Ad Club Diversity Luncheon - next Tuesday!

Come to the Annual Ad Club Seattle Diversity Luncheon

Barack Obama set many new standards during his historic campaign, and diversity played a key role in almost all of them: A minority candidate, reaching out through new and varied channels to a broadly diverse population.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 11:30am - 12:00pm
WHERE: The WAC, 1325 6th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101

Eric Baumgartner, Chief Creative Officer of VML will explain how social media and digital marketing played a huge role in the outcome of the '08 presidential election and in Ad Age's decision to name Barack Obama Marketer of the Year. Through the examination of an in-depth social media case study, Eric will show us how a presidential candidate mastered the new media and social channels to out-organize, fundraise and control the chatterstream to get elected. Also, Janet Farness of The Seattle Times will present the latest demographic overview of the Seattle market, how it is changing and what's ahead. And Robert L. Jeffrey Jr, Publisher & CEO of ColorsNW will discuss strategies for engaging diverse audiences. Moderator: Luis Antezana IT Manager, Methodologie & Diversity Chair, Ad Club Seattle

Guest Speakers:

• Eric Baumgartner Chief Creative Officer, VML
• Janet Farness Strategic Research Director, The Seattle Times Company
• Robert L. Jeffrey Jr. Publisher & CEO ColorsNW

Sign up now!

Advertise in a Recession!

That's my motto for the day. Companies need to continue advertising, even in--especially in--a recession!

At today's Ad Club luncheon, we heard from a panel of experts. Among them, Mei Mei Chan, VP of Advertising at Seattle Times. She emphasized that those brands that advertise in a recession are the ones that will be more successful when the economy rebounds.

Ms. Chan also said that for those who in the past pulled their advertising during a recession, it's been shown to take 60% more time and money to get back to their position--in the hearts and minds of consumers--before the recession hit.

Interesting take. I think that there are two very basic reasons to keep your advertising intact:

1) Fewer people are doing it, so your ad shines more brightly.
2) Media are lowering their rates and are becoming even more creative with packages and other value-adds.

So what are you waiting for?