Class is in Session: High Marks at the 2024 Dallas ADDY Awards

On February 29th, the creative talent of Southern Methodist University (SMU) students was once again in the spotlight at the 2024 Dallas ADDY Awards, held at the On the Levee event center. Hosted by AAF Dallas President and TAI Adjunct Professor, Deja Sanders, the night was a celebration of creativity, hard work, and academic excellence. SMU students took home an impressive 20 awards, including 7 Gold, 10 Silver, 2 Judge’s Choice, and the coveted Student Best of Show. This marks the fifth consecutive year—and sixth in the last seven years—that SMU has won Best of Show, a testament to the continued excellence and consistent growth of Temerlin Advertising Institute.

“I can’t stop beaming after the 2024 Addy awards. So proud of our students and all of their hard work. I HAVE THE BEST JOB ON THE PLANET. (caps Willie’s)” – Professor Willie Baronet

The range of work presented at the awards was broad and innovative, spanning ad campaign projects for existing companies across many different media forms. Since all the work received Silver and above, they will now move forward to compete in the District 10 competition, one of the most competitive districts in the country.

Best of Show winners Spencer Hogan, Bella Mac, and Allie Weinstein pose with Professor Mark Allen

Professor Mark Allen noted that, “the work our students produced this year is truly impressive, and Temerlin’s reputation for creative excellence was on full display in front of the entire DFW advertising community.”

However, the evening was not just about accolades, it was a testament to the student’s dedication and commitment to quality work. Professor Cheryl Mendenhall expressed immense pride, noting, “The Addys give us an opportunity to celebrate all of their hard work and show off their talents to the industry.” The event also facilitated valuable connections between students and industry professionals. Mendenhall noted that several agency professionals congratulated and introduced themselves to TAI’s students, which in the past, has led to the potential for internships and job opportunities.

Gordon Law poses with his Educator of the Year award

In addition to the many student awards, Gordon Law, TAI’s own Executive in Residence, was honored as the Educator of the Year. This award was not only well-deserved, but it also underscored the high-caliber mentorship and education provided by SMU’s faculty across the board.

However, the TAI student’s work and awards does not end here. Allen said that, “as great as this night was for us, it’s just the beginning because we had so much good work that didn’t make it into the show. So stay tuned because there’s a lot more where this came from!”

This semester TAI will also be hosting their annual student Portfolio Night on March 27th.  Keep an eye on our social media pages to see more of the winning work and stay up to date on future events.

 The Temerlin School is very proud of the work of all their students and congratulations to all the ADDY winners listed below:

DALLAS ADDYs (20)

SILVER

Drunk Elephant / Out-Of-Home / Kaitlyn Blan & Caroline Davis

Fender / Magazine / Kailyn Sawhny & Helen Hargraves

Replica / Magazine / Morgan Martinez & Delaney Gendron

Mountain House / Integrated / Emma Clarke

Insomnia Cookies / Out-Of-Home / Ross Yenerich

Amtrak / Integrated / Timmy Chae & Blake Lyster

QuietOn / Television / Ethan Jones & Atenas Vijil

KILZ Primer / Integrated / Spencer Hogan

Seedlip / Integrated / Emma Clarke & Callie Oden

Acorns / Integrated / Maddie Otero & Morgan Martinez

GOLD

Truth Anti-Vaping / Art Direction / Spencer Hogan, Bella Mac, Allie Weinstein

Fight the New Drug / Cinematography /Tyler Chapman

Skout’s Honor / Magazine / Helena Hargraves

Venmo / Integrated /Juan Silva & Kaitlyn Blan

Dixie Ultra / Out-Of-Home / Kaitlyn Blan & Caroline Davis

Fight the New Drug / Television / Tyler Chapman

Truth Anti-Vaping / Out-Of-Home / Spencer Hogan, Bella Mac, Allie Weinstein

JUDGE’S CHOICE

Alzheimer’s Association / Television / Maddie Otero

QuietOn / Television / Ethan Jones & Atenas Vijil

BEST OF SHOW

Truth Anti-Vaping / Art Direction / Spencer Hogan, Bella Mac, Allie Weinstein

2024 ExxonMobil Lecture Series: Celebrating the Decade of the Mexican Avocado featuring Avocados from Mexico CEO and President, Alvaro Luque 

On February 22, 2024, Temerlin Advertising Institute at SMU hosted their annual ExxonMobil Lecture Series on Sustainability at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas. This event offered an immersive experience, blending educational discourse with a vibrant networking atmosphere for over 200 students, professionals, and sustainability enthusiasts. All gathered to hear from the man responsible for revolutionizing the avocado market, Alvaro Luque, President and CEO of the non-profit marketing organization, Avocados from Mexico (AFM). The expanding popularity of avocados took center stage as the event seamlessly wove together the threads of sustainability, and marketing innovation. Luque’s insights provided a rich tapestry of his 30-year marketing journey, emphasizing the strategic vision that catapulted Avocados From Mexico to its status as a household name and a symbol of sustainability in the produce market. The night was a great success and we are already excited for next year!  

The evening began with a networking hour where guests could connect over drinks, avocado focused hors d’oeuvres and sweets, as well as AFM’s signature build your own guacamole cart. The cart allowed guests to pick and choose their favorite ingredients and experience AFM’s brand message of always good by showcasing how avocados can be delicious, healthy, and fun! 

When it came time for the lecture, Luque was an immediate crowd pleaser with his utilization of AFM’s  famous jingle to kick things off. His discussion centered on the remarkable journey of Mexican avocados in the U.S., where today, 8 in 10 avocados consumed are from Mexico, contributing over $11 billion in economic output. He went on to emphasize the importance of understanding their target audience and how being the first fresh produce brand to advertise in the Super Bowl played a large part in evening the playing field for them as a brand, increasing awareness in such a large market, and setting a precedent for industry innovation. 

 At the presentation’s conclusion, TAI’s Dr. Carrie La Ferle went on to engage in a lively Q&A with Luque. La Ferle shared how delighted she was by his genuine care about the next generation, engaging in every question presented, and further sharing words of wisdom with the students in the audience. Dr. La Ferle later stated how impressed she was “by Mr. Luque’s passion for strategy and his keen eye for how to, in the words of Luque, “Make AFM in the produce category, like Pepsi or Coke were to beverages.”

   

“If you ever doubted the ability to market produce like a CPK, developing a visible brand in a brandless category, doubt no more,” said Dr. Carrie La Ferle of the Temerlin Advertising Institute. 

Guests left the evening with more than valuable insights on developing visible brands in brandless categories. Each attendee received a goodie bag which included their very own Avocados From Mexico. 

The 2024 ExxonMobil Lecture Series: The Decade of the Mexican Avocado, highlighted the Temerlin Advertising Institute’s dedication to integrating sustainability with marketing excellence and moto of “Better Advertising. Better World.” 

Previous ExxonMobil Lectures included brands like Publicis, Pepsi Co, Honest Company, Nike, Chick-fil-A, and Monster, features like Signs of Humanity and David Baldwin, and topics like Spirituality.

Dr. Quan Xie Earns Esteemed AAA Research Fellowship Award

In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and digital marketing, Dr. Quan Xie, an accomplished assistant professor at the Temerlin Advertising Institute, Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University, has earned herself a spotlight moment. Last year, she not only added another accolade to her impressive resume but left an indelible mark on the industry by clinching the prestigious AAA Research Fellowship Award at the 2023 American Academy of Advertising Annual Conference in Denver.

Dr. Xie is now a two-time recipient of the American Academy of Advertising (AAA) Research Fellowship Award (2023 and 2017) and also received the fellowship from the ANA Educational Foundation Visiting Professor Program in 2018, partnering with Publicis Media in New York City. Her commitment to education extends to serving on the Educational Board of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Dallas.

This coveted national award is a testament to Dr. Xie’s exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to the field. Her winning proposal, “Product Endorsement of Wellness Influencers Who Fuel the Anti-Vaccine Movement,” reflects her commitment to exploring uncharted territories within influencer marketing. Dr. Xie’s research delves into the impact of misinformation labels on influencer meanings and endorsement effectiveness, addressing a critical gap in the current marketing literature and navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic era. Dr. Xie’s research confronts the challenges of the anti-vaccine movement, a timely and pressing concern. She poses intriguing questions such as, “How does anti-vaccine advocacy impact endorsement effectiveness, and what distinctions emerge between supporters and opposers of the movement?” Dr. Xie aims to unveil the intricate dynamics of misinformation labels, pre-existing schemas, and social proof in influencer marketing through meticulously designed experiments.

Beyond the walls of academia, Dr. Xie’s work holds promise for reshaping influencer marketing strategies. Her research aims to empower practitioners with valuable tools for proactive influencer evaluation and selection. She said, “Results will extend influencer marketing literature and provide insights for practitioners.”Dr. Xie’s accomplishments in the realm of influencer marketing research are undeniable. Her dedication to understanding the broader social-cultural context of influencer meanings sets a precedent for aspiring researchers. Grounded in her established expertise, Dr. Xie’s unique perspective adds depth and nuance to her exploration of the effects and implications of digital technology in advertising. Her work exemplifies the Temerlin Advertising Institute’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in advertising and digital marketing.

Stay tuned for updates on Dr. Xie’s research journey and further accolades from the Temerlin Advertising Institute. Driven by enthusiasm and professionalism, Dr. Quan Xie continues to pave the way, leaving an enduring legacy in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Learn more about the AAA Research Fellowship Award and more below and here: https://www.aaasite.org/research

Research Proposal Abstract

Although extant literature provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of influencer marketing, one research gap remains: there is a lack of understanding of how the broad social-cultural context shapes consumers’ interpretations of an influencer’s meanings, which, subsequently, affects the influencer’s endorsement effectiveness. To address the gap, we will focus on the misleading anti-vaccine advocacy sent by wellness influencers and explore how the misinformation label (attached to an anti-vaccine post) affects perceived influencer meanings and endorsement effectiveness. Through three experiments, we will unveil the interaction effect among the use of a misinformation label, people’s pre-existing schema of vaccination, and two types of social proof (expert counterargument, number of “likes”) on influencer credibility, influencer transparency, influencer-follower relationship, product attitudes, and purchase intentions. Results will extend extant influencer marketing literature and provide insights for practitioners to adopt a proactive influencer evaluation and selection strategy.

Intro to the Research Question

In the post-pandemic era, vaccination is critical in the fight against COVID-19. According to federal health officials, Americans may need yearly shots to protect against the virus. Nevertheless, the anti-vaccine movement is still accelerating, given the widespread vaccine hesitancy. Many wellness influencers (influencers who cover topics of health, fitness, nutrition, and spirituality) have been fueling this movement, via posting fiery but false content questioning the safety of vaccinating, which was often labeled as “misinformation” by social media platforms.  As such, for wellness influencers, how will their misleading anti-vaccine advocacy (with the misinformation label) affect their endorsement effectiveness? And how will such impacts differ between the supporters and opposers of the anti-vaccination movement? The proposed study aims to answer these questions. 

The Decade of The Mexican Avocado

Temerlin Advertising Institute Presents Annual Sustainability Lecture, The Decade of the Mexican Avocado, Featuring Alvaro Luque, President & CEO of Avocados From Mexico.

Free, Registration Required!

Join us for a discussion with Alvaro Luque, the driving force behind Avocados From Mexico. Discover the innovative strategies that escalated AFM to a leading brand and network with key players over avo-inspired bites!

Key Information: 

  • Date: February 22, 2024 (Thursday)
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Angelika Theater

Event Overview:

Each year’s lecture is dedicated to promoting sustainability in the marketing and advertising industries, echoing the institute’s ethos of ‘Better Advertising, Better World.’ It’s an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to network, explore current trends, and engage in pivotal discussions about the future of sustainable marketing.

Notable Speaker:

Highlighting this year’s event is a keynote address by Alvaro Luque, President & CEO of Avocados From Mexico. Luque is acclaimed for his visionary leadership, which has been instrumental in Avocados From Mexico’s rise as the leading avocado brand in the U.S., noted for its innovative marketing approaches. Under his guidance, the company has not only doubled the volume of Mexican avocado imports but also made avocados a staple in American diets, with 80% of avocados in the U.S. now sourced from Mexico, generating an economic impact exceeding $11 billion.

Alvaro has transformed the produce industry by delivering innovative marketing strategies that not only defy established paradigms but also deliver impressive results. With more than 30 years of marketing experience in the CPG and produce industries, Alvaro has successfully built a brand in a brandless category. Under Alvaro’s leadership, Avocados From Mexico (AFM) has led the growth of U.S. avocado consumption to more than 2.5 billion pounds per year, and today, 8 in 10 avocados in the U.S. come from Mexico. Alvaro’s vision for making AFM the first fresh produce brand to advertise in the Super Bowl is one of many industry firsts that have positioned AFM as the most preferred brand of avocados in the U.S. and one of the most innovative produce companies in the world.

New Research Published: Dr. Quan Xie and Team Unveil the Psychology Behind Branded NFTs

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and digital innovation, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have taken center stage. Dr. Quan Xie, a professor at the Temerlin Advertising Institute, has been at the forefront of NFT research, collaborating with fellow TAI professors Dr. Sid Muralidharan, Dr. Steve Edwards, and Dr. Carrie La Ferle in various capacities across three published articles. Together, they have unveiled the relationships between consumer behavior and branded NFTs, shedding light on the dynamics of this emerging trend. Their research delves into the intriguing world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and their increasing influence on marketing strategies.

The allure of branded NFTs has captured the imagination of marketers and consumers alike. As innovative companies experiment with these digital assets as part of their marketing strategies, understanding the psychological responses of consumers, particularly the younger generation, has become paramount. This is where the pioneering research conducted by Dr. Quan Xie and her team at the Temerlin Advertising Institute comes into play.

Dr. Quan Xie’s first article, published in July of 2023 in the Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing was titled, “It’s a comparison game! The roles of social comparison, perceived exclusivity and perceived financial benefits in non-fungible token marketing.” This work was done alongside Dr. Sid Muralidharan. This in-depth research has a high impact factor and answers some of the most pressing questions surrounding what drives the buzz for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and their growing role in marketing strategies. Dr. Xie and Dr. Muralidharan’s publication delves into the heart of the matter, and unpacks the fascinating relationship between consumer personality traits and their interaction with NFTs. Dr Xie notes that the forefront of her research is “the concept of Social Comparison Orientation (SCO) and how it shapes our perceptions of exclusivity, financial gains, and the overall NFT experience.”

Through rigorous experiments involving over 1,000 participants, Dr. Quan Xie uncovered the nuances of how NFT users make social comparisons. She often found that users gravitated towards branded NFTs that guaranteed both social prestige and economic benefits. The study notes that this subsequently impacted consumers’ experiential evaluations, willingness to purchase NFTs and brand loyalty.

“The allure of NFTs isn’t just in their uniqueness, but in the social and financial superiority they bestow.” This groundbreaking research, rooted in social comparison theory, offers brands a new lens to optimize their NFT marketing campaigns, driving both sales and loyalty.” – Dr. Quan Xie

Her next article was published in September in the International Journal of Advertising, a highly-ranked journal in the advertising discipline, and is titled, “Who will buy the idea of non-fungible token (NFT) marketing? Understanding consumers’ psychological tendencies and value perceptions of branded NFTs.” For this article, she once again worked alongside Dr. Sid Muralidharan but also garnered the help of Dr. Steve Edwards. Together they sought to better understand consumers’ psychological responses to branded NFTs, with a specific focus on Gen-Z and Millennials in the realm of blockchain technologies and the Metaverse.

This study was based on a robust U.S. sample of young participants and uncovered the core values driving these consumers towards acquiring and showcasing these digital assets.

“Our findings reveal the intricate web of information, unique, entertainment, and expressive values that stoke their desire for status consumption and inherent innovativeness, fueling positive word-of-mouth (WOM) for brands. Interestingly, for those financially constrained, the lure lies in the unique value that NFTs present, a crucial determinant for sparking positive WOM,” Dr. Xie noted.

Dr. Quan Xie’s work is not just about theory but also about practical implications. The research emphasizes how NFTs can be invaluable to both brands and consumers, bridging existing research gaps and offering real-world applications. This research can be applied in a variety of different ways and is relevant to marketers aiming to capture this vibrant demographic or even policymakers seeking insights. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the psychological play behind branded NFTs.

The most recent article was published on October 27th in the Journal of Interactive Advertising. Dr. Quan Xie, Dr. Sid Muralidharan, Dr. Steve Edwards, and Dr. Carrie La Ferle worked in collaboration to publish their research titled, “Unlocking the Power of Non-Fungible Token (NFT) Marketing: How NFT Perceptions Foster Brand Loyalty and Purchase Intention among Millennials and Gen-Z.”

Although this research focused on similar demographics, it explored the impact of the perceptions of branded NFTs on consumers attitudes and behaviors toward both the NFTs and the brand. The study used the technology acceptance model and the theory of reasoned action to explain how NFT perceptions influence evaluations, willingness to purchase, brand attitude, and ultimately brand loyalty and purchase intentions. This research represented one of the first empirical studies in this area.

Dr. Sid Muralidharan emphasizes the significance of their findings, saying,

“Dr. Quan’s timely research on NFTs provides insights on a burgeoning area of cryptocurrency. The resulting models stem from theory and highlight how NFTs can be invaluable to both brands and consumers. Not only do the studies address research gaps but offer real-world implications.”

The exploration of consumer perceptions regarding branded NFTs is a groundbreaking area of study. Dr. Quan Xie, along with her colleagues, has not only bridged research gaps but also offered a fresh perspective for marketers aiming to connect with the ever-evolving Gen-Z and Millennial audience. Their work highlights that branded NFTs are more than just digital collectibles; they hold the key to unlocking consumer engagement, brand loyalty, and a deeper understanding of the consumer mindset.

As the world of NFTs continues to expand, the research by the TAI team serves as a guide for businesses and policymakers. They have provided a comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive consumers towards branded NFTs, ultimately helping marketers tailor their strategies for better engagement. Their work highlighted the importance of NFTs in modern marketing and the evolving landscape of blockchain technology.

Advancing Advertising Strategies: Professors Unveil Research Findings at AAA National Conference

Written By: Amber Bormann (Graduate Student)

In the ever-evolving world of advertising, staying up-to-date with the latest research and insights is crucial for professionals seeking to create impactful campaigns.

Recently, two esteemed professors, Dr. Carrie La Ferle and Dr. Sid Muralidharan, from the Temerlin Advertising Institute (TAI), alongside Dr. Roth-Cohen, presented their groundbreaking research at the American Academy of Advertising’s annual National Conference in Clearwater, Florida.

Collaborating with Israeli Professor Dr. Roth-Cohen from Ariel University, their study explored the impact of religiosity and spirituality on subjective well-being (SWB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the distance and time differences they produced a successful study titled, “Exploring the Differential Effects of Religious and Spiritual Advertising Cues on Religious Jews and the Non-Religious: A Replication Study in Israel.”

Research Importance: Exploring Religiosity, Spirituality, and SWB

The study conducted by Drs. La Ferle, Muralidharan, and Roth-Cohen aimed to understand the role of religiosity and spirituality in enhancing SWB during the challenging times of the pandemic. While previous studies have emphasized the significance of religiosity in promoting well-being, the impact of spirituality remains underexplored. The researchers sought to fill this gap by examining the mediating role of spirituality in the relationship between religiosity and SWB.

By focusing on Israel, a country where Jewish spirituality is on the rise, the study explored the unique dynamics within this specific context. The findings not only shed light on the importance of religiosity in enhancing SWB but also highlighted the critical role of spirituality, particularly among low religious Jews.

There were challenges however. Dr. La Ferle noted that, “working with religious and spiritual ideas can be difficult due to the sensitive nature of these constructs, so you need to be extra careful in your writing. This is even more true when bringing religion and spirituality together with advertising.” There were also difficulties in translating the English survey to Hebrew and gathering funding. They are grateful to Ariel University, Meadows School of the Arts, TAI, and the Marriott Family Endowment for there generosity towards this project.

Key Findings and Implications for Health Messaging

The results of the study demonstrated that religiosity played a significant role in enhancing SWB, providing individuals with a sense of certainty and happiness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, spirituality was found to mediate the effect of religiosity on SWB, suggesting that it holds particular importance for low religious Jews.

These findings have crucial implications for health messaging in advertising, especially during global crises like the pandemic. Advertisers can leverage religious goals in their campaigns to effectively communicate with highly religious Jews, acknowledging the role of faith in providing comfort and coping mechanisms. Conversely, for individuals with low religious affiliations, focusing on spiritual goals in advertising can facilitate more effective health messaging.

Value for TAI Students and the Advertising Industry

The published research by Drs. La Ferle, Muralidharan, and Roth-Cohen holds significant value for students studying advertising at TAI. It demonstrates how theoretical knowledge is put into ‘academic’ practice and how advertising research can inform both academia and the industry while benefiting society and the marketplace. By understanding the practical applications of research findings, students can enhance their understanding of consumer behavior and develop more effective advertising strategies.

Moreover, this research keeps professors at the cutting edge of the advertising field, allowing them to bring fresh insights and excitement to their courses and students.

Additional Studies

In addition to this study, Drs. La Ferle, Muralidharan, and Roth-Cohen collaborated on a research paper on green advertising in the International Journal of Advertising that can be found here: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Who is the greenest of them all?” the impact of green advertising cues on generational cohorts

2023 ExxonMobil Lecture Series on Sustainability: Insights from Global Leader Maddy Kulkarni of PepsiCo

The 2023 ExxonMobil Lecture Series on Sustainability, hosted by the Temerlin Advertising Institute at SMU, is highly anticipated event each year. On Thursday, March 30th, students and industry professionals gathered at the Angelika Theater in Dallas, Texas to hear from a global leader in sustainability, Maddy Kulkarni, Global Marketing Director of Sustainability & Social Impact at PepsiCo.

Maddy Kulkarni - Sustainable Brands

During the lecture, Maddy discussed how she drives successful and socially responsible brands at PepsiCo, sharing insights from her book, “Social Impact Marketing: The Essential Guide for Changemakers.” She also highlighted the importance of marketing in driving both business and social impact and shared her experiences serving on the Advisory Board of Sustainable Brands and as PepsiCo’s liaison to the World Federation of Advertisers.

Maddy’s impressive background and expertise in sustainability and social impact made her a valuable speaker for this year’s ExxonMobil Lecture Series. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how businesses can use marketing to drive sustainability and how individuals can make a positive impact in their communities.

In addition to being a thought-provoking lecture, the ExxonMobil Lecture Series provided attendees with a valuable networking opportunity. Before and after the lecture, guests had the chance to mingle and connect with fellow sustainability enthusiasts, students, and industry professionals. Food and drinks were also available, creating a social and welcoming atmosphere for attendees to exchange ideas and build relationships.

This aspect of the event was particularly exciting for students, as it allowed them to connect with potential mentors and industry leaders in a more informal setting. For Dallas area professionals, it was an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and ideas in sustainability.

The Temerlin Advertising Institute at SMU continues to provide invaluable opportunities for students and professionals to learn about and engage with sustainability. Overall, the ExxonMobil Lecture Series on Sustainability with Maddy Kulkarni was a great success, not just as a lecture but also as a networking opportunity. We look forward to future events that bring together the sustainability community to continue driving positive change in our world.

An Retrospective Look at SXSW 2023

By Lo Moss and Sarah Jane Eckelkamp

Priming, Rhyming, Timing, and Other Marketing BS (*Behavioral Science)

Nancy Harhut, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer HBT Marketing

The first talk we attended during the week was with filled with valuable insights about consumer behavior and it’s impact on marketing, specifically in a digital space. This session focused on BS…Behavioral Science… and how the study of how people make decisions often comes down to default because our perceptions create our reality. Interestingly enough, sometimes, as marketers, we can shape perceptions using techniques like priming.

Priming, has to do with how the brain associates concepts, and it influences behavior. Priming can drive preference and spending. When it comes to using this technique, priming in terms of time has been found to be more valuable and personal. Focusing on time and experience seems to make consumers more willing to spend and less likely to experience the “pain of spending.” Choosing words and phrases that prime behavior takes consideration, research, and insights into how consumers make their decisions. She stated it’s been found that priming in terms of time is more valuable and personal and thus by focusing on these things in initial copy, the typical consumer will me more willing to spend money, and again, less willing to experience that cognitive dissonance and pain of spending…especially if it’s a product or service that doesn’t provide immediate gratification. Prime in introduction copy is also important in terms of pricing because the words and phrases we use shape expectations and perceptions.

Another key tool, with priming, is rhyming, because rhyming, according to Nancy’s research, makes thing seems more truthful, accurate, and credible because it’s easier for the human brain to process and thus “feels right.” For example, we all know a memorable and credible subject and headline can draw people in. Jingles are just rhymes set to music more often than not — think of Folger and Haribo.

We found several concepts within this talk that related and were extremely relevant to Dr. Alice Kendrick’s classes at the Temerlin Advertising Institute. She even has students to rhyming / song writing as an assignment to show how such acts can effect memory of concepts.

We learned that priming and rhyming effect cognitive fluency and that things like alliterations and similes can make this more credible, more memorable, and overall easier to understand. Word play can also help with creating a mental image, helping consumers envisions themselves with the product, especially when it’s not one that provides instant gratification.

Timing was the last major point of this sessions. Priming and rhyming won’t work if the timing is wrong. There are times when consumers are more open to marketing messaging and things like cusps can help prompt people, and salience can make a prompt more prominent. Temporal landmarks are also very important as they are periods that are transitional times or fresh starts. However, Nancy discussed that our future selves can often be strangers and therefore temporal discounting is also to be accounted for. If pay off in the future, for example: education, we have to overcome the need for instant gratification. Getting consumers to see themselves in a future scenario.

This was one of our favorite sessions of the entire weekend and a great way to kick off the week.

Key Takeaways:

  • People are more likely to do what you want them to if you use the right priming
  • Words with similar sound are more easily found because the brain like rhyming
  • New days and fresh starts are key. Though futures are hard to see. It’s all about the timing.

Ephemeral Trend Culture is Transforming Business

Lorry Destainville, Head of Global Partnerships – TikTok
Jamie Gilpin, Chief Marketing Officer- Sprout Social

Change is constant, and in the age of TikTok, trends are moving faster than we’ve ever seen. Now, it’s hard to look at the past for success measurement because of how fast things are changing, but these fast micro trends are a result of larger macro ones: emerging technology, increased consumer expectations, shift of power and control to the consumer. Social media, TikTok, is at the center of this, and marketers are challenged to keep up. We learned to understand that the goal is not the jump on trends, but rather to affluenly align your brand with them. With the speed of trends on TikTok, “anyone is invited” says Lorry, and true moments are able to be shown in a way that captures viewers attention…with the help of the heir sound on feature which hinders multitasking.

Despite the fast pace, there are sustainable ways to leverage trends. Simply leaving comments and knowing when to pass where two suggestions for how to leverage trends without investing big dollars. The power of comments is underutilized and a sustainable way to utilize quick moving trends.

Several grad students even had the opportunity to speak with Sprout CMO, Jamie Gilpin (pictured below). They asked her about her referring to TikTok videos as art and the future of search on social platforms.

Teaching Truth In The Era of Book Bans + Banned Books Library

Sumi Cho, Director- African American Policy Forum
Cierra Kaler-Jones, Executive Director- Rethinking Schools
Nelva Williamson, High School Teacher- Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy
Carleen Pickard, Advocacy & Activism Manager- Lush Cosmetics

This session was sponsored by Lush Cosmetics and was led by Carleen Pickard, the Advocacy and Activism Manager from Lush Cosmetics. The panel featured three speakers: Sumi Cho, Cierra Kaler-Jones, and Nelva Williamson.

The speakers emphasized the importance of freedom of choice in a democracy, and how book bans are antithetical to the way a democracy is supposed to function. The most impactful quote that stuck with us from this session was “not all books are for all kids”. This hits home to a core truth- it is imperative for kids to have access to a wide variety of reading material, and it is up to parents to discuss their own boundaries that they want to implement for their family. As a former teacher, I knew I wanted to go to this session and planned part of our day around it. Sarah Jane was not as familiar with this controversial topic as I was, with my background as a middle school teacher prior to starting the grad program at SMU. Sarah Jane learned a lot and was baffled by some of the arguments that parents and politicians put forward regarding books. We also visited the Banned Books Library, which is an art installation at the Austin Hilton designed by artist Karyn Holyk. The installation was truly beautiful and featured books wrapped in white paper, with some titles written on them and others remaining nameless. It highlighted the emphasis that we place on books and the importance of allowing access to materials. Sarah Jane and I both grew up as readers, as we were fortunate enough to have parents that encouraged us to explore the world around us and expand our horizons. We agreed that parents have a right to limit what their own child has access to, but they do not have the right to limit what other children have access to.

This session reminded us of the subject material taught in Dr. La Ferle’s class, Advertising As A Cultural Force. The ethics that come into play when dealing with book bans tie directly to the material we learn in the course. Additionally, the idea of regulation and governmental guidelines are a difficult topic to handle in general, much more so when it comes to education as a whole. For the most part, advertising is a self-regulatory field and requires involvement and “buy-in” from all of the players in the industry. We think that this could be a potential solution to the issues we see in the education field. Politicians and policymakers need to take direction from teachers, not the other way around. If the education system could regulate themselves while partnering with the communities around them, it would increase awareness as to the real issues that teachers face and facilitate real solutions.

Lush Future Shock; Handmade is Our Middle Name

Louise French, Strategy Director- The Future Laboratory
Anthony, Compounder- Lush Cosmetics

The Lush House was one of our favorite stops during SXSW. Each day, they had multiple sessions about a range of topics, including: Web3, ethical digital engagement, climate change, digital divestment, and civic participation. Our favorite session was “Future Shock: Handmade is our Middle Name”, where Anthony and Louise from Lush spoke on the value of handmade products in the face of an autonomous future. Anthony, one of the compounders at Lush, did a live demonstration of the process behind making a best-seller: “Angels on Bare Skin”, a face and body cleanser. Louise answered questions from the crowd regarding the future of Lush and her vision for the co-existence of handmade, artisanal products and the tech world. Everyone at the event got to take home a jar of the Angles on Bare Skin cleanser, and we even got to label and package the items ourselves. Sarah Jane and Lo were in the front row (of course) and answered a few questions from the hosts. The event was filmed, so who knows- you might see us on some Lush Cosmetics social channels very soon!

Porsche House


Porsche Collaborations Unseen offered several opportunities for speaking sessions and events this weekend, and we took advantage of several of them: Porsche x Finder, Porsche UX to DX, Porsche x Daniel Arsham. The Porsche UX to DX session was intriguing because they discussed how they use user feedback and consumer involvement to build their product. Not just social listening, but personal user listening that enables them to focus on driver experience, not user.

The Porsche x Daniel Arsham event was something Sarah Jane was extremely motivated to attend because Daniel Arsham has been one of her favorite artists for some time now. His work is inspired by decay, fossilization, and post-apocalyptic visions that have been modernized. His work with Porsche is extensive, but this event debuted his car, the Nebula, which was done in collaboration with Porsche and is Daniel’s take on how the car could have continued through the decades and evolved into a Y2K aesthetic era.

Other Activations and Exhibitions We Loved…

  • Patagonia
  • Dolby House
  • Audible Sound Studio
  • Plant Music Lounge by PlantWave
  • Slack
  • Have A Good Trip
  • Wonder House
  • Why a Great User Experience is Key to Advertising
  • LEGO Play Lounge
  • Future Collectibles: A Collective Effort to Bringing Luxury Goods to Web3

TAI TAKES HOME 26 AWARDS AT THE 2023 DALLAS ADDY’S

Written By: Amber Bormann

 

 

 

 

 

 

On March 1st, SMU students took home 26 awards: 9 Gold, 16 Silver, and the Student Best of Show.

This is the fourth year in a row that SMU has won Best of Show at the American Advertising Federation Dallas ADDY awards (and the fifth out of the last six years). Pictured here are this year’s Best of Show Winners Roshan Gupta & Kayla Hanrahan accepting their award at the show.

“We’ve had an incredible run over the past few years. In 2021 and 2022 we broke records (that we set) for the overall number of ADDY wins in this competition (30). But this year we took home more Gold ADDYs than ever (9),” advertising professor, Mark Allen, noted. “And I think this is telling because, not only are we producing a lot of great work from year to year, but the amount of truly exceptional work coming out of our program seems to be increasing.”

The work presented ranged from designs of students’ personal business cards to ad campaign projects for existing companies with creative projects across different forms of media.

Since all of the awards received were Silver and above, every entry will move forward to compete in the District 10 competition, which is one of the most competitive districts in the country. There they will compete against Gold and Silver winners from other schools in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

The Dallas Addys is a highly competitive competition, which means that a lot of other impressive work from students didn’t get in. Allen noted that “several campaigns that didn’t get into the ADDYs won in other prominent competitions like the Graphis International New Talent Annual and the DSVC National Student Show.” Keep an eye on our social media pages to see more of the winning work. The Temerlin School is very proud of the work of all their students and congratulations to all the ADDY winners listed below:

WINNING WORK

BEST OF SHOW / Smart Sweets / Roshan Gupta & Kayla Hanrahan

GOLD / Light Phone / Television / Tessa Conti & Natalie Castillo

GOLD / Band-Aid / Social Media / Tessa Conti & Avery LeVoyer

GOLD / Letterboxd / Magazine / Alexa May & Anika Crouser

GOLD / Grammarly / Cross-Platform / Hernandez & Meriel Upton

GOLD / Smart Sweets / Cross-Platform / Roshan Gupta & Kayla Hanrahan

GOLD / Pretty Litter / Out Of Home Poster / Brooke Betik & Megan Ferm

GOLD / Smart Sweets / Copywriting / Roshan Gupta & Kayla Hanrahan

GOLD / Future of Sex Ed / Out-Of-Home / Natalie Castillo & Olivia Porsch

GOLD / Heidenreich Business Card / Stationery / Sophie Heidenreich

SILVER / Marek Business Card / Stationery / Siena Marek

SILVER / Neuro / Social Media / Avery LeVoyer & Olivia Porsch

SILVER / Neuro / Online/Interactive / Avery LeVoyer & Olivia Porsch

SILVER / Sriracha / Cross-Platform / Daniela Villegas & Timmy Chae

SILVER / Uptown Cheapskate / Cross-Platform / Juan Silva & Blake Lyster

SILVER / IcyHot PRO / Cross-Platform / Tessa Conti & Anika Crouser

SILVER / Light Phone / Cinematography / Tessa Conti & Natalie Castillo

SILVER / Tile / Magazine / Sophie Heidenreich & Natalie Castillo

SILVER / Tile / Art Direction / Sophie Heidenreich & Natalie Castillo

SILVER / Tile / Cross-Platform / Sophie Heidenreich & Natalie Castillo

SILVER / Peko / Integrated Brand Identity Campaign / Siena Marek

SILVER / Hawkers / Logo Design / Delaney Gendron

SILVER / Miralax / Cross-Platform / Sophie Heidenreich & Emily Elhilow

SILVER / Lumē / Cross-Platform / Alexa May & Megan Ferm

SILVER / Dramamine / Outdoor & Transit / Olivia Hernandez & Meriel Upton

SILVER / Miralax / Outdoor & Transit / Sophie Heidenreich & Emily Elhilow

Brand Integration at SXSW

SMU Advertising Seniors: Alan Sarieddine and  Alex Daly-Hill

Throughout our experience at SXSW we attended multiple activations, conferences, and events highlighting not only brands products and services, but the movements they are working on curating. The most prominent examples during SXSW involved brands integrating themselves with their communities based on their mission and story. Increasingly, consumers are more conscious than ever about the brands they choose to support. They want to know more than just what a company is selling; rather what they stand for, their values, personality, and how they are making a positive impact on the world. Brands that can effectively communicate their mission and story have a better chance of building a loyal following and gaining market share.

RokuCity embodied the chaos of SXSW with a 3 floor funhouse, where the visitor is transported into a physical representation of the TV software. Entering in groups, you follow a circuit of rooms, with numerous branded photo opportunities, merchandise, food and accessories including temporary tattoos, face jewels, and purple hair extensions. Throughout this experience there is no mention of the product, until the final room where you land at a living room, followed by an open top garden for a chance to socialize and relax. The event conveyed the personality of Roku, and made a lasting impression on visitors regarding their values, and identity. At no point was the product, price, or details mentioned, however recall for the product, product placement inside, and opportunities for earned media is bountiful.

Porsche, as expected , presented a showcase of car displays; an electric 911, concept future card, SXSW livery model, and an inflatable duck-embedded white 911. However, that ultimately was not the primary focus of Porsche’s house. The car brand used these models as excellent props to gather people at their convention, encourage photo taking, and direct ears to their rolling schedule of  presenters who detailed the projects Porsche are working with outside of automobiles, and the other brands and products they’re utilizing and learning from. While select visitors may be encouraged to purchase the car, this was not the sole purpose of the convention so they didn’t focus the car specifics but instead shared the ideas, and knowledge valuable to them. Speakers and shows highlighted the roles Porsche plays in the Arts, Tech and Corporate spheres, and what the brand does besides producing cars.

At the heart of Rainey Street, a University of Texas cookout featuring live music, free barbecue, photo booths, and alumni centers took center stage. Utilizing the prominent attributes of the university and state, visitors were temporarily welcomed into the school’s family, mixing with alumni, staff, and enjoying student driven entertainment through exhibits and music. Like Porsche and Roku, no mentions of the schools cost, reputation, ranking or life is displayed or explicit, rather the atmosphere and intangible qualities of the event are the star of the show. As SXSW is a 21+ event, it is unlikely that prospective students visited this location, however the earned media distributed worldwide post event from family members, friends, & scholarly connections to young academics is invaluable. It also offers an open ‘university’ style event for individuals who haven’t experienced an american, or southern campus, creating a unique touchpoint for potential future consumers.

One of the key benefits of integrating a brand’s mission and story into its marketing efforts is that it allows the company to connect with consumers on a deeper level. By sharing their values and beliefs it can build a sense of community with their customers and create a more emotional connection. This, in turn, can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy. By doing so it help it can also help to differentiate the brand from its competitors. In many industries, products and services can be commoditized, making it difficult for companies to stand out. Focusing on values and beliefs can create a unique identity that sets them apart from the competition. For those willing to make the effort, the rewards can be significant.

In conclusion, the trend of promoting a brand’s mission and story over its products at events like SXSW is a reflection of the changing expectations of consumers, and the recall an experience evokes over a traditional presentation, or advertisement. Ideas and movements, over pieces and products took center stage at SXSW in a world where identity is no longer cache, but the main attribute. Brands that can effectively communicate their mission and story have a better chance of building a loyal following and gaining market share. While it can be challenging to integrate a brand’s mission and story into its marketing efforts, the rewards can be significant for those that are willing to make the effort.