Seven agency bands took over Double Whammy for the 17th Battle of the Ad Bands, with McCann’s Merger on the Dancefloor taking out the BOTAB 2026 title.
This year’s 70s theme brought out plenty of committed costumes, but it was the performances on stage that decided the night. Merger on the Dancefloor won over the judges with a set featuring Take Me Home, Country Roads and Wagon Wheel and had the crowd line-dancing along.
This year’s judging panel featured Keyzie from Radio Hauraki, Genevieve Akers from Recycle Boutique and previous BOTAB winner James Blackwood from Crave Group.
Merger on the Dancefloor walked away with the BOTAB trophy and a fairly impressive haul: a $100 Sal’s Pizza voucher, their own ice cream flavour produced by Much Moore Ice Cream, a $500 lunch at Prego and a recorded studio session at Old North Studios with Boh Runga.
Kyle Wetton from Colenso BBDO’s Kill Enzo was named Best Performer, with the judges recognising both his guitar skills and his commitment to the 70s brief. He takes home a $200 voucher from Karangahape Road’s Carmen Jones.
The 70s theme wasn’t limited to the stage. Deijah Perese took out Best Dressed for her look on the night, winning a $500 Recycle Boutique voucher.
Seven bands from across the industry took to the stage this year:
Bec from Radio Hauraki kept the night moving as MC, while the crowd did its part from the floor.
Thanks to all seven bands for getting up on stage, and to Apex Insurance, Much Moore, Recycle Boutique, Prego, Radio Hauraki, Sal’s Pizza and Carmen Jones for supporting BOTAB 2026.
We’re already looking ahead to the next Battle of the Ad Bands. If your agency is keen to get a band together for BOTAB 2027, register your interest and we’ll keep you updated when details are announced.
Register your interest for BOTAB 2027
Battle of the Ad Bands 2026 was proudly brought to you by the Commercial Communications Council and Flying Fish.