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]