The stage of the famed Mossovet Theatre was the venue of choice for the November 1 ceremony to present the SPEAR’S Russia Wealth Management Awards 2012, the first annual awards presentation in Russia organized to celebrate the achievements of professionals and firms from private banking, wealth management and related industries. The event was hosted by Ivan Urgant. Alfa Bank (A-Club) was named Russian Private Bank of the Year. Raiffeisenbank was selected Foreign Private Bank of the Year providing services to HNWIs in Russia. Bank Julius Baer & Co. was distinguished as the best foreign private bank servicing wealthy Russians outside the country. Third Rome turned out, for the second year running, to be the Wealth Boutique of the Year. The cream of asset management companies was GHP Group (formerly Fleming Family & Partners), while the best head-hunters were Odgers Berndtson, with Ingosstrakh crowned best insurers. UFG Wealth Management was named the Family Office of the Year, while Rietumu Banka was declared the Best Private Bank in CIS and Baltic States. The title of Speaker of the Year went to Alexey Golubovich of Arbat Capital, and Ewgeni Smuschkovich of Julius Baer was crowned Investment Consultant of the Year. The Judging Panel recognised the Law Firm of the Year to be Padva and Partners, while the best Tax Adviser was Ernst & Young.

On October 25 the Ararat Park Hyatt hosted the “The Art of Money” event, organised by the MEDIACRAT Events for Promsvyaz Asset Management. The event was dedicated to the company’s 10th anniversary.

The key attraction of the event was an exhibition of artworks by the theatre production designer Pavel Kaplevich. The exhibits were produced using the unique “live fabric” technology. The currencies of the world were the main source of inspiration for the artist.

On the evening of October 4, Moscow’s Varvary restaurant hosted an event organised by MEDIACRAT for The Macallan brand. The event brought together more than 300 representatives of the Russian cultural and business elite, as well as key media figures. The event also included a major showing of photographic works by Annie Leibovitz.

The works featured the famous Scottish actor Kevin McKidd. Now these photographs, taken especially for the project entitled “The Macallan. Masters of Photography”, can be found on collectable bottles that are certain to take their rightful place in bars frequented by connoisseurs of art and single-malt whisky the world over.

On 11-14 September, ArArAt brand managers from across the world participated in the 2012 Workshop of ArArAt Creative Academy, organised by MEDIACRAT Event Management. The event was intended to allow brand managers to experience the spirit of Armenia and better understand the re-positioning of the legendary Armenian brandy, as well as future projects and strategic initiatives.