Ad Club of WM Annual Awards to Celebrate Local Creativity
West Springfield, Mass. - When the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts gathers for the annual Creative Awards ceremony on November 3, attendees will first be greeted by a unique form of advertising.
Stephanie Craig Photography
The Stand Out Truck®, the traveling digital billboards familiar to many in the area, will be on site at Union Station to promote the Creative Awards and recognize sponsors.
“It brings additional excitement and that red carpet feel as people are walking into the event,” said organizer and Ad Club President Kelly McGiverin. “Anyone who is going out to dinner or walking around, they can see the truck and the event.”
Last year was the first that the Stand Out Truck® was used to promote the awards and recognize the sponsors.
“People really liked it,” McGiverin said, adding that sponsors enjoyed the extra boost, seeing their “name in lights.”
The truck is just one way of showcasing the many creative and marking opportunities and ideas in Western Massachusetts, something that the Creative Awards celebrate.
“This is the perfect place to utilize the Stand Out Truck®, to show everyone what we have here for any size business,” she said. “I think the Stand Out Truck shows that here in Western Mass we have these great capabilities to help locals promote their businesses.”
And the Winner Is…
The Creative Awards celebrate the area’s local talent and creativity. Originally the Ad Club was tied to the Boston Ad Club, but that changed to better recognize local agencies which don’t always have the same budgets as those further east.
“We are this hidden gem,” McGiverin said. “It’s important that we have something that’s just for Western Mass.”
McGiverin said it’s also a way to showcase how local agencies, media companies and businesses can benefit national, regional and local organizations.
Work is submitted in areas such as advertising, photography, videography, copywriting and graphic design. Three judges review the submissions and will present 51 awards, with the Best in Show award as the pinnacle of the evening. Three “Judges Choice” awards are also notable recognitions.
Anyone in Western Massachusetts can submit work for consideration.
Stephanie Craig Photography
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails and networking, followed by a buffet dinner and the awards. The event ends with a champagne toast to celebrate the successful creative year.
“For everyone who submits, it’s just to show that all their hard work has not gone unseen,” said McGiverin. “Whether someone has won or not won, it’s a toast to the hard work, late hours, and blood, sweat and tears by everyone.”
Spotlight for Local Talent
Stephanie Craig Photography
The Creative Awards are open to the public and generally attended by local businesses and media companies, but McGiverin encourages students and recent graduates to attend.
“It’s an opportunity for them to meet potential employers and see that they don’t have to go to Boston or somewhere big. There’s a lot of great creativity happening here in Western Mass.”
All of the creative projects at the event showcase not only national projects being created locally, but to observe how any businesses can be successful with a small budget.
Ad Club has a membership of roughly 40 businesses, but it’s not necessary to be a member to attend the annual awards. Members gain an opportunity to connect with other members through educational seminars, communication and programs.
Tickets are available on the Ad Club of Western Mass website. Discounts are given for Ad Club members.
Want to help your next event STANDOUT? Schedule an appointment with the Stand Out Truck® team today at standouttruck.com/contact to hear how to make an impact.
