News

We’re an active group, at least two club events in any typical month and lots of networking and online activities in between. Bookmark this page and you’ll have a central location for everything that’s AAF-Knoxville news.

 

News

AAF-Knoxville Welcomes Branding Guru Abigail Rendin

Who does Oscar nominated Morgan Spurlock (director of Super Size Me) look to when he is doing a movie completely about advertising? Spurlock talks to Abigail Rendin, Senior Manager at Olson Zaltman Associates. And this week, Abigail is coming to Knoxville to talk to us.

AAF Knoxville
January Seminar & Lunch
Thursday, Jan 26, 2012
Register: Members Non-Members Students

Olson Zaltman Associates is a research based consulting firm that identifies deep consumer insights to help clients develop and implement effective marketing, communications and innovation strategies. Olson Zaltman Associates uses an exclusive research tool, ZMET® (the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique), that identifies the deep mental and emotional universal orientations that structure and guide how people think, feel and behave with regard to a particular topic.

Abigail has spearheaded major branding and innovation research studies with Fortune 500 firms around the globe. She is also the firm’s Global Partner Liaison managing the network of firms that license ZMET in over 25 countries around the world. Abigail recently appeared in Spurlock's documentary film Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. Her contagious passion for insights and outgoing nature makes her a natural speaker at conferences around the country. She holds a BA in Anthropology and a BA in International Studies both from The Pennsylvania State University.

• January 26, 2012

• 11:30am -1pm (11:30-12 networking/shmoozing)

• Peerless Restaurant

• Lunch

• $25 Members in advance

• $35 Non-Members

• $20 Students

• $35 Members Paying the door

Make Reservations Here: AAF-Knoxville Welcomes Jewelry TV's Pat Bryant

Join us for our next AdFed luncheon on November 17, as we welcome Pat Bryant, Jewelry TV's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, who'll share his experiences and ideas on marketing communications, television, direct response, online, and many other topics.

To make reservations, simply click the links below:


AAF-Knoxville November Lunch Seminar




Big Wig Winners Announced

The second Annual Big Wig Awards were a huge success! Thanks to everyone who participated in nominating, voting, and celebrating with our Big Wig Winners.

AAF Knoxville's Big Wig Awards were created to celebrate the people who maybe don't get ADDY or creative awards, but who are instrumental in others getting them. Here's a list of our honorees for 2011:

Josh Loebner of DesignSensory was given the first annual Unsung Hero Award in appreciation for outstanding dedication and devotion to the principles and ideals of the advertising community.

Josh has started a blog called advertisinganddisability.com that addresses how the communications industry portrays people with disabilities.

Best Online Rep
Marina Prutskova, South Central Media

Best Receptionist
Joanne Hurd, Ackermann Public Relations

Educator of the Year
Dr. Barbara Kaye, University of Tennessee

Best Large Format
Hart Graphics

Best Sign Company
Signs-N-Such

Best Direct Mail/ Fulfillment
Tennessee Valley Direct

Best Talent
Talent Trek

Best Web Programmer
Paul Gibson, VIEO Design

Best Sound
Paul Jones, Zippy Tunes

Best Film/Video Production
RIVR Media

Best Intern
Haley McCallie, Designsensory

Best Printer Rep
Brent Golden, Hart Graphics

Most likely to be my Boss is 10 years
Catherine Rapp, Knoxville News Sentinel

Best Magazine Rep
Brig Samson, Metro Pulse

Best Newspaper Rep
Marti Townsend, Knoxville News Sentinel

Best Media Planner/Buyer
Cynthia Wells

Best TV Rep
Mitzi Rouse, WBIR

Best Out of Home Rep
Emily Jenkins, Lamar Outdoor

Best Radio Rep
Jennifer East, Journal Broadcasting

Best Exhibitor
Martha Kopp Shear, Skyline

Graphic Design Student of the Year
Haley McCallie, University of Tennessee

Best Printer
Hart Graphics

Second Annual Big Wig Awards Set


On October 28 AAF-Knoxville's Big Wig Awards Will Recognize the "Unsung Heroes" of Advertising

You know who they are--the people who save your bacon on a regular basis. If you're in the communications business, you have plenty of them.

Assistants. Printers. Media reps. Even teachers.

And finally, there's a chance to give these people the credit they deserve. AAF Knoxville's Big Wig Awards were created to celebrate the people who maybe don't get ADDY or creative awards, but who are instrumental in others getting them.

Check out our microsite to see more, and to nominate some of those people you know should be honored. Then, on October 28, we'll host an amazing party and bring the "unsung heroes" of our business to the forefront, giving them long-overdue props for hard work.


AAF-Knoxville Takes You Behind the Brands

Summer Conference:
July 28-31

Agenda, Details, Registration: AAFBehindtheBrands.com

Don’t let the title deceive you: this event is open to all communications professionals – and you'll want to put this conference on your “must attend” list. The 2011 AAF Summer Conference and District 7 Leadership Event will be held at Knoxville’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, with more than 200 marketers in attendance from Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Professional Development & Networking
“Behind the Brands” will give you inside information on how several national companies have built their identities, what makes a brand successful and how they’re facing branding challenges through advertising, PR, sustainability, ROI, social media, identity, packaging, special events, consumer engagement and strategy. To-date, the participating brands include:

• AC Entertainment (Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival)
• Bush's Baked Beans
• Pilot Flying J Travel Centers
• Ruby Tuesday
• Scripps Networks (HGTV, Food Network, DIY, GAC, Travel Channel, Cooking Channel
• TeamHealth (Provides clinical outsourcing services to more than 600 hospitals throughout the U.S.)
• University of Tennessee Athletics

Beyond this professional development, you'll get to network with a few hundred peers from our five-state AAF region.

Visit AAFBehindtheBrands.com to view the agenda, conference details and to register.

Club Workshops
Learn from the best of the best in District 7 about how to grow and manage your local chapters. Additionally, there will be workshops and roundtable discussions for chapter Presidents, Regional Directors and with Governor Elizabeth Perry. Speakers and topics are still being confirmed, but the following areas are usually addressed:

• Programs
• Membership Recruitment & Retention
• Education
• Government Relations
• ADDY® Awards
• Fundraising
• Finances
• Club Achievement

Questions, Ideas, Concerns?
Conference Chair Michael Torano: michaelt@n8promo.com or 361-438-3550

AAF-Knoxville President Susie Norris: susie@orangeapplebranding.com or 865.406.7558

Recap: “People Are Weird” Seminar

If you missed last week’s “People Are Weird” seminar, here’s a brief recap.

While no one fits into just one type or group, there are four types of people we have/get to work with, pitch to and try to sell to:
  1. Communicators: They’re emotional decision makers.
  2. Commanders: They see the value in making what seem like risky decisions.
  3. Calculators: The decisions they make must be logical.
  4. Completers: They are sometimes held back from making decisions due to fear.

How do you peg someone?
  1. Communicators: Extroverted, people-oriented, friendly, stylish, open, emotional/animated, socializes regardless of time, empathizes with others, popular and gung-ho.
  2. Commanders: Commanding, bottom-line oriented, dominating, formal, impatient, emotional/direct, always pushed for time, about achievement, restless, quick/impulsive and fast.
  3. Calculators: Non-nonsense, facts-oriented, assessing, conservative, closed, unemotional/reserved, values and manages time, about organization, selective, cool/distant, objective and controlled.
  4. Completers: Laid-back, systems oriented, accepting, conforming, cautious, unemotional/low-key, respects time but not pushed, accepts others, about functions, willing, steady/reserved, slow/studied and steady.

Their hot-buttons, the things to avoid when communicating with them?
  1. Communicators: Alienation.
  2. Commanders: The feeling that they’re being taken advantage of.
  3. Calculators: The fear of making a mistake.
  4. Completers: Anything that seems like radical change.

So what do they want to hear?
  1. Communicators: How they’re going to get the credit and look good. Ask them how to include others in the decision. Socialize with them and entertain them.
  2. Commanders: Show them the benefits and throw in a high-profile reference. Ask them how they would do it and about their opinions.
  3. Calculators: Stay focused on the facts, the details and the long-term benefits. Ask them how they would organize it and solve the problems.
  4. Completers: Remove the risk, and don’t talk about change or new ideas. Ask them how they do their jobs and make it a no-pressure decision with a lot of time.

Okay, so that’s not a full synopsis of the hour-long session at Barley’s (we tried a downtown venue for a change of pace), but at least it’s some tip-of-the-iceberg insight into the different types of personalities we encounter each day in our communications professions.

Does Your Strategy Suffer Because Of Your Tactics?

David Rollo like to think before he jumps. Or posts.

Rollo, SVP and Director of Digital and Social Media for Atlanta’s 22squared, see lots of benefits from strategic planning in social and other digital media, and on April 28, he'll share his thoughts with AAF-Knoxville at our monthly luncheon.

"Tactics, Tactics, Tactics: Where Has the Strategy Gone?" will examine the enthusiasm for new types of online content, and look at how companies can get too absorbed in the daily implementation to take full advantage of new media options. He'll then show how sound strategy can enhance communications--and ultimately, save work, money, and headaches.
Rollo started in the buisness as New Product Marketing Manager for the Canadian division of Apple Computers. He then quickly showed his expertise in the digital world by increasing online store sales and site traffic for Home Depot and enriching the interactive user experience for Delta Airlines before joining 22squared in May 2008.
He has worked with brands like UPS, Earthlink, Sabre Travel Systems, Coca-Cola, Durex, and Beazer Homes, and he'll share with us what works - and, more importantly, what doesn't - in the digital realm.

To make a reservation, click here.

Mad Men Mob Magnificently

This month's AAF Flash Mob on Thursday, April 14, changes things up with a new venue--The Crown and Goose in the Old City--and keeps what everyone loves about these informal events: The chances to meet up with some of the finest advertising minds in the area and enjoy networking, idea exchange, and fun in a relaxed environment.
It all starts around 4:30. You can be true to the nature of a flash mob, if you like. Breeze in, dance or pillow fight, and leave. Or feel free to stay as long as you like.
You'll meet good people, and you'll have a good time. See you there.

March 24 Luncheon: John Moore on Social and WOM

The average consumer mentions specific brands 60 times per week in conversations with friends, family, and co-workers. This same consumer is spending over an hour a day engaging with others on social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. Offline and online, word of mouth is happening and the smartest brands are benefiting from these conversations by becoming more talkable.
Learn as John Moore, former Starbucks Coffee and Whole Foods marketer, shares the do’s and don’ts of using word of mouth marketing and social media to make your brand more talkable. (You can see more of John’s ideas and expertise at www.brandautopsy.com and http://brandautopsy.typepad.com.)

Thursday March 24, 2011
11:30 -1pm, 11:30-12 networking
Peerless Restaurant
$25 Members
$35 Non-Members & Members without RSVP
$20 Students


ADDY Recap: Winners And, Well, More Winners

The 46th Annual ADDY Awards Celebration was among the best ever, with more than 280 awards given out to area companies and individuals. The party was great. The people were great. The winning work was great.

This ADDYs set a standard to live up to.

Special congratulations are in order several individuals, including David Jacobs of The Tombras Group (Winner of the Robert McCabe Silver Medal Award), plus Jennifer Holder of First Tennessee Bank, Ben McWhorter of Citadel Broadcasting, and Steve Richardson of The Tombras Group (all new inductees into the AAF-Knoxville Advertising Hall of Fame).

For a complete list of winners from this year, click here.

If You're Going to the ADDYs, Why Not Stay?


The Crowne Plaza, which has been a great partner for the ADDYs for many years, has a special rate for ADDY attendees for Saturday night. Stay at a fabulous hotel for just $80.

This is for Saturday night only, and tell the reservations folks you're with the Knoxville Advertising Federation to get this great rate.

And, to get you in the mood for great advertising, take another look at this great retrospective from Ad Age on the first Century of our business, written by the inimitable Randall Rothenberg: http://adage.com/century/rothenberg.html.


12 Days and Counting

Have you made your ADDY® reservations yet?
Tickets are $65 or $600 for a table of 10. We'll honor hundreds of pieces of creative made right here in our own backyard that will then advance up to the five-state District 7 portion of the ADDY® competition. We'll also recognize one individual with the AAF National Silver Medal and three with inductions into the Knoxville Advertising Hall of Fame. Needless to say, it'll be the biggest marketing party of the year.

And if you're wondering how award-winning creative makes a difference, click here to check out this article we ran across last year but saved it for posting during ADDY® season.

News Flash! New Flash Mob.

If you're into networking with witty, influential people, don't miss the AAF-Knoxville/AIGA Flash Mob tomorrow afternoon at Aubrey's Northshore.

Great advertising people. Great designers. Great conversation.

See who's already coming by clicking here.

ADDY Awards Shaping Up To Be Among Best Ever


The wheels are turning big time on preparation for the 2011 AAF-Knoxville ADDY awards.

To be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Saturday, February 26, at 6 pm, this year's event will celebrate the work of advertising professionals throughout East Tennessee, and recognize several distiguished members of the advertising community with special awards.

Judging of this years competition is complete, and word has been leaked that 30 companies will receive 287 awards at this year's festivities.

To make reservations for this year's awards ceremony, contact AAF-Knoxville Executive Director Karen Taylor at edirector@aafknoxville.com or 865.742.4838. Tickets cost $65 each or $600 for a table of ten.

And watch this blog for more updates as we learn more about people, music, special events, afterparties, and other elements of the gala.

ADDY Awards Top 10

Top 10 Reasons to Enter AAF-Knoxville’s 2011 ADDY Awards

Number 10: Ricky Gervais will not be hosting the awards show.

Number 9: When you win, your boss will have no more excuses for not remembering your first name.

Number 8: You look killer in eveningwear.

Number 7: 27 rewrites before you got it perfect. Somebody needs to know.

Number 6: 27 graphic variations before the copywriter gave you something you could actually work with. Somebody needs to know.

Number 5: Hugs from the people for whom you did the work.

Number 4: You can replace the “Hello Kitty” poster above your desk with your framed winner’s certificates.

Number 3: Professional accolades, promotions, beefier resumes.

Number 2: (If #3 isn’t enough.) Professional jealousy and braggin’ rights.

And the number one reason to enter the 2011 AAF-Knoxville ADDYs:

Number 1: You’ll be so close to Brian Potter that you could almost TOUCH him.

Addy entries are due Friday, January 21. Enter online here. Details on sample drop off for judging here.

Knoxify Wigs Out On Big Wig Awards

Check out this great post from Knoxify on our Big Wig Awards, which includes neat photos and our winners' list. http://knoxify.com/big-wig-jig-aaf-knoxville-celebrates-the-unsung-heroes-of-advertising/

Big Wig Award Winners

The behind-the-scenes people of the advertising and communications industry—printers, photographers, media reps, assistants and others—were honored Thursday night as AAF-Knoxville, the local advertising club, hosted its first annual Big Wig Awards.

AAF-Knoxville asked people within the East Tennessee communications community to submit nominations for the “unsung heroes” of advertising and marketing—professionals who may not be recognized at other awards programs like the ADDY Awards, but whose contributions to the field are invaluable. People tapped more than 100 individuals in 22 categories.

From there, more than 1700 votes were cast to select the honorees. Below are the finalists and winners for each category:

Best Online Rep:

· Gerald Adler- KNS

· Sarah Burton- WATE (Winner)

· Marina Prutskova – South Central Media

Best Printer Rep:

· Wendell Burkhart- Union Printer

· Brent Golden- Hart Graphics (Winner)

· Jerry Price – Union Printer

· Peter Ullrich- Ullrich Printing

Best Outdoor Rep:

· Bob Crossland, Lamar

· Jonathan Graviss, Lamar

· Carolyn Morton- Lamar (Winner)

Best Newspaper Rep:

· Barry Jarrell, Tennessee Press Service

· Marti Townsend- Knoxville News Sentinel (Winner)

· Diane Shannon, Farragut Press

Best Radio Rep:

· Michael Brody- South Central Media

· Cory Dickson- Citadel Broadcasting (Winner)

· Traci McKee- Journal Broadcasting

Best TV Rep:

· Maureen Bosch- WVLT

· Kristy Henderson- WBIR (Winner)

· Michael Hodges - WBIR

· Steve Parket – WATE

· Lynn Perella - WBIR

· Betsy Wood- WVLT

Best Exhibit Production:

· Hart Graphics (Winner)

· Skylines

· Print Edge

Best Large Format Printer:

· Hart Graphics

· PostNet

· Print Edge (Winner)

Best Printer:

· Hart Graphics (Winner)

· High Resolution

· Russell Printing Options

· Ullrich Printing

· Union Printers

Best Sign Company:

· Fast Signs (Winner)

· High Resolutions

· Signs-N-Such

Best Fulfillment /Direct Mail Category:

· Direct Mail Services (Winner)

· National Mailroom

Best Talent Agency:

· 18Karat

· Talent Trek (Winner)

· Gage Model and Talent

Best Photographer:

· Charlie Brooks (Winner)

· Dudenbostel Photography

· Andrew Gresham- Asen Advertising

· David Luttrell- Astral Atelier Photography

· Jack Parker

Best Video Film Post Production:

· Elastic Pictures

· HP Video

· KARMA (Winner)

· Radiant Media

· Red Arrow Industries

· Sam Moore. WBIR

Best Sound Person:

· AMG Media

· Sam Moore- WBIR (Winner)

· Chris Robbins- Ursa Major

Best Media Buyer:

· Cindy Mincer – Mincer Media Management

· Amanda Osborn- Media Directions Advertising

· Nina Brown Reineri – Ascertainment Marketing, Inc.

· Cynthia Wells- Tombras (Winner)

· Nancy Turner Wilson - Wilson Group Advertising

Best Traffic/Production:

· Barry Bostedor, Scripps

· Jessica Brown, Rivr Media

· Valerie Lamb- Tombras (Winner)

Best Retouch Artist:

· Brian McWilliams

· Mark Perriguey, Asen Advertising

· Kiera Tippitt, 5 Monkeys Design (Winner)

Best Illustrator:

· Cindy Day

· Andrea Truan (Winner-tie)

· Danny Wilson (Winner-tie)

Best Web Programmer:

· Pablo Alejo, Tombras

· Darryl Ballard, Intensity

· Paul Gibson-VIEO (Winner)

· Michael Pryfogle, Designsensory

· Lee Tankersly, Active Dimension

Best Assistant:

· Hollie Bivens- Hart Graphics (Winner)

· Ellen Brewer- Tombras

· Sheri Dobson- WBIR

Best Up & Comer:

· Drew Dill- Shelton Group (Winner)

· Rachel Kennedy- Tombras

· Sarah Malak – Ackerman PR

Most Like to be My Boss in 10 Years:

· Josh Loebner- Design Sensory

· Meredith Priest- Shelton Group

· Dooley Tombras- Tombras (Winner)

AAF-Knoxville congratulates all the finalists and winners. To learn more, visit www.aafknoxville.com.

Big Wig Awards Thursday!

Program Celebrates the “Unsung Heroes” of Communications Thursday, October 28, at Latitude 35; All Communications Professionals Welcome To Attend

KNOXVILLE (October 25, 2010)—They’re the behind-the-scenes people—printers, photographers, media reps, assistants—that make great advertising happen. And they don’t get the recognition they deserve.

But on Thursday, October 28, they’ll get their turn in the limelight, thanks to the “Big Wig” Awards Program hosted by AAF-Knoxville, the local advertising professionals’ club.

AAF-Knoxville asked people within the East Tennessee communications community to submit nominations for the “unsung heroes” of advertising and marketing. People tapped more than 100 individuals in 22 categories and finalists were chosen. From there, more than 1700 votes were cast to select the honorees. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Latitude 35 on Thursday, October 28, from 6 to 8 pm.

A list of the finalists can be viewed www.aafknox.com/bigwig.

“These are immensely talented, creative, dedicated people. They don’t have the celebrity of some folks in our business, but their roles are vital,” said Brian Potter, President of AAF Knoxville. “And I think it’s very exciting that their peers have selected them to be honored for their great work.”

The awards ceremony is open to all people involved in advertising and communications—including students at local colleges and universities. Cost is $35 per person for professionals; $20 per student. Reservations can be made at www.aafknox.com/bigwig or by visiting AAF-Knoxville on Facebook.

BigWig Voting Begins

For the last few weeks, we've been soliciting nominations for AAF-Knoxville's first annual Big Wig Awards. The nominations are in--more than 100--total, and the finalists have been selected.

Now it's time to make your voice hear.

Cast your vote for your favorite Big Wig Award nominees by visiting http://aafknoxville.wufoo.com/forms/big-wig-online-nominations/. We'll tally the results, and on October 28 at Latitude 35, we'll celebrate with an awards ceremony and a great pre-halloween party.

Get more details at www.aafknox.com/bigwig.


September 23 Luncheon: Building and Selling a Brand Image

"Unfortunately, the concept of 'branding' has been diluted into meaningless business jargon," says Chris Houchens, our September speaker. But that doesn't mean that sound branding fundamentals are any less important.

The author of Brand Zeitgeist, Houchens will showcase the importance of developing and maintaining a brand for marketing supremacy. His lively session will feature several real world branding hits and misses.

Houchens is a marketing speaker and author. He has spent years working in both media and marketing including as the operations manager of a radio group, as the online director of a newspaper, and as the marketing director of a healthcare organization.

In addition to speaking to groups around the world about common sense marketing, Chris has been blogging his insights on marketing since 2005. The Shotgun Marketing Blog has been listed as a top marketing blog by several ranking lists. Read it at http://ShotgunConcepts.com

Wiggin' Out

AAF-Knoxville's Big Wig Awards Recognize the "Unsung Heroes" of Advertising

You know who they are--the people who save your bacon on a regular basis. If you're in the communications business, you have plenty of them.

Assistants. Printers. Media reps. Even teachers.

And finally, there's a chance to give these people the credit they deserve. AAF Knoxville's Big Wig Awards were created to celebrate the people who maybe don't get ADDY or creative awards, but who are instrumental in others getting them.

Check out our new microsite, www.aafknox.com/bigwig to see more, and to nominate some of those people you know should be honored. Then, on October 28, we'll host an amazing party and bring the "unsung heroes" of our business to the forefront, giving them long-overdue props for hard work.

I'm betting every one of them gets a standing ovation.

Putting Fun Back Into TV Premiers

Way back in the day, when there were just three major networks, Fall TV premier party season was a big, big deal. Stations went all out, wineing and dining agencies and advertisers with private riverboat trips, casino nights, and celebrity appearances. At one NBC affiliate party, you could go shake hands with Golden Girls Estelle Getty (when she was still alive) and Betty White (when she was merely old).

That same event (when NBC was at the top of the ratings) featured a magic performance by Harry Anderson that blew everybody away, causing one guy in the audience to even say "I want to have his baby!"

The world has changed, and the big galas are a thing of the past. But that doesn't mean you can't have some TV premier fun--and get the scoop on all the new shows.

AAF Knoxville has conspired with all the major networks and cable stations to produce the 2010 Fall TV Premier Event on Wednesday, August 26, at Johnny Carino's in West Knoxville (Lovell and Parkside). From 4-6, we'll network and see presentation from the networks on their Fall fare, then be done in time for people to head home or out with colleagues and clients for elaborate MadMen-style dinners (relax, though--what happens at AdFed, stays at AdFed).

It's always fun, and we've shaped this year's event based on input from the Knoxville ad community. Come join us--get the knowledge you need about Fall TV all in one place (the ONLY event where all networks are represented), and converse with some of the most interesting people you'll ever meet in your life.

Click here to make your online reservation. (NOTE: The link is for single RSVPs. If you have a group that needs to register with a single payment, please contact Sarah Mills at 865-684-0287.

May Non-Profit:

Our May non-profit organization to recognize is FISH, which actually is a series of groups focused on ending hunger.

In fact, the organization is so efficient that a simple $5 donation can feed a family of four for three days.

The FISH organization is divided into several segments. Simply stated, there's the "delivery" part (FISH) and the "come get it" part (FISH Hospitality Pantries).

In addition, there is a group for young people to learn and assist in any way they see fit (Schools of FISH). And there is the Friends of FISH, made of people who conduct fundraising and special events.

FISH is a 100% volunteer organization. There are no paid employees. Every cent donated goes directly to purchase food or pay for the transportation to get food to Knoxville.

To learn more, visit these websites:

www.schoolsoffish.org

www.fishpantry.org/index.php

www.discoveret.org/fishkc/websites.htm

We're Not Asking You To Be Part of the Revolution. You Already Are.

Our topic for the AAF-Knoxville luncheon this Thursday is "Media Revolution." Guy Jacobssen, VP of Media Services at The Tombras Group will lead a discussion of change in the media marketplace, and cover issues that anyone involved with media--sales reps, media buyers and planners, business owners--need to understand to adapt to changes.

New media is the buzz, but the 800 pound gorilla is still TV. Radio has lots of new perks. Outdoor isn't static. And print reaches people who still have money to spend.

The dynamics continue to change, and knowing what's truly going on can mean the difference between the right--or wrong--choices.

You can participate in the conversation, too. If you have questions that you'd like to ask, use the form on our website to let us know. We've been gathering questions from media professionals around the area, so this promises to be a very powerful gathering.

District 7 ADDY® Awards Results: AAF-Knoxville Receives Most “Gold”

Congratulations to Hornsby Brand Design, Pellissippi State student Cordelia Norris and The Tombras Group for winning 2010 American Advertising Federation District 7 ADDY® Awards. AAF-Knoxville received the most District Gold ADDY® Awards of any chapter in our five-state region, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee! All of the Gold winners will now move up to the final national tier of the competition – winners will be announced on June 12. With more than 60,000 entries from 200 chapters, the ADDY® Awards are the nation's largest recognition of creative excellence.

District Gold ADDY® Awards:
  • Hornsby Brand Design: “Mercy Hill” Website for Mercy Hill Church
  • Pellissippi State Student Cordelia Norris for “Upside Studio”
  • The Tombras Group: “Buzzed Creeps” Online Spot Animation for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • The Tombras Group: “Big Monster Attacks” Online Spot for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • The Tombras Group: “Big Monster Strikes Back” Website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • The Tombras Group: “Big Monster Strikes Back” Online Spot for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • The Tombras Group: “Creeps Website Animation” for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • The Tombras Group: “Hell On Water” Website Homepage Image for Zodiac Boats
  • The Tombras Group: “Helping Hand” Print Ad for the Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau (3 Awards Received)
  • The Tombras Group: “Low Impact Vacation-Tent” Print Ad for the Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau (3 Awards Received)
  • The Tombras Group: “Low Impact Vacation-Horses” Print Ad for the Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • The Tombras Group: “Low Impact Vacation Print Campaign” for the Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • The Tombras Group: “Nailed TV Spot” for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (3 Awards Received)
  • The Tombras Group: “Nailed Non-Traditional Campaign” for the Tennessee Department of Transportation
  • The Tombras Group: “Shoe Multimedia Campaign” for Bank of Tennessee


District Silver ADDY® Awards:
  • The Tombras Group: “Busted” Online Spot for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • The Tombras Group: “Online Creeps Spot Animation” for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • The Tombras Group: “Hope Gala Invitation” for the American Cancer Society
  • The Tombras Group: “Love Your Money Multimedia Campaign” for the University of Tennessee
  • The Tombras Group: “Pig Maze” Print Ad for the Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • The Tombras Group: “Save More Souls” Website Homepage for Zodiac Boats
  • The Tombras Group: “Skating Rocks” TV Spot for Bristol Motor Speedway