that she would encourage people to book. Can take up to 500. She called on
sponsors, agencies etc to encourage people to book. Numbers need to stack up therefore all
support is called on. Paula Kane stated that the menu, drinks, statging, lighting etc at the venue
is second to none. The Awards will be the second commercial night held at the venue.
HB stated that he wanted the Awards to be special. There is on onus on having to sell tables,
slight nervousness due to the difficulties in the market. It is being held the first Friday after the
venue opens. Patrick Keilty is booked. Regarding guidance on the entries and judging, the
committee has looked at a lot of other awards. They had asked for a written submission with 400
words plus 800 words background. Had a lot of feedback that this was too much given the
number of entries some would be making. Therefore is putting forward the proposal to drop the
entry requirement to 300 words plus guidance notes for judges. HB asked for feedback on this
proposal. He is happy to re-address it as he wants it to be an easy process.
Stephen Roycroft from Ardmore Advertising stated that he wanted to support the Awards fully.
They had no reticence to go down the line if they understood the journey. Creative wanted some
words requirement for Campaign Approach but Ardmore is happy to support the proposal for
less words. They will put more submissions in if fewer words are required.
David Lyle from Lyle Bailie requested clarity on Campaign Approach requiring 800 words for
20% of the marks.
HB confirmed that Creative equals 100% of marks. David Lyle stated he was delighted to hear
that Creative was 100% of marks and was happy to support the proposal of reducing to 200
words.
Stephen Roycroft confirmed he was happy also.
HB stated that he took it as passed and will communicate this to all agencies in the morning. HB
thanked all.
AOB
BS stated that HB deserved great congratulations for chairing the Awards committee. He also
noted that the Hon Secretary resigned during the year and that NM stepped into the role, he
wished to thank her for that. He also noted that LL had completed a huge task as Honorary
Treasurer and had done an excellent job. He extended his thanks to her and the auditors. BS
stated that TA and HB are ex-oficio on Council for next year.
TA thanked all once again and brought the AGM to a close.