BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, USA - In a new initiative aimed at strengthening connections between staffs of member agencies, ICOM, one of the world’s leading networks of independent marketing communications agencies, has invited all executive/senior creative directors of North American agency members to a day-long workshop conducted concurrently with its annual regional meeting of principals here this week.
Regional and global meetings where ICOM members share experiences and success stories with like-minded peers are an important way they stay at the top of their game. This year, host agency Lewis Communications, welcomes ICOM members to its home town, a newly dubbed “destination city,” the successful outcome of a focused and well-planned transformation into a contemporary and cosmopolitan metropolis while not relinquishing any of its classically southern hospitality.
“Birmingham has changed in many ways since we hosted the North America meeting here in 2005,” said an obviously proud Larry Norris, president-CEO and owner of Lewis Communications, a long-time ICOM member. “Our city is receiving great reviews from critics and the media throughout the country and beyond. We couldn’t wait to welcome our North American ICOM friends from Mexico, Hawaii, and Canada and many points between to showcase some of our great restaurants, attractions, and venues.”
Lewis, which also has offices in Nashville (Tenn.) and Mobile (Ala.), has been part of that transformation. Norris recently completed the restoration of a mid-century building in the heart of downtown. His team used production and fabrication techniques to honor the era of the building and applied the agency’s existing brand identity to show visiting clients the importance of creative, consistent brand implementation.
It is within this stimulating environment that some 14 creative directors from ICOM agencies in the North America region are attending the workshop connecting and covering a variety of current day issues and topics. The session is being moderated by Chris Riley, former head of strategy and planning at major agencies before opening Studioriley to work with brands and agencies, particularly creative directors. At the end of the day, the creative directors will join the full group to present results of their workshop.
“A major benefit of ICOM membership is the shared learning opportunities both among member agencies as well as from outside experts in their fields,” said Ken Whyte, ICOM’s regional director for North America and president of Canadian B2B marketing agency Quarry. “At this year's conference, we've brought in engaging presenters and programming for both senior leaders of our members and for the lead creative directors. Upping the creative skills of all of our agencies keeps everyone competitive in their markets as well as improves our ability to compete successfully for global assignments.”
Among the speakers at the general regional meeting taking place Sept. 19-21 are David Baker, author, speaker, and advisor helping entrepreneurs make better business decisions. He will discuss how to narrow an agency’s expertise and focus in order to broaden opportunities. Execs from ICOM members Morrison and Rethink will talk about two recent major accounts they won with support from the network and what they believe captured the clients’ attention.
One evening, the new Lewis building that features a roof-top deck and lounge, gallery, employee gym, many meeting rooms and private parking deck will be the venue for an open house for meeting attendees and dinner with different dishes prepared by some of Birmingham’s premier restaurants.