Board Member Spotlight: Scott Bartels
AAF Buffalo President Scott Bartels has been on our board for six years – serving as treasurer for three, and as president for the latter. He’s seen AAF and the advertising community of Buffalo through various trends, and can rock a mic at a networking event like no other. Read on to learn a little more about our head honcho and his take on advertising in 2016.
Let’s hear about your day job.
Where do you work, and what does your role entail?
I’m Assistant Vice President of Digital Content Delivery at HSBC Bank. Essentially, I work with our digital team to manage our website content.
What trends or insights are you finding in your field/market?
Well it’s probably obvious, but mobile and video are huge right now. So much of the content we consume on the internet is audiovisual, and most of us are viewing it on some sort of smartphone or tablet. Virtual and augmented reality are also becoming hot topics, but I think it’s too early to tell how they’ll fit into our everyday lives and be fully leveraged from a marketing standpoint.
What advice do you have to give to emerging talent in your field?
Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, and put yourself out there and meet people. Networking can definitely feel uncomfortable at first, but once you do it a few times, it’ll get easier and lead you to a whole network of new contacts.
Tell us about organizations/charities you’re passionate about.
Buffalo Prep is an amazing organization that provides hard working, intelligent students with great academic opportunities. I’m really excited about AAF Buffalo’s new partnership with Buffalo Prep this year, and looking forward to introducing their students to careers in advertising.
What’s your favorite hidden gem in WNY?
I really love the Darwin Martin House, which is a historic site right in a city neighborhood. I’ve always found the architecture and its story intriguing; every detailed feature was done for a reason and to perfection.
Now, let’s talk a little about AAF Buffalo.
Why did you join AAF Buffalo?
In 2011, I was at a point in my career where I saw the need to network more in my field, and AAF Buffalo seemed like it would provide that opportunity. Almost six years later, I can’t imagine my life without this experience.
What has been your proudest moment in your role on the AAF board?
We’ve accomplished so much over the years, but this past June we won first place in three national AAF achievement awards. It was an awesome recognition for years of hard work on the board, and a great testament to the support of our members.
How has AAF Buffalo impacted you professionally?
In addition to introducing me to new people and ideas, AAF Buffalo helped me grow my leadership skills and gain a lot more confidence in public speaking.
What differentiates AAF Buffalo from other groups?
Our yearly American Advertising Awards show. Our show brings the entire advertising industry together for a celebration of the great work developed in this region. Not only is it a celebration, but a reunion of sorts for many who have worked together through the years.
Why would you encourage others to join AAF Buffalo?
You’ll meet some really great people, who have a shared passion for the same line of work. It gives you the opportunity to develop professionally, learn new ideas, share challenges, open new doors to your career, and make some great friends in the process.
Keep up with Scott on Twitter at @sbartels47, or Instagram at scooterb47.