Foundations of Advertising and Media
In partnership with AUT
About
You’re early in your advertising or media career, and you know your agency’s way of doing things. But you might be wondering:
- Is this how the whole industry works?
- How do I fit into the bigger picture?
- Who else is at my stage trying to figure this out?
The Foundations of Advertising and Media course answers these questions. It provides a clear understanding of the standards and practices that apply across New Zealand agencies, alongside insight into how our market operates, what clients expect, and how you can immediately contribute to your agency’s success.
Led by Dan Fastnedge, Advertising and Brand Creativity Lecturer at AUT, alongside industry experts.
What you’ll master
- How creative and media agencies are structured and how they operate
- What drives strong client relationships and how to build them
- How brands work and how they shape everything we do
- The role of strategic planning in creating effective work
- The art of writing creative briefs that make distinctive work that connects with audiences
- How digital trends are shaping the industry today
- How agencies generate revenue and stay profitable
- How to be a responsible, inclusive advertiser
Key outtakes
- Frameworks for how to approach work
- Language and concepts that professionals across the industry use
- A network of like-minded peers figuring the same things out - these are the people you'll stay connected with for your entire career
- An introduction to some of the industry's greatest talent
- Team work and presentation experience
How it works
Led by: Dan Fastnedge, Advertising and Brand Creativity Lecturer at AUT, alongside industry experts.
Format: 3 days of off-site learning combining essential theory with hands-on exercises where participants put ideas into practice and see what actually works.
You’ll also take part in:
- Agency visits: go behind the scenes and meet teams and clients creating groundbreaking work
- Peer learning: connect with others across New Zealand’s advertising and media sector
- One meaningful project: completed in multi-agency teams and presented back to your agency one month later
The details
Who it’s for
Anyone with fewer than two years’ experience in the industry, across any discipline.
2026 dates & booking deadline
Course dates: Wednesday 26 August, Thursday 27 August, Friday 28 August 2026
Booking deadline: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Investment
$1,900 + GST
This course is available to members of the Commercial Communications Council only.
Frequently asked questions
How is the course delivered?
This is a 3 day off site immersive course. There will be a mix of presentations, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises.
Each day will close with an agency visit where you will have opportunity to make invaluable connections with your cohort.
An assignment is briefed at the end of the three days where you will then work in groups to reach common learnings and deliver presentations of your own.
What if I miss a session?
As this is a 3 day continuous learning experience you must be available to commit to all 3 days.
Are there any assessments?
You’ll complete the assignment in groups over a period of 4 weeks and present back to a judging panel.
What kind of certification will I receive?
Following completion of the course you will receive a Comms Council Labs Foundations of Advertising and Media accreditation.
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact Lisa Motteram, Head of Training and Talent at lisa@commscouncil.nz or on 021 614 004.