TED launched the "Ads Worth Spreading" challenge Monday and is inviting agencies, brands, producers and people to submit "work that expresses a clever, compelling or infectious idea" between Oct. 15 and Dec. 31.
The top spots will win online distribution in the form of air play on TED.com and YouTube. They'll also be showcased to TED attendees. Plus, each finalist will receive a one day pass, complete with travel and lodging, to TED2012.
To ensure the highest quality submissions, TED has paired one TED speaker with one advertising industry expert to create six teams that will find and nominate dynamic ads in areas ranging from social good to storytelling.
"In our brave new interconnected world, the rules of marketing are changing fast,” explains Chris Anderson, TED Curator. "Ambush advertising is broken. We think there's a better way based on sharing powerful ideas."
TED will once again be teaming up with YouTube on the initiative. YouTube will feature the ad selections and create an art installation for TED2012, the non-profit's annual prestigious conference to be held in March of 2012 in Long Beach, Calif.