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Author: Greg Pokriki

AdWeek Events

Recap: Speed Networking

Greg Pokriki

After the success of last year’s inaugural event, we brought back Speed Networking for a repeat slot in the Ad Week event lineup.

On Wednesday, October 9, 20 people showed up to Resurgence Brewery on Chicago St., grabbed a drink, and casually sat down at tables across from one another for a series of one-on-one chats. One hour and 10 new business cards later, attendees lingered at the bar to continue conversations and discuss projects more in-depth.

This year we added a few new specialties to the mix, including video and analytics, as well as some new, non-agency companies. As time ran out on the final rotation, attendees continued to chat long after we concluded the “official” portion of the event (making it a solid success in our book since that’s the goal). 

Upset that you missed out on Speed Networking 2019? Keep your eyes peeled next Ad Week for the 2020 edition.

AdWeek Events

Top Buffalo ad professionals join AAF panel

Greg Pokriki

Last night, we hosted a panel event at Shea’s Smith Theatre comprised of some of the top names in the Buffalo advertising industry.

The panel included:
Jim Hettich, CEO, Crowley Webb
Zach Schneider, partner, Fifteen
Patrick Finan, co-founder and principal, Block Club
Carolyn Human, Carolyn Human Communications
Bill Patterson, VP/executive creative director, Gelia
Christine Dougherty, senior vice president and managing director, Mower

The panel answered audience questions on a wide range of questions.

On the RFP process

Many on the panel agreed on being picky when responding to RFPs, not just to manage staff time, but also to be realistic about what a future with that client would look like.

On retaining talent

Each panelist discussed maintaining a work/life balance for employees to increase happiness. They each prioritized transparency throughout the agency, to further empower employees. Some ideas like flexible scheduling, dogs in the office, and even an abroad residency program were discussed.

On making mistakes

Misspellllllings, tpyos, and human resource mistakes colored the past of each participant. The main emphasis was to learn from mistakes. Advertising and creative endeavors are inherently risky. Mistakes happen. Though inevitable, the key is to not repeat mistakes.

 

Ad Week isn’t over! We’ve got more events, including our Spotlight Speaker Series on Thursday.

Events Students

Fall Student Agency Tour

Greg Pokriki

On September 28, 2019, AAF Buffalo hosted its fall agency tour. Nearly 25 college students joined us as we strolled up Main Street visiting some of the top advertising agencies in the heart of downtown Buffalo.

Students learned about how agency departments work together to create high-impact campaigns, agency processes, and they picked the brains of some of Buffalo’s top talent. Not to mention, the weather couldn’t be better. 

The first stop was Crowley Webb led by Matt Lowe. Matt gave students a tour of Crowley’s newly renovated office space, a walk-through of their departments, and provided students with insight on getting started in the advertising industry. 

From Crowley Webb, this group of students made the trip across Main Street to Luminus. Tim Bouchard, former AAF Buffalo President, gave students a tour of the Luminus office. This was followed by an overview of the company’s history, their process for working with clients, and ended with showcasing a recent multifaceted campaign.

After Luminus came Mower. Sarah Neundorfer, Creative Director at Mower, led students on a tour through their beautiful office on the 13th floor with some great views of downtown Buffalo. Sarah provided insight into how their agency works with clients and between multiple Mower offices. Students asked questions on various aspects of advertising.  

Afterwards, students made their way to The Martin Group. This tour, led by Caitlin Higman, allowed students to see the various areas of Martin’s historic office building. As students ventured through three floors of historic greatness, they were able to see how different departments in their agency worked together to complete client work. 

Then, the short walk was made to dPost. Andy Donovan and Shannon Silva took students through dPost and dStudio. While viewing dPost, students had the chance to see the final touches being added to a 3D video for a client. In dStudio, students had the chance to see what a professional video production is made of and how various set pieces can be created within their space. 

The tour concluded at Block Club, which is just a stone’s throw away from dPost. Brian, co-founder of Block Club, talked about how the agency and Oxford Pennant were started and a bit of their journey to where they are today. Students toured toured through both offices and it ended with some Q&A at the Oxford Pennant storefront.  

The students were happy to participate in this event. They gained a lot of knowledge (and connections) from within the agencies and some even had the opportunity to turn in some resumes for future opportunities! 

Announcements Industry Updates

Tim Bouchard named Buffalo 40 under 40

Greg Pokriki

Former AAF Buffalo President Tim Bouchard was named a Buffalo 40 under 40 winner today!

Along with Tim’s awesome work with our organization, he is also CEO/Partner of Luminus. Tim co-founded his agency Luminus in 2010. 

We’re so proud of Tim’s accomplishment. It is thanks to his leadership as our president that the Club is in such great shape. Our organization, our industry, and our city is truly lucky to have him.

Congratulations, Tim! This isn’t a good enough excuse to miss our next event.

—
(speaking of…next week is Ad Week, so join us for all our great events)

Stuff

David Beebe On The Why, How, and ROI of Brand Storytelling

Greg Pokriki

Brands using storytelling to bolster their market presence and/or customer loyalty may seem like a cliché, but the reality is that most brands aren’t producing true storytelling and are coming up short, leaving them with little results to show for it.

David Beebe has been developing meaningful stories and consumer engagement pieces for some of the world’s top brands, including Marriott. In his talk, at AAF Buffalo’s new Signature Speaker event, David dove into the history of brand storytelling and some examples from the work he’s done.

Throughout history, stories of company growth tactics and customer participation have driven some of the most successful brands to the top of their respective industries. Michelin created the Michelin Star rating system that the culinary industry lives and dies by today. Michelin stars have also, in turn, grown local businesses worldwide. Guinness started recording amazing human feats in a book, that in itself became a business in the line of being the ultimate authority for impartial validation of amazing accomplishments. Yet another worldwide phenomenon.

To make things even more unpredictable, the customers themselves have changed. No longer are they all drawn to a limited number of exposure pieces for storytelling and advertising (newspaper, TV, and radio). They now have access to tens of screens each day and have thousands of messages and stories delivered to them daily. How does a brand stand out in that world? Not through a half-hearted, underfunded digital video piece. Thought, quality, and an impactful story are all critical to the creation of brand storytelling that delivers ROI.

Today, with the ability for customers to record and publish their own content on social media, brands can choose to tap into those contributions or ignore them. Customer ratings, Instagram photos, story videos are all real time customer stories that are published into the wild without the constraints of brand identity, voice and tone, or values driven messaging. The customer holds the honest truth and brands can shape that experience, but not script it.

Tapping into real-time customer interactions can make or break a brand. Ignoring public feedback will allow that feedback to overshadow a brand’s strategic messaging with the grassroots honest truth. If those messages aren’t aligned, you’re dead in the water. Some companies, like Marriott, have setup full departments of digital response teams to address and control the live customer interactions online.

Stories can come from the brand itself or the audiences it serves. The only question is, what is a brand doing to shape those stories to meet its own expectations of quality and customer experience? Brands need to be serious about these customer interactions and understand that the customer controls much of the narrative, so embracing their involvement is the key to success and the real return on investment.

Stuff

AAF Asks: What is your favorite drink spot to get work done?

Greg Pokriki

It’s finally time to start that side hustle you’ve been dreaming of in your phone’s notes app for years.

Or maybe you procrastinated your actual work after falling into a YouTube wormhole that started with Jimmy Fallon singing and ended with a flat Earth conspiracy video.

Either way, it’s time to get to work. Our board is made up of some of the top creative– and creative-adjacent– professionals in Buffalo.

So we asked them, what coffee shop or bar are you setting up the laptop and popping in the headphones to get some work done?

Lauren Carmer – Undergrounds

Like all of the best places, this little South Buffalo gem is rather unassuming on the outside but filled with character on the inside. It’s a converted funeral parlor that infuses a bit of the macabre in their brand and leans into its Buffalo pride. Here, I can enjoy a killer cup of coffee and knock out some work while communing with my dark side.

Alex Keogan – Tipico

I can barely function without a massive second monitor, but let’s assume I could, and I’m building my dream company, an Event Security Company using only Chihuahuas. ChiForce1. I’d likely post up at Tipico Coffee on the West Side, they have amazing coffee and an even better staff. The shop was featured in Dwell magazine and is a year round destination. Food selection is limited, but that’s probably for the best because I’d certainly eat all day given the opportunity. They’re also *probably* willing to let me test out ChiForce1 Beta at the shop, assuming no customers are threatened by the Ferocious Five Pound Forces of Nature™.

Greg Pokriki – Remedy House

The open air concept and awesome design is perfect for some inspiration as I write the beginning of a new piece that I will most definitely never touch again and eventually completely forget about. If I’m setting up a meeting over a beer, I’d go Misuta Chow.

Paige Meckler – Spot Coffee

I love enjoying an Iced Caramel Macchiato with extra whipped cream (ice cream that calls itself coffee) on a Saturday morning at Spot Coffee. It’s the perfect environment to get (mostly wedding planning) work done. The staff is kind and the atmosphere is Central Perk Friends-esque. If I’m grabbing and going on the way to work, Dunkin’ is my go-to choice.

Casey Kelly – Five Points Bakery & Remedy House

They’re both awesome because I only live a block away! Five Points is best for when I need quiet space and maybe a bit more room. The upstairs addition they just opened a few months ago is wonderful! Remedy House is packed these days, but my favorite, so I go there if I don’t need to spread out, or if I’m meeting someone for a work conversation. It doesn’t usually get too packed til’ after 9:30am, so before then you’re good too. Also, per etiquette, I try not to stay more than an hour or two so that I’m not hogging space. Or I’ll be a good patron and buy something else if I’m staying a bit longer than planned.

Josh Gumulak – Undergrounds

A perfect and spacious shop located just off the Hamburg exit of the 190-South. It’s a place filled with plenty of true Buffalo character from the location itself in South Buffalo to breakfasts named “The Ralph Wilson” and “The Tim Russert.” Add some of the best coffee in the city (with one of say, 20 flavor shots), and it’s the perfect place to check some boxes and get your day started right. My favorite sneaky part about it all are the painted skulls as decor that are very Dia de los Muertos-esque!

Megan Sweeney – Sweetness 7

Located on the Westside of Buffalo, on Grant St., this place is just as eclectic as the neighborhood it is located in. It has tons of character with really cool furniture and paintings everywhere. They have this large long table in the center. Here you can set up camp right next to others getting word done and feed off their hardworking energy or use it as a collaborative space. They also have an awesome menu with some vegan options. When you’re done with your work you can enjoy something to drink other than coffee or tea, as they also have a full bar. Or you can always pop right next door to the Tabernacle.

Ally Balcerzak – Remedy House

I love to hide at Remedy House when the weather is nice. It’s queer-owned, the baristas make a phenomenal cappuccino, and there’s free wifi. I like to sit “inside” to avoid screen glare from the sun, but thanks to the triangle shape of the building and the moveable side walls, it feels like you’re out on the patio no matter where you are in the building.

Shannon Silva – Home

My Polish patio at home is my favorite spot to work and relax.

David Seifert – Undergrounds

Glad to see Undergrounds has made it onto this list a few times. Love the vibe of this place. Coffee is super delicious (coming from someone who takes their coffee black), food is super tasty, and this place just makes me happy. It’s a solid place to get the creative juices flowing and get some work done.

Tim Bouchard – MesQue

On a random weekday afternoon, I can sit in my favorite football viewing establishment with some headphones, have a cocktail, and get my brain moving without too many distractions since usually the games are weekend mornings. I just like the vibe. (Also Undergrounds when I just need a coffee!)

Students Stuff

Student Agency Tour: Northtowns Invasion

Greg Pokriki

On March 22nd, 2019, AAF Buffalo hosted our spring agency tour. Dubbed the Northtown Invasion, this event focused on giving current college students the opportunity to visit local ad agencies outside of the downtown Buffalo area. Students had the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and engage in a professional work setting.

The first stop on the Northtown Invasion agency tour was Gelia. Not only did Gelia provide students with some awesome snacks, but they provided students with an overview of how advertising agencies are structured. This presentation was given by AAF board member Josh Gumulak. A panel of Gelia employees were present to give students insight into potential career paths and internship opportunities.

Next on the list, this tour made a stop at Manzella Marketing. Students were given a tour of their facilities in Bowmansville while also being introduced to the skillful group of people who work there. After the tour, Manzella gave a presentation to students on what services Manzella offers, clients they work with, and some of their processes. And yes, they also provided students with snacks.

Lastly, the Northtown Invasion tour concluded at Farm. Our time at Farm began with a brief presentation about their company, what services they provide, and the clients they work with. Then, students were given a tour of their facilities. The tour concluded with a description of Farm’s internship program, and some students even gave out their own resumes.

The students in attendance were happy to partake in this event. They gain a lot of knowledge (and connections) of the local advertising industry.

        

 

Skillshop Stuff

Skillshop Recap: How to Plan a Fire (not Fyre) Festival

Greg Pokriki

Last week, the Ad Club hit the Southtowns with a visit to 42North Brewery, where we got to chat about branding and music festivals with Jennifer Brazill (Borderland Festival Producer) and John Cimperman (EVP, Match Marketing, 42North Brewery Owner, and Borderland Festival Producer).

The trip was well worth it—not just because of the delicious beer (thanks 42North!) and the snacks that our ravenous post-work bellies enjoyed—but because it ended up being a great discussion about all the stuff us ad geeks love to nerd out on. We chatted music festival planning, branding, video production, what it takes to create authentic experiences, managing crazy deadlines, and understanding audiences, to name a few. Creatives and pros chimed in from all walks of career, which allowed for an open-ended conversation with some great challenges and questions.

Sometimes it’s not the big event with the famous speaker that energizes you to get back to the grind, but a meet up with your friends and colleagues over a topic, a beer, and a fun location. This event was quite invigorating and certainly has us craving the summer and festival season. See you at Borderland!

 

Stuff

Buffalo Addys: Saints + Sinners

Greg Pokriki

The saints, sinners, and somewhere in betweeners of the local advertising industry gathered in a glitter-filled church turned event space for the 2019 Addys last weekend.

The sellout crowd of 450 witnessed a drag-themed show, with creative donated by The Martin Group (deep dive on show creative). Queens slayed, crowd members were dressed in drag, and most importantly, the creative work of Buffalo’s ad industry was celebrated.

We want to thank everyone that attended, submitted, and helped support our club. We love cultivating a creative community in Buffalo and this year’s award show is proof of our passion and proficiency.

Best in Show

The Martin Group, Asics

Levy-Osborn Award for Excellence in Communication

Douglas Bean, vice chairman & chief brand officer, Mower

Joe Crowley Award for Service

Scott Bartels, former AAF Buffalo board president

Future Star Award

Megan Sweeney

Special thanks to Caitlin Higman, our board’s Addys chair, and The Martin Group who ensured a stellar show.

And as always, thank you to all our board of directors.

Stuff

AAF Asks: What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial?

Greg Pokriki

If there was ever a year for the commercials to completely steal the show away from the actual football game, it was this 13-3 snooze-fest in which America’s least favorite team triumphed and pretended to be the counted-out underdogs along the way. However, did the ads capitalize on a boring game? Consensus seems to be no, although there were a few bright spots.

We asked our board, what was your favorite Super Bowl ad? We need any silver-lining we can get.

And as always, Go Bills.

Google, Veterans Ad – Paige Meckler

The second of Google’s Super Bowl ads opened with a series of codes. A voice-over explains that while these codes “don’t mean anything” to most viewers, 7 percent are intimately familiar with them – and those 7 percent are soldiers and marines. The company is promoting a relatively new search feature that’s specifically designed to make it easier for veterans to find civilian jobs related to what they did in the military. I loved this ad because it created a connection with its target audience in a language only they’d understand.

Doritos, Chance the Rapper x Backstreet Boys – Megan Sweeney

  1. Love spicy things
  2. Love Cheese
  3. Nick Carter

It was the collab I never knew I wanted but now I can’t live without: Food and male singers.

Washington Post, Democracy Dies in Darkness – Greg Pokriki

The message and selflessness of this ad struck me on first viewing, and its impact seems to be resonating the day after on social media. It wasn’t a WaPo ad, but an ad for the profession– the fourth estate as a whole. As a writer and comms/journalism major, I’m biased, but in a night of boring ads and an even more boring game, I thought this spot stole the show.

Google, Veterans Ad – Caitlin Higman

Overall, I was not impressed with the majority of ads this year! Much like the game, there weren’t very many stand-out moments for me. However, Google’s Veterans ad was one of the few I remember for all the right reasons. First, I think it was extremely smart placement for the target audience. Second, I love when an ad connects with folks outside the target audience and moves beyond a traditional “feel good” ad to raise awareness of a service and not just a brand. The Veteran’s ad caught my attention, held my attention and made me feel something!

Microsoft, We All Win – Lauren Carmer

Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age, but this one got me right in the feels. This commercial had several things going for it, including user testimonials, inclusivity without feeling inauthentic, putting a human face to technology, and a killer final line. Best of all, it reinforced the power of storytelling and a brand’s ability to empathize with its audience.

Doritos, Chance the Rapper x Backstreet Boys – Ally Ruiz Balcerzak

Nostalgia always goes over well for me, especially if it involves music. In a sea of robots and emotional ads, this one was just light-hearted enough to make me laugh and then dance in my seat. Only way it could have been better was if it included NSYNC instead of BSB — but that’s a completely biased opinion.

Audi, Cashew – Casey Kelly

I started off thinking “oh great, another overly heartwarming corporate commercial”, only to find out that someone was choking on a nut. This plot twist is just what a Super Bowl ad needs these days. Props to Audi for being funny in a space where all jokes are relatively played out and ads are often cheesy and overdone.

Sketchers, Big Game “Easy” Ad – Alex Keogan

Super Bowl commercials can be funny, weird, or pull at the heart strings, but my favorite ones are the companies that think a celebrity fits the profile of their business. The commercial has a bunch of fanciful ideas and far fetched ploys on making life easy. The most far fetched is the notion that Tony Romo, who was arguably the MVP of the game with his color commentary, has ever been caught dead in a pair of Sketchers.

Game of Thrones, Bud Light, Joust/RIP Bud Knight – Tim Bouchard

As “easy” as this one seems to pick, that’s why I’m picking it. It packs the largest spender along with the biggest pop-culture reference of all of the commercials. It had a surprise twist in the death of the knight, which has us all wondering if that’s permanent or not. As a fan of GoT it got a rise out of me. As a plus at least it didn’t mention corn syrup. Ads in close seconds would be the NFL100 and Kia Great Unknowns spots.

Game of Thrones, Bud Light, Joust/RIP Bud Knight – Josh Gumulak

What an ad! There’s so much to unpack here. Is the Bud Kingdom officially done? Was this the plan all along since “Dilly Dilly’s” creation in 2017? (There wasn’t a live episode of GoT in that timespan.) Where is Bud Castle in Westeros? Does Drogon wish Bud Light used corn syrup that badly? So few answers.

The real life logistics are incredible themselves: In an era where Super Bowl ads are released days ahead of time, one that featured two immensely popular national brands was kept completely silent. Two of the most competitive global agencies collaborated, Wieden + Kennedy (Bud Light) and Droga5 (HBO). The production value was sky-high, a portion of which was directed by David Nutter, who directed the infamous “Red Wedding.” I’m a sucker for planning and execution working together flawlessly, there was no better example of this last night than this spot.