So, upon moving to the DC area, I immediately got involved with the AMA-DC. This was something that I did in Miami with the Ad Club when I first started in the agency business. It was awesome. I was the chair for the ADDYs, met tons of folks in my industry, got lots of business and learned a lot. Here in DC when the opportunity came around for me to work similarly with the AMA—I jumped on it—and I have been bringing a few of my Grafik colleagues along with me. The AMA was interested in getting some fresh blood and new, innovative programming—so I came up with the ThinkFood Discussion Table Networking Series – sponsored by Jose Andres’ ThinkFoodGroup Restaurants and DC Magazine. The event, equal parts marketing discussion and networker will feature industry leaders hosting a conversation in a very intimate atmosphere. Our first event on July 30 is hosted by my new dear friend (and diametrically opposed thinker whom I greatly respect) Tucker Carlson – who is back on Fox News (sans bowtie) and who is launching his own news site to compete with the Huffingtons and the Drudges of the world. Knowing Tucker—it will get heated up about something. He is provocative to say the least.
I want to send shout outs to Greg Appler—our VP Interactive who is getting involved in producing programming in the Interactive and Social Media arena for AMA-DC (stay tuned—we’ll let you know when that is happening) – and Alex Diaz- a designer at Grafik who is working with me to create amazing promotional materials for the event to be placed in DC Magazine and for interactive promos. So, for any of you who would like to start to network with other smart marketing folks and have interesting discussion over a great meal – check out AMADC.org and sign up. It’s gonna be a good time.