Ad Club of Western Mass. invites businesses to 'swap' promo ideas

Date: 2/15/2010

SPRINGFIELD The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is hosting its first-ever gift swap program for businesses that want to promote products and services to advertising industry leaders.

The after-hours program will take place on Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the 350 Grill Banquet Room, 350 Worthington St. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.

"The program is a great way to get face-time with someone in the creative community that you don't know," Barbara Perry, president of the Ad Club, said. "The ultimate goal is to foster new business relationships."

Attendees are asked to gift-wrap one of their best marketing-related offerings to swap with the individual with whom they are paired. Attendees will have 30 seconds to promote themselves before the swap.

According to Perry, gifts can include the offer of a logo design, a half-page advertisement or the addition of an events page to an existing Web site. "There are no limits to the ideas," Perry said. "The only recommendation we make is that the value of the item be consistent with the mid-level cost of what is considered the industry norm for its category."

The after-hours program is $25 for Ad Club members, $35 for nonmembers and $15 for full-time students.

All reservations must be made in writing. To register, contact the Ad Club at 736-CLUB (2582), online at adclubwm.org, or e-mail info@adclubwm.com.