As a follow-up to the ANA/4A’s Agency Search Simplification Report, both organizations felt it would be beneficial for clients and agencies to understand the actual costs involved in the agency review/pitch process. Agencies historically devote significant resources into the pursuit of new business and to the defense of an existing account when it is put […]

During periods of economic uncertainty, should you play, pivot or pause? Answers abounded courtesy of the PR and marketing leaders who gathered in Cannes for this exclusive conversation convened by The Sway Effect. by Barbara White-Sax PARTICIPANTS -Alyssa Bernstein, SVP of corp comms, TelevisaUnivision -Will Cady, global brand ambassador, Reddit -Laura Clare, senior director of […]

by Chris Witherspoon, Op-Ed Contributor, June 18, 2023 In June 2020, I wrote an opinion piece entitled, “Why I Signed a Letter to Rewrite the Future of Advertising.” It was in response to being one of 600 Black executives penning an open letter to the advertising industry, demanding action to address the systemic racism and […]

Cannes presents us with a chance to raise important questions about how we can reflect on our work and evolve our practices.   The air at Cannes Lions will feel a little different this year. As the industry comes together at the Festival of Creativity to be inspired, celebrate the creative sector and connect with […]

Offshoring work, not disclosing costs and other issues are coming to light amid economic uncertainty. By Lindsay Rittenhouse. Published on June 14, 2023. Ad agencies and their clients are increasingly clashing over the transparency of fees and services as shops navigate the shaky economy and procurement scrutinizes every marketing dollar spent. Holding companies are ramping up efforts […]

By Joe Mandese With half of all media already AI-enabled to some degree, media currently is the primary use of AI on Madison Avenue, according to a research analysis presented recently to the board of directors of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) by the equity research analysts at New Street Research. “Most were […]

Now in its 26th year, the Jay Chiat Awards recognizes the best strategic thinking in marketing, media and advertising around the world. Each year, JCA winners demonstrate “breakthrough thinking that led to breakthrough execution.” The 2023 JCAs will honor the best strategy work from 2022 in the following categories: Brand Pivot Strategy, Connection Strategy, CX […]

by Steve McClellan It’s no secret that Adland has a talent shortage, particularly for positions in the programmatic space and related technical slots, and more broadly as viewed through the lens of diversity—a challenge the industry has struggled with for years. Now the American Association of Advertising Agencies has inked a partnership with a recruiting firm—Catalyte–designed […]

By Olivia Morley The agency pitching process is broken, bloated and overtly complex, according to a new Forrester Research report. Fixing the model requires both brands and agencies to make major changes, said the report’s author, Forrester principal analyst Jay Pattisall. Making those changes will be economically beneficial for everyone involved, and probably lead to happier […]

The 4A’s announced today the appointment of seven industry leaders to its National Board of Directors.   Amber Guild, Matt Harrington, Tim Maleeny and Gina Smith will each serve as Directors-at-Large for a three-year term, while Shari Day will serve as Southern Region Director, Karen Hunt as Western Region Director and Angela Tenuta as Central […]

Bringing 30 years of industry experience in marketing and communications, Marla joined the 4A’s in May 2017 to help define and shape the future focus for the association. Under her leadership, the 4A’s helps empower members to drive commerce, spark connections, and shape culture through infinite creativity all while moving the industry forward. As the […]

TikTok will host a presentation closed off to press, while YouTube, Meta, Snap and others talk short-form video By Garett Sloane and Parker Herren IAB NewFronts next week will surely be taken over by talk of economic uncertainty, a possible TikTok ban and emerging AI capabilities. And what is already apparent, it’s shaping up to be a buyer’s market, with advertisers demanding […]