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Resource Guides:

Strategy & Account Planning

Strategists have their finger on the culture’s pulse. Whether it’s about broadcasting your agency brand, sourcing the latest analytic tools, or hobnobbing with other industry professionals, the 4A’s has you covered.

Make sure to log in to access the information below.


4A’s StratFest

The 4A’s StratFest celebrates the strategist community and is home to the 4A’s Jay Chiat Awards, which recognizes the best strategic thinking in marketing, media and advertising around the world.

StratFest 2021 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, 2021.  Check out the 2020 highlights here.

Here is a collection of our favorite tools, tips & hacks from the event, from the 2019 program.


4A’s Jay Chiat Awards

The Jay Chiat Awards showcase the best strategic thinking during the previous year, in any market. Where other industry awards celebrate only the creative output, the Jay Chiat Awards honor the input first.

Now in its 24th year, the Jay Chiat Awards are back after sitting out 2020. The 2021 program has new categories, new rules, and discounted submission fees! The Awards will be presented virtually ahead of StratFest and one winning case study from each category will then be selected to present at 4A’s StratFest 2021 in September 2021.


Tap into 4A’s Research Team

One of the amazing benefits of 4A’s membership is access to our staff of knowledgeable and experienced information specialists.

We’re available to conduct customized secondary research projects when you need them. Think of our Research Team as an extension of your agency — your secondary research partner. Contact us for new business research, information to support a recommendation to a client, or any other research need.

Submit your request using our online form. You can also email [email protected]. You’ll receive confirmation of your request and any follow-up questions within one business day.


Professional and Organizational Development for Strategists

From C-level executives to new hires launching their professional careers, the 4A’s Professional & Organizational Development team offers best-in-class learning and career development programs, and that includes craft skills training for the strategy discipline. We develop up-to-the-moment offerings, like our modules to enhance your remote-work experience. Find out more.


Agency Job Descriptions

The 4A’s maintains a large collection of standardized agency job descriptions, representing roles common within our industry.

To better find the right talent to fill key agency positions, the 4A’s makes available to our members detailed agency job descriptions, organized by department/discipline. These descriptions have been compiled from actual member employment offerings, and have been modified to remove specific organizational references.

We also have additional job descriptions beyond those posted here. For additional information or requests for sample job descriptions, please contact the 4A’s Business Intelligence & Insight team at [email protected].


Custom Consultations

The 4A’s provides guidance for strategists and account planners. Please get in touch with Mollie Rosen (EVP – Strategy, Insight & Innovation) or Brian Nienhaus (EVP – Member Engagement & Development, Holding Company & Growth) to start the conversation.


4A’s Member Discounts & Exclusive Offers

This members-only program provides access to exclusive offers and benefits on leading products and services that support your daily business needs.

Whether you need information & resources for a new business pitch, data for a campaign, more office space, or tickets to a hot industry event, you’ll want to check out AAP first.

AAP is a one-stop shop for valuable offers from a broad, carefully selected array of partners, spanning categories like:

  • Market Research
  • Media Research
  • New Business Support
  • Workforce Support
  • Real Estate
  • Industry Events

And the list is growing daily. Remember, since AAP is for 4A’s members only, you must be signed in to the 4A’s website to gain access.

 


Join the Member Community

Strategy Committee

Belief: “We believe that strategists need to be the catalysts inside of their agencies to lead a sea change in the way we work and create on behalf of our clients.”

Mission: To inspire agency strategists to be the instigators and creators of transformative creative thinking that leads to business growth.

We will deliver this via:

  • Craft, training, tools etc. (our core competency)
  • Celebration of Best Practice (our lighthouse)
  • Community and mentorship (our reason to belong)

For more information, contact Brian Nienhaus.

Member Committees

The 4A’s oversees 30+ committees across all industry disciplines, from Professional & Organizational Development to Human Resources to Project Management and everything in between; these committees meet nationally & regionally. In addition to meeting to discuss their business interests, 4A’s committee members help program regional & national events, author industry guidance, and provide their expertise to other members. Learn more here.