Ad 2 Orlando's Blog

Twilight Forest Gala: A black and white affair: Ad 2 Orlando Public Service fundraiser

ad2publicrelations — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:40:28 +0000

In the 9 months of hard work involved in this year’s Public Service campaign, one huge aspect of it that I, as committee co-chair, knew was beyond my ability to pull off was a fundraiser. To make matters more complicated, we happened to choose a client–Center for Great Apes– that necessitated a larger amount of money to be generated because their operation happened to be larger in scope than what a normal non-profit might be. So after all was said and done, we realized if our project would see a successful end, then we would need to put on a fundraiser that was larger in fundraising potential than what had ever really been attempted in the past.

No big deal right?

I couldn’t do it, and neither could my co-chair. Try as we might, we had no experience in Event Planning, and we were almost half way through the year already.

Enter Lisa Marie Chimento. In the span of four months, she almost single handedly put on not only a spectacular event for the Center for Great Apes, but also an event that’s sure to be a record setter for the amount of money raised in one night for any Ad 2 Orlando fundraiser.

I couldn’t be more proud and honored than I am today to have worked with such an amazing group of people this year, and Lisa went well beyond our expectations to place herself as one of the clear leaders in this years Public Service effort.

The Team

The activities (just to name a few) included all night entertainment, dancing, a silent auction, poker tournaments, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, premium buffet, door prizes, an amazing documentary created by local production company Big Sky productions and of course, the “Hollywood entrance”.

An incredibly successful fundraiser event

Thanks to Lisa Marie, and to all our 2010 Public Service teammates. Kristina and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. I’m confident in saying you’ve all earned the respect of the entire Ad 2 Orlando community.

-Wayne Alan Kan, Art Director and 2010 Public Service co-chair

A New Website For Ad 2 Orlando

ad2orlando — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:43:43 +0000

The first time I went to the Ad 2 website, I learned they were in the process of re-doing it., and in the back of my head thought, “yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”

Trying to be proactive in my networking, I contacted the communications committee and asked if I could help. After working with a team full of exceptional programming abilities, awesome design work and thoughtful planning, plus a writer (or three) and months of procrastination, we have done it.

I can say “we,” because, although my application to become a new member hasn’t gone through yet (the check is in the mail!), I feel a sense of triumph with my new-found friends and soon to be fellow club members. And really, this was perhaps the best way to enter into the organization; living out the club’s very purpose, truly getting a sense of what Ad 2 is all about. Working together to create something really great with other professionals in my field — who could ask for a better introduction than that?

It has been three years since the site has been updated so I hope you like what we’ve done. On behalf of Aimee Booth, Zach Firestone, Lindsey Levy, Shaun Whalen and the greatly missed Steve McCain, we’d love to know what you think. Please leave a comment!

Check out the Ad 2 Orlando Website archive to see what it used to look like.

Tristan Tolliver, SEO Copywriter

Another BIG fan of “Art & Copy”

ad2publicrelations — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:51:11 +0000

Doug Pray’s latest film provides its viewers with insight from the some of the greatest creative minds of our time. I knew the agencies (some of them), I knew their clients and I knew their campaigns, but I didn’t know who the “Mad Men” and “Mad Women” were and how they created their masterworks.

According to the movie we receive 5,000 advertising messages a day. The film goes on to say that 61% of Americans feel they are bombarded with too much advertising everyday. Those two statistics really got me to thinking. Are 5,000 messages a day too much? In my opinion it’s not the amount of messages that people receive that is the problem, but the quality of those messages. As much as we hate to admit it, as a culture, we love advertising. The Super Bowl is watched as much for the ads as it is for the game itself; we don’t dislike advertising, we dislike bad advertising.

The question then becomes, is there anything we can do to change the system? How do you address the concerns of each party? We all know agencies want to do good work, clients want to move product, change perceptions and shape opinions, and customers don’t want to be bothered. That last part is only somewhat true, because according to the film people don’t mind being sold to if they understand why it’s happening and enjoy the process. If you can sell someone in an entertaining way they will love it – why don’t more clients realize this? Are we as agencies doing enough to convince our clients that we are the experts and we know what’s best for their brands?

I enjoyed Art & Copy and I think it should be shown to anyone who thinks they have an inkling of what it takes to work in advertising; whether they are on the account side, creative or media, it doesn’t matter. I loved this film so much I think agencies all over should put it on a continuous loop in the lobbies of their offices, and just happen to have it playing in conference rooms prior to a meetings. Not so much to inspire the staff (or to drive the receptionist mad), but as a means to indoctrinate the clients who come to visit. George Lois, the man Tommy Hilfiger called a visionary, said in order to make his clients wealthy, he had to drag them with him kicking and screaming. Ads are all around us and there’s nothing we can do to stop them, but we can try our hardest to make the best ones possible.

- Marquis Duncan, Ad 2 Orlando Membership Co-Chair

Taking advantage of professional relationships

ad2publicrelations — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:50:00 +0000

There came a time for me (three months ago, to be exact) when I realized that although I loved my job and the talented, wonderful people I worked with, I needed more; I could use a new challenge. I was once told that even in hard times, talented people can find jobs. Over the past year, I have seen about a dozen very talented friends and co-workers lose their jobs. I agree with the advice, however, I would make some small edits.

In hard times, talented people—with connections in their profession—can find jobs much easier.

Thanks to my networking and connections made in my position as the ’09-’10 Ad 2 Orlando Socials Chair, I was able to secure a position as Lead Graphic Designer in the marketing department at Turnstile Publishing Co. During the initial interview process, I was able to call on fellow Ad 2 board members for references. Now that I have the job, I take advantage of my professional relationships when I am in need of any outside resources (freelancers, print jobs, interns).

–Jillian Baco, Ad 2 Orlando Socials Chair, and Lead Graphic Designer, Turnstile Publishing Company

A Tour of the Center for Great Apes

ad2publicrelations — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:20:05 +0000

Ad 2 Orlando’s Public Service committee took a trip recently to visit our 2009-2010 beneficiary, the Center for Great Apes, a permanent sanctuary that provides a safe environment for orangutans and chimanzees in Wauchula, Florida. The trip was, for lack of better words… amazing. We met with the director, Patti Ragan, who is incredibly passionate about this initiative. The sanctuary is not open to the public (we were told that a group tour of the sanctuary was worth a couple thousand dollars) however, we got a private tour, all feeling incredibly honored to be there.

Patti took us around the sanctuary to see all of the 40+ apes. We were amazed by the huge environments they are housed in (see photo below). As we went by each habitat, Patti told each of their heart-wrenching stories. We found that some of these primates have been through h-e-double hockey sticks before being saved by Patti and her team. A couple of them MAY make a cameo in some of our creative work… hint, hint

Faux rain forests for the chimps!

Overall, it was an experience our team will never forget. We left the sanctuary (6 hours later) feeling nothing short of inspired. We can’t wait to share our campaign with everyone as soon as it is ready. Stay tuned!

Tip of the day: Don’t call them monkeys! Monkeys have tails and apes do not.

- Susan Watts, Media Planner/Buyer, Push.

Annual Ugly Sweater Cheer

ad2publicrelations — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:19:54 +0000

When I heard about the Ugly Sweater social for Ad 2 I thought – what a fun idea. We all get to dress and look ridiculous and it’s totally okay – and it’s not even Halloween! The date I was bringing, a girl of course, loaned me a sweater that was, admittedly, very ugly. She was wearing a red wool coat that actually looked pretty good on her. I told her she looked like she was going to a nice Christmas party, not an Ugly Sweater social. I suggested we trade, so she could have a truly ugly sweater and I could sort of cross dress and look silly. Well as ugly as cross dressing can be, I was definitely in the spirit of the social. I didn’t intend on
being competitive in the contest, but once we realized the genius in my costume we started lobbying and charming the other people at the social for bows (they are like your score – more bows = win). I thought I had it won, but another competitor who had won second last year came prepared to win this time. Still, getting second place on a last minute idea was pretty fun. The people I got to meet at the social were all really cool and nice, and what a great time! I’ll definitely be there
next year again, with my own ugly sweater. Hopefully the tradition of second place winning the next year stays true.

Cliff Steinhauer, Account Representative, Progressive Communications

Ad 2 Orlando Goes to San Diego

ad2publicrelations — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:25:19 +0000

It was the Ad 2 National Mid-Year Retreat. Not only would this be my first-ever national conference, but my first time in San Diego! I was traveling with 4 other Ad 2 Orlando BODs: Will Royall, Kristen Zucks, Lindsey Levy and Ashton Dunn, who was on the same departing flight, Nashville-bound for a Jay Z concert. Overall, a damn good crew, I’d say.

The Gang!

We arrived in California late afternoon with one thing on our minds… The San Diego Zoo.

Giraffes

Saturday was next. Starting at 9 a.m. with breakfast and ending at 6 p.m. with a “shot of Kool-Aid”, we fit in a whole national conference in the remaining 8 hours. This included 2 ice breakers (Chubby Bunny pic below) the introduction of 35 National Ad 2 members, a presentation on The History of Ad 2, an open-topic Q and A session, a lunch presentation, and 2 separate break-out sessions. It was a long day, but having met so many new friends, we were excited and rejuvenated for the non-work portion of the conference; a stress-free evening in Downtown San Diego.

OUr Ad2 president really represented in "Chubby Bunny"

I shall title the night “Balloon Animals in Mexico”. Sounds strange but the fajitas were delightful and the company was even better, featuring Ray Cashbaugh from Ad 2 West Michigan, who moonlights as a balloon artist. By the end of dinner, we had a special creature on each of our heads.

My new best friends from Ad 2 Oklahoma City

We headed home on Sunday and I brought back: worksheets full of useful info for our club, a balloon giraffe hat to keep as a souvenir, a ton of great memories and a whole list of new friends to accept on Facebook.

Jeni Gammichia, President-Elect Ad 2 Orlando

A Private Screening Of Art and Copy — Review

ad2orlando — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:53:46 +0000

In early November, Ad 2 Orlando hosted a private screening of Art and Copy for advertising and design professionals and students. As someone in the design field, it was great seeing all of the ways design has “broken the rules” and has transformed over the years. From the simplicity of the “Think small” beetle ads to the colorful iPod silhouettes, this film is inspiring and informative and helps you understand that advertising is more than just “art and copy.”

We were reminded that great advertising makes food taste better and aspires to illuminate. It goes beyond pretty pictures and key words, it is about making a statement! Over all, Art and Copy was truly inspiring and I strongly suggest anyone interested in how these two components work together see this film.

Brenda Defoe, Graphic Designer

Progressive Communications Design Group

Ad:Tech-ing

ad2orlando — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:03:16 +0000

Since my last Ad 2 event, I’ve given up caffeine and carbs. No more coffee and bagels for me for the time being. However, what I have not given up is kicking serious advertising ass and working hard at ECHO Interaction Group. We’re a youngish, newish digital agency right in the heart of Downtown Orlando at the Plaza. We specialize in digital, interactive, social media and multicultural marketing. The company was born at a trade show exactly one year ago. Last weekend, a few of us returned to the advertising motherland, New York City, to attend the Ad:Tech conference as a fully operational entity. Two of the ECHO partners, Carlos Carbonell, Mat Gaver and myself left Orlando on Tuesday afternoon and before I knew it, it was Friday afternoon and were touching back down at MCO.

The Ad:Tech conference was a natural disaster of information, networking and exposure to what the rest of the industry is up to. Walking the show floor was a bit of sensory overload. Exhibitors of all types were showing off their products, services and trade show gimmicks. I wasn’t even sure if some of them knew they were at an advertising conference, but they went all out anyway. Booth Babes? Free Beer? Don’t mind if I do.

The meat and potatoes of the show were the focus sessions and roundtables. We split up and attended as many as we could, presenters included executives from Facebook, CNN, Mazda, Pepsi, Nielsen and some of the biggest and brightest agencies in the land. It was highly educational and interesting to see some of the case studies and projects that have been successfully executed (or not so successfully) on national and international scales. I worked in NYC during the summer before coming back to Orlando to work for ECHO so when the show was over for the day, there were friends to catch up with outside of the Ad:tech sponsored parties (although somehow we made it to those too).

All said, it was an extremely successful and enjoyable trip. We didn’t sleep much, but in New York City, who needs it? I returned with some leads, plenty of industry perspective and a massive appreciation for a quite night sleeping in my own bed.

Jon Miller | Associate Marketing Director
ECHO Interaction Group
jon@beginanecho.com | http://www.beginanecho.com
facebook.com/echointeraction | twitter.com/echointeraction

New Members Do Breakfast

ad2orlando — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:32:50 +0000

Hi, my name is Jon and I’m an alcoholic. Oh, wrong meeting? Sorry. Hi, my name is Jon and I’m a new member of Ad 2 Orlando.

The Ad 2 Orlando new member breakfast at Panera Bread on Lake Eola took place a few weeks ago and was a great introduction to the club. I showed up right on time (ok, about 40 minutes late) and there was still coffee and bagels left. I’m thinking: I like these people already. The other new members that I met came from agencies, printing companies, advertising vendors as well as a few freelancers and everyone seemed excited to be involved, including the Ad 2 board members who were there.

I received my Ad 2 member certificate and membership card and got to talking with a few of the board members who told me about the committees that I could get involved with. They also told me about the annual “Ugly Sweater Social” event coming up on December 11th at Vintage Lounge. I’m looking forward to attending my first Ad 2 social as a member and, naturally, it’s for a good cause. The club will be collecting toy donations for a local charity that provides holiday gifts to underprivileged children.

Jon Miller | Associate Marketing Director
ECHO Interaction Group
jon@beginanecho.com | http://www.beginanecho.com
facebook.com/echointeraction | twitter.com/echointeraction