Month: September 2011

Hello my fellow Ad 2ers! Did you get a chance to attend the last Ad 2 event downtown last Thursday? Whether you were unable to attend or you were struck with a sudden onset of amnesia, read on to hear how it went down:

One of the best perks of being an Ad 2 member is getting to attend all of the industry events that they host. Last week’s event was with Disney’s Yellow Shoes, the in-house creative shop for Disney, at One-Eyed Jack’s. I mean, it doesn’t get any better than learning about all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into a Disney campaign, while sipping on a beer and rubbing elbows with your industry peers.

Once everyone had schmoozed, we were introduced to John McCall and Matt Stewart; Copywriter and Art Director extraordinaire respectfully.

I must say, there was something in their presentation for everyone:

• If you are a creative, you were probably interested in how they developed The Star Wars Branded Destination Experience for the Star Tours promotion.
• If you are a copywriter, then you would have appreciated how something as uninteresting as QR code directions, were made captivating and understandable to those who interacted with the Cirque du Soleil—La Nouba campaign.
• Media folk like me loved how TV viewers could tag commercials and promos using the Shazam app to unlock new content. This dynamic uncovered new metrics that help us to evaluate today’s interdependent relationship between TV and cellphone usage.

But that’s not all. At the end, they opened up the floor to for questions. Mike and John were asked all kinds of questions like….

• How to get a job like theirs- Keep knocking on those doors and maintain contacts
• How to be a better writer- You need to find your unique voice, keep it short, and make it good….. because no one wants to read advertising copy in the first place (except for us).

Suffice it to say, the night was a hit. A total of 71 people attended. I was excited to see all the fresh faces and potential members, each of whom was equally passionate about the biz. Lastly, I’m truly proud of the fact that, over and over again, I kept hearing how inviting and approachable everyone.

I love that Ad 2 Orlando is a hub for advice, camaraderie, and mentorship to Orlando advertising peeps and the community. Good job Ad 2!

Jennifer Laker
Media Coordinator at YPartnership

The following is an excerpt from member Danielle Dillard’s personal blog, A Healthy Pace.

Recently I had the pleasure of attending the 2011-2012 Public Service Campaign Kickoff event hosted by Ad 2 Orlando. We are lucky to have a team right here in Orlando that offers pro bono services to local non-profit organizations in need of an advertising makeover.

The event was held at the Hilton Altamonte Springs, and the presentation featured the announcement of this year’s client selection. Last year’s client was Pet Rescue by Judy. The team created an updated logo, radio spots, billboard ads, a local television ad, signage and more for the rescue shelter in Seminole county.

For those of you that weren’t there, I am sure you’re dying to know who this year’s client is. Drumroll please…The recipient for this year is Safe House of Seminole, and was selected from chosen from more than 60 applicants.

Safe House of Seminole is an emergency residential safe haven for women and their children fleeing domestic violence. During their stay, residents receive individual crisis counseling, case management, safety planning, emergency clothing and food, support groups, children’s services and personal advocacy.

I’m excited to work with such a wonderful organization dedicated to housing and improving the lives of women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

It was my first experience with Ad 2 Orlando, and the fact that I signed up online as soon as I got home – and emailed about joining the public service committee – I can tell you that it won’t be my last.

-Danielle Dillard, Ad 2 Orlando member