This week, we said goodbye to account man extraordinaire Jon Tapper, who has been lured away from us for life at WCRS. Even Dan Wieden (above) got down on one knee to pay tribute.

Jon left us with some closing words:

Being what supposedly could be termed a “W+K Veteran”  I thought I should impart some of the things I have learnt in my six and something years here.

1. Don’t look backwards.  It’s not about doing Cog #2. You can send yourself mad trying to figure that out.  It is about doing ‘what’s next’ and reveling in the fact we do not yet know what that is. Very few places allow you that opportunity so enjoy it.

2.The work comes first – No. The people come first. That is why and how we get to such great work.  Talented people working together with pride for what they do. Look after each other and you will be unstoppable.

3. As Neil highlighted on Wednesday night. When you think the conference phone is on mute…. Do not trust it!

Now for the sentimental close.

This is a very special place and a chapter of my life I will always remember fondly.

Thank you for the inspiration, education and laughs.

Good luck everyone,

See you in the pub.

Tapper.

Last night saw a couple of good results for Wieden + Kennedy on the awards front. We picked up a Media Guardian Innovation Award (MEGA) for Nike Grid – the running/gaming real world /virtual world event we created for Nike last year with the help of AKQA and Mindshare. This campaign engaged young people in Nike Running by creating a running contest across London. Participants checked in on Facebook at rebranded London phone boxes to update their progress.

Our Nokia N8 launch campaign was a runner up in the MEGA media and technology section.

We also won a gold for our Visit Wales ‘proper holidays’ campaign at the Travel Awards last night.

Here are creative director Ray and account director Alice performing the time-honoured ritual of placing the award on the dancefloor and giving thanks to the Awards Gods by dancing around it and gesturing in its direction.