heystephanie.com » Events

Ad 2 National Mid Year Retreat 2009

Stephanie Garcia — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:50:01 +0000

Earlier this month, Ad 2 San Diego hosted the Ad 2 National Mid-Year Retreat at The Dana on Mission Bay. The event had over 40 Ad 2 members from chapters all over the US which was a great experience for a new member such as myself.

As the Social Media chair on the Communications Committee for Ad2SD, I was eager to meet other Ad 2 members that shared my position to exchange ideas on two specific areas: (1) how we could better promote our Ad 2 events and (2) encourage other professionals in our areas to join our events.

During our break out session, I learned that other chapters were taking advantage of Facebook and Twitter to promote their events like us. However, I was suprised to learn that other chapter didn’t promote events on their site as often as we did (i.e. Event Announcement, Event Summary, Photos, etc.) but after sharing our success stories with other members, I’m confident that that will change in the future.

Below are a few key take aways that I learned from the other Social Media chairs:

1. Leverage your Ad 2 newsletters and forward them to interested co-workers.

2. Edit your Facebook invites to invite members and fans that are local.

3. Twitter can help find local sponsors for your Ad 2 events (i.e. happy hours at bard, printing needs, etc.).

4. Stream events online if possible and post on video sites such as Ustream.tv, Facebook, YouTube, etc.

The key take aways listed above are definitely actions items that the Communications committee are going to roll out this year. Aside from learning new best practices for social media, I started realize that Ad 2 isn’t just for folks involved in online marketing — it’s for young professionals that are passionate about all avenues of advertising (i.e. print, television, online, etc.). Overall, mid year retreat was a great experience and I’m definitely looking forward to attending next year’s mid year retreat.

Before I head out, check out the Ustream video highlighting our Toga Catwalk.

Social Media Breakfast San Diego Recap

Stephanie Garcia — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:23:35 +0000

Getting involved in the social media scene in San Diego is easy and fun thanks to Social Media Breakfast San Diego (SMBSD). The group meets once a month at the Milano Coffee in Mission Valley to network and collaborate with other social media enthusiasts and to share their experiences in recent social media initiatives.

This month we got up close and personal with the social media team from Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. otherwise known as Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes. Erika DiProfio and Ginger Anderson are the masterminds behind the company’s social media strategy and shared with us how Garden Fresh utilized social media and how their fully integrated approach has proven to be successful.

Below is the presentation from the event. You can also check out the Ustream video to the right. I suggest fast forwarding the video 16 minutes because that’s when the actual Souplantation discussion begins.

Key Take Aways

Erika & Ginger are responsible day to day execution of Souplantation’s social media strategy.
Social media was not viewed as a single campaign but a way to integrate everything they do for promotions.
1. Use social media to capture customer feedback and drive marketing initiatives.
Their goals were to open the lines of communication and to increase brand loyalty.
UGC contest on Facebook has included: Best Pucker Face & Best Salad Face.
The company has over 5K employees. Downward communication has been vital to their success to date.
Over 1.1MM Club Veg Members to date.
CEO has supported the team’s social media initiatives.

[Image Source: DiscoverSD]

[Video Source: SMBSD]

Ad 2 San Diego Cause Marketing Night Recap

Stephanie Garcia — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:54:25 +0000

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the Ad 2 San Diego (Ad2SD) Cause Marketing Night at the stunning NTC Promenade. Each year, Ad2SD donates a complete advertising campaign to one non-profit organization in the San Diego area. The advertising campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and interactive advertising elements depending on the client’s goals and objectives. Other campaigns have also included a logo design, production of collateral materials, and public relations initiatives. With the help of committed Ad2SD members, Ad2SD designs and produces the campaign for the non-profit organization with little to no cost at all.

This year, three non-profit organizations competed for the coveted Ad2SD Public Service campaign which included the Challenged Athletes Foundation, California for Sustainable Energy, and Make a Wish Foundation. Each non-profit was given 10 minutes to present what the goal and objectives were for their organization and how they would be able to benefit from the public service campaign. For a full recap on event, check our Marco Barron’s summary here.

After the presentation and Q&A session, Ad2SD presented Christine Guardia, the Cause Cultivator of KooDooZ. Guardia discussed how partnerships are the fifth “P” in a marketing mix. Below is the presentation that she prepared that night.

View more presentations from Christine Guardia.

For more information on Cause Marketing, be sure to follow Guardia on Twitter @Cause4Kdz. As for the winner of this year’s Ad 2 San Diego Public Service campaign, be sure to check out the Ad2SD site. They should be announcing the winner soon!

[Image source: NTC Promenade]

Ad 2 San Diego presents Cause Marketing Night

Stephanie Garcia — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:21:53 +0000

If you’re a marketing professional under the age of 32 and looking for a professional organization where you can network with other members of the advertising, marketing, and communications field – you should check out your local Ad 2 chapter. And if you’re in San Diego, you should definitely check out Ad 2 San Diego (Ad2SD). Why you ask? Because Ad 2 is a great organization that helps create future advertising and marketing industry leaders through education, leadership development and networking programs.

Just recently, Ad2SD hosted the “Start Up or Shut Up” event where attendees got to get up close and personal with a panel of San Diego’s finest agency execs to learn what it takes to bring a start up to a reality.

The panel included:

Chuck Longanecker: Founder and CEO of digital-telepathy
Micha Mikailian: CEO of eBoost Consulting
Craig Macdonald: Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Covario

Over 50 attendees attended the event (myself included) and were able to gain an intimate perspective on the pros and cons of running a new business such as how to hire the right team, when to accept investment capital, how to negotiate rates, and more. Overall, it was a great night with a huge turnout and I’m definitely excited for this month’s event.

On August 27, 2009 at 6PM, Ad2SD will be hosting their annual “Cause Marketing Night” where three non-profit organizations will get a chance to compete for the coveted Ad 2 Public Service Campaign.

According to Ad2SD, “Each year local chapters select a client, research the client’s needs and author a complete marketing plan. Then, based upon that information, AD 2 members create television, radio, print outdoor and interactive advertising elements. Some campaigns also include logo design, production of collateral materials and public relations initiatives.”

Each non-profit will be given 10 minutes to present to a panel of judges on why they deserve the campaign and after the presentations, the guest speaker (TBA) will share a presentation on Cause Marketing. Check out the TV spot that was created last year for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County on the right panel. Awesome work don’t you think?

If you’re a non-profit in San Diego and want to compete for the coveted public service campaign, download your application here. If you’re interested in attending the event, you can register for the event now! Ad2 members get in for $10. Special discounts are also available for Students, Ad Club members, and YNPN members. To learn more about the event and the pricing details, go to Ad 2 SD Cause Marketing Night.

Hope to see you there!

[Image & Video Source: Ad 2 SD]

SD Comic-Con 2009: Free WiFi and iPhone App

Stephanie Garcia — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:19:09 +0000

San Diego weather and Comic-Con 2009 — enough said. This year marks the 40th Anniversary and looks to be the biggest and best convention ever! With free WiFi available in all areas of the convention center except the Exhibit Hall courtesy of iGoogle, updating my status and sharing photos on Twitter and Facebook is going to be a piece of cake.

On top of that, there’s an official Comic-Con app available for the iPhone and iPod Touch that provides access to the latest news, programs, exhibitors, special guest appearances, and my favorite feature…maps!

I’ll be heading out shortly to Comic-Con so stay tuned for more updates and pics with folks that dress up. I didn’t forget about Dexter from last year that came to the Con dressed up as MySpace, I can’t wait to see what his costume is this year.

New Google Profile Cards Arrived

Stephanie Garcia — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:34:04 +0000

Earlier this month Google launched their profile pages and partnered with iPrint.com to offer free Google Profile business cards to the first 10,000 people to claim them. The promotion included 25 cards that feature the Google.com home page with your name in the search box and the address for your Google profile printed in green.

With a Google profile you can help people find the right information when they search for you on Google. You can check out my Google profile here. There’s still a lot of work to be done in the photo and bio section but I’m happy so far with the progress.

Thanks to Google and iPrint for the awesome promotion, I can’t wait to hand these out at Interactive Day San Diego next month on June 18, 2009. Discounts are also available for Ad2 members and students. You can register for the event here.

If you’ve already created your Google profile, feel free to post a link in the comments. I’m looking for some inspiration.

San Diego 12for12K Charity Event

Stephanie Garcia — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:27:03 +0000

This past weekend, my husband and I participated in a nationwide Tweetup for 12for12K and Mom It Forward to support the non-profit organization Yehu.org. Yehu is a microfinance organization in the rural coastal region of Kenya for the poor, by the poor. They provide financial services, business opportunities, and skills training for poor rural entrepreneurs in Kenya.

Yehu’s mission is to enable these entreprenuers to save and earn interest while providing these entrepreneurs access to micro-loans which can help them start or expand their business.

To support Yehu.org, 12for12K and Mom It Forward teamed up and hosted special events throughout the month of April with 100 percent of the proftils going towards the cause.

The San Diego 12for12K charity event was held at the Hard Rock hotel’s newly relaunched rooftop bar and lounge, Float, where fellow San Diego tweeps met up to to help raise funds and awareness. It was great to see so much support and finally being able to meet tweeps in person. In fact, a big congratulations goes out to Rachel Kay Public Relations, Downtown Rob of WebWizards.net, Cinthya “Sugar” Jones, and promotions partner Rich and Creamy for hosting a wonderful event. I especially enjoyed the 12for12k-tini, the photo booth, and look forward to supporting next month’s charity. At the end of the night, the event raised $1500. Awesome work everyone!

To learn more about The 12for12K Challenge and support for Yehu.org, visit the official 12for12K blog.

Since the month of April isn’t over yet, you are more than welcome to chip in for the cause.

Credits: Photos courtesy of James Gose and template created by Leiko Beck Designs.

Avoiding a Business Card Hiccup

Stephanie Garcia — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:21:26 +0000

Last week I met up with my old colleagues at a Happy Hour 2.0 in La Jolla. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with them since I recently started a new job and to mingle with other marketers, developers, and other web people. The only drawback was that I didn’t have my new business cards or any moo cards to hand out. Fortunately, HeyStephanie.com was easy for my new friends to remember and I was able to get by with giving my email address.

Meanwhile, I still don’t have any new business cards so in the interim, I had to find a solution to my business card dilemma. Luckily, I stumbled across MyDropcard.com which lets you easily share your contact info with your phone—for free!

Once you’ve registered and entered all of your contact information at the site, you’re good to go. As if that wasn’t cool enough, you can create two separate profiles; one for business and the other for personal contacts.

When you meet someone new, simply text “drop” and their email address to “41411″ and Dropcard will deliver your contact info directly to their email. You can even add your social network profiles on your dropcard (i.e. LinkedIn) or your blog.

Dropcard also has convenient text messaging shortcuts so you don’t have to waste so much time texting. For example, you can replace the “@” symbol when typing your friend’s email address with a space and Dropcard will know what you mean. And if your friend’s email is on Gmail, even better! Text “drop” and their email address without “@gmail.com” and you’re done. For more ways to cut your text time, check out more Dropcard shortcuts here.

Not only is this handy, it sure beats carrying 100+ business cards to hand out at a conference. On top of that, soon they’ll be offering users more features (i.e. personal logo, attachments, statistics, etc.) for $4.99 a month. That might be helpful for the hardcore networkers.

So what about you? Is there a different service that you use to send contact info to colleagues through your phone? What would you do in this type of situation?

Brickfish® at Web 2.0 Expo NYC

Stephanie Garcia — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:22:04 +0000

Special thanks to Ashley Futak for her post on Brickfish at the Web 2.0 Expo that was held in New York City last month. To get more information on where Brickfish will be next, contact Ashley at AshleyFutak@brickfish.com.

The Web 2.0 Expo in New York was filled with firsts for Brickfish. It was the first time, as a company, that we were an exhibitor for an event of this scale. It was my first time attending an Expo, let alone orchestrating the whole thing (you would be surprised how much work goes into putting an exhibit together!). It was also the first time we were able to explain Brickfish to a crowd of people who were intimately familiar with Social Media and all that Brickfish has to offer.

We were surrounded by companies that live and breathe Web 2.0, and engaged with people that truly welcome this “new media” and speak in those terms. We were overwhelmed by the number of companies and people anxious to learn something new, and to apply their learning’s to their business models or to their everyday life.

That said…our booth was packed! From the moment the Expo opened until the moment it closed, we were busy sharing the Brickfish experience with anxious listeners! If we weren’t giving demonstrations, we were walking visitors through the Brickfish site, or handing out our new marketing materials.

It was so exciting to watch this start-up company from San Diego emerge onto the playing field with some of the biggest names on the Web today, and to establish ourselves as the leader in Social Media Advertising.

Survive an Email Avalanche

Stephanie Garcia — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:18:11 +0000

Companies encourage their hard working employees to reap the benefits of work-life balance, to go on vacation, and take a break from the office every now and then to recharge.

For some of us, getting out of the office isn’t difficult but for the 15% of workers that forfeited their vacation days last year— it is. What makes leaving the office so difficult? One answer that comes to mind is the avalanche of emails that you receive when you get back to the office. Opening your Outlook to find 50+ or even 100+ unread emails waiting for your response can be overwhelming.

Fortunately there’s HitMeLater.com, a cool website created by Philip Kaplan, that lets you hit the snooze button on your emails. Simply forward an email from your inbox to 24@hitmelater.com and they’ll resend the email to you 24 hours later.

Even more helpful, you can swap out the number 24 to any other number or day. For example, if I want an email to be sent back to me two hours later, I just forward the email to 2@hitmelater.com. How easy is that?

So the next time you feel like your drowning in a sea of emails, try HitMeLater to see if it lightens up your workload. I know I will.

(Photo Credit: Philip Kaplan)