It’s with immense pride that TAI announces the monumental achievement of our creative students at the prestigious Graphis International New Talent Annual. They have outdone themselves, placing an astonishing 54 campaigns in the competition, surpassing our previous record of 40. This accomplishment is not just a milestone for us, it’s a recognition of the exceptional talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication of our students and faculty.
The Graphis International New Talent Annual is renowned for its rigorous competition, attracting entries from universities across the globe. Yet, every single student from both of our creative cohorts won at least one award each, and some as many as ten, an unprecedented achievement! Our success at the Dallas ADDYs last month was only the start of a great awards season.
“This is just the beginning of an amazing run this Spring with the DSVC National Student Show and Young Ones just around the corner.” – Mark Allen
Our students’ achievements will also garner recognition on an international stage. Gold and Silver winners will have the honor of their work being featured in the hard-back annual due for release this summer. Those who earned Honorable Mentions will find their names and project descriptions commemorated in the back of the same volume.
For anyone looking to celebrate these achievements or draw inspiration from these amazing works, we encourage you to pre-order a copy of the New Talent 2024 here.
Congratulations again to all the students, as well as professors Mark Allen, Willie Baronet, and Cheryl Mendenhall, for their extraordinary achievements. As we look forward to the upcoming showcases and competitions, we are excited to see what our talented cohorts will accomplish next.
Full list of awards:
Graphis International New Talent Annual // 2024
GOLD
Oreophoria / Maddie Otero and Savanna Hodes
Silva Auri Logo / Juan Silva
Alzheimer’s Association / Maddie Otero
1Password / Roshan Gupta and Kayla Hanrahan
Open AI / Timothy Chae and Savanna Hodes
Amtrak / Timothy Chae and Blake Lyster
SILVER
BANYA Logo / Savanna Hodes
The Woods Logo / Savanna Hodes
Give Hugz Stuffed Animals Logo / Savanna Hodes
Maison Margiela REPLICA Fragrances / Morgan Martinez and Delaney Gendron
Skout’s Honor Pet Odor Eliminator / Helena Hargraves
Mountain House Camping Meals / Emma Clarke
Zildjian Cymbals / Timothy Chae and Ethan Jones
Fender / Kailyn Sawhny and Helena Hargraves
Insomnia Cookies / Ross Yenerich
Seedlip / Callie Oden and Emma Clarke
Evite / Caroline Davis and Blake Lyster
Hipcamp / Tyler Chapman and Linh Vu
Liquid IV / Nicole Zimmer and Andrea Torroni
AT&T It Can Wait / Roshan Gupta
L’Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanner / Blake Lyster and Morgan Martinez
Shakespeare Pizza Logo / Ethan Jones
Drunk Elephant / Kaitlyn Blan and Caroline Davis
Mejuri / Roshan Gupta and Morgan Martinez
Edible Arrangements / Savanna Hodes
Smartwater / Juan Silva and Delaney Gendron
Truth Initiative / Anti-Vaping PSA / Spencer Hogan, Bella Mac and Allie Weinstein
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter (Print) / Roshan Gupta and Maddie Otero
Allianz Travel Insurance / Sydney Sam and Hannah Jacobbe
QuietOn / Ethan Jones and Atenas Vijil
Runderwear / Callie Oden
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter (TV) / Roshan Gupta and Maddie Otero
FTND Pull Back From Porn / Tyler Chapman
Unite America / Morgan Martinez
HONORABLE MENTION
Womanizer Logo / Morgan Martinez
Tuft & Paw / Morgan Martinez
Cry Wolf Logo / Morgan Martinez
Martinez Business Card / Morgan Martinez
Waze Logo / Kaitlyn Blan
Roshan Ocean Business Card / Roshan Gupta
Plan Blake Business Card / Blake Lyster
Stickermule / Juan Silva and Ethan Jones
ELF Cosmetics Logo / Juan Silva
Lovense Adult Toys Logo / Kaitlyn Blan
Acorns (Integrated) Maddie Otero & Morgan Martinez
Venmo /Juan Silva & Kaitlyn Blan
KILZ Primer / Spencer Hogan
RESY / Kayla Hanrahan and Savanna Hodes
Harry Potter World / Emma Georghakis and Will McKinnie
SXSW, short for South by Southwest, is an annual week-long event in Austin, Texas featuring sessions from countless industry professionals, film premiers, a creative expo, brand activations, comedy shows, music festivals, and more. Since it began in 1987 it has grown into one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the world for professionals from various industries.
Apart from it’s music festival, SXSW is especially renowned for its conference component, which covers a wide range of topics that include advertising, technology, film, music, and culture, featuring keynote speakers, panels, workshops, mentor meetings, and networking events.
Each year, Temerlin Advertising Institute sends a group of undergraduate and graduate students to Austin as part of a Special Topics class during the beginning of SMU Spring Break. The students are able to attend lectures on advertising trends, emerging technologies, and many of their other interests while also interacting with specific brands through their activations and experiencing first-hand how they use experiential marketing.
Get a quick glimpse at a day in the life at SXSW by checking out this video by TAI undergrads Samantha Brewster and Ava Ingram:
Some Top Sessions:
Although there were so many amazing sessions that it was hard to just choose a few, below are some of my favorite sessions from SXSW:
Beyond the Buzz: Navigating Hype Cycles in Advertising:
Led by Noor Naseer, the VP of Media Innovations and Technology at Basis Technologies, this session focused on understanding and effectively managing the lifecycle of trends within the advertising industry. The core idea revolves around the “hype cycle,” a concept that describes the typical progression of a new technology or trend, from its initial overenthusiasm through a period of disillusionment, and eventually to a more sustainable level of productivity and impact.
Consumers scroll 300ft per day which adds us to almost 21 miles a year. They are always looking for something new and novel. This includes places, people, products/services, ideas, etc. A lot of brand hype is often focused around a brand founder, more than the product itself because they serve as a “hype man.” People love a good story. But the most important part is timing. If you are too early with a product or service, you lose time and money, if you are late, others will grasp the lions share of the benefit.
The goal of this session was to help advertisers decern fleeting trends from those with long-term potential, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in this process. Some tangible ways to do this include using market signals, analyzing consumer behavior, and using tech and AI to predict which trends will stick. Additionally, Noor discussed the impact of hype cycles on marketing strategies, budget allocation, and the broader implications for brand positioning and consumer engagement.
Building Brands in the Unhappiness Era:
This session was a panel discussion with executives form Spanx, Olipop, and DailyPay where they discussed creating joy and building measurable increases in people’s wellbeing. It tackled the challenges and strategies for brand building in times marked by widespread consumer unhappiness and distrust. This era is characterized by economic uncertainties, political turmoil, social injustices, and environmental crises, which have collectively led to a decline in consumer optimism and trust in institutions, including brands.
The session explores how brands can navigate this complex landscape by adopting more empathetic, transparent, and value-driven communication strategies rather than continuing the negative narrative. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of consumer unhappiness and engaging with audiences in ways that demonstrate genuine commitment to making positive changes. Key themes include the shift from traditional advertising to more meaningful storytelling, the role of social responsibility in brand identity, and the need for authenticity in consumer engagement.
Spanx discussed the increase in responsibilities of working women over the past few years and how there is stressed caused by trying to keep up with it all. They try to create a solution to this by providing confidence inspiring clothing that can transition with working women throughout the day no matter their task. Olipop discussed the biology behind microbiomes and how there may be scientific reasons why people feel bad. They created their product to help solve this. DailyPay tackled the issue of financial uncertainty or anxiety by creating a product that helps people get paid what they have earned on their own terms.
Overall strategies discussed in the session involve leveraging data and insights to better understand consumer needs and expectations, fostering community and belonging through brand initiatives, and using technology and innovation to address societal challenges. The session also highlights the importance of internal culture in external brand perception, suggesting that brands must embody their values at every level of operation to build trust and loyalty with today’s skeptical consumers.
Ultimately, “Building Brands in the Unhappiness Era” provided a roadmap for brands to thrive by aligning with the values and concerns of their audiences, demonstrating a commitment to societal well-being, and finding the delicate balance between profitability and purpose in order to create consumer lifetime value.
Play as Brand Strategy:
This discussion with leaders from Adobe, Lyft, xDisney, and Cogs & Marvel focused on the innovative concept of integrating playfulness into branding and marketing strategies. This approach advocates for leveraging the intrinsic human love for play to create more engaging, memorable, and emotionally resonant brand experiences. The core idea revolved around the notion that when brands incorporate elements of fun, interactivity, and entertainment into their interactions with consumers, they can foster stronger connections, enhance customer loyalty, and differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.
Key topics covered in the session include the psychological underpinnings of why play is a powerful tool for engagement, examples of brands that have successfully implemented play into their marketing strategies, and practical tips for businesses looking to infuse play into their branding. The session also explores the balance between maintaining a professional brand image while introducing playful elements, ensuring that these strategies align with the brand’s values and audience expectations.
Some of the ways that play that can be utilized include gamification, interactive advertisements, experiential marketing events, and social media challenges. The discussion emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in developing play-based branding strategies, as well as measuring the effectiveness of these initiatives through customer engagement metrics and feedback.
The ultimate goal is to provide consumers a place where they feel safe to mess up, where they can collaborate, and feel free, transformed, and rewarded for their time and engagement with the brand.
Activations:
Apart from the sessions there were also a number of super fun activations that TAI students were able to attend. Here are a few:
Sharpie x Papermate:
This activation took over an entire bar on Rainey Street. Visitors who attended were able to use the new Papermate and sharpie pens to draw on the walls, decorate coasters, hats, and bags, and even write personalized postcards to send to their friends and family. You were able to design our own drinks, using the many fun colors, and the bartenders would make your drink based on what you drew. There was also a fun patio area with various activities and a DJ.
Paramount+ Lodge
Taking over another bar on Rainey Street, the Paramount+ activation built up an additional two stories on top of the existing structure that housed various photo ops that were based on shows and movies on Paramount+. The overarching theme was based around a ski lodge feel and visitors were each given a badge when they entered that was made to feel like an exclusive VIP pass.
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LaCroix:
A bit of a walk from downtown, the La Croix house had a fun, summery atmosphere that had many photo ops, a live DJ, a bar to get your own LaCroix mocktail, and workers dressed in cute tennis outfits. Outside you could play in a ballpit pool, play cornhole, or just sit at a table and enjoy a refreshing water. They gave away cute tote bags, pop sockets, keychains, and more.
The Delta Lounge:
Taking over an upscale restaurant, stepping into The Delta Lounge was stepping into extravagance. Visitors were given two drink tickets and were able to sit anywhere at nice tables and booths where they were waited on by Delta staff. You could order delicious, chef-curated bites of their menu, and even grab a Starbucks drink from a corner booth where they featured flavors that could only be found in other countries. They also gave out tote bags, sweatshirts, hats and other fun goodies.
Celebrity Sightings:
There were also a few celebrity sightings at SXSW. These included but were not limited to:
Ryan Gosling on the red carpet at the Fall Guy movieJulie Bowen, in a session on brands leveraging celebrities for impactElijah Wood recording a live episode of his podcast, VisitationsSelena Gomez in a session on mental health discussing her brand, WonderMind
Tips and tricks:
This was my first year attending SXSW and one of the first things I would say when people asked me how it was would be, “overwhelming.” I stand by that. There is so much to do and see that it can be hard to decide where to go. The days can fill up fast, time flies, and you suddenly realize your feet are tired, only to check your phone and realize that you have walked over 7 miles that day without realizing it.
There is a bit of a learning curve, but a few days in, you get the hang of it. Here are a few tips and tricks I wish I would have had going in.
Plan Ahead: Before SXSW starts, take time to review the schedule and map out the sessions, panels, and events you want to attend. They will often be in different hotels or ballrooms so make sure that you plan to have travel time between. Some events and activations are only happening for a few days too, so make sure you take a look at the timing and prioritize so you don’t miss out.
TheSXSW app is a great tool for keeping track of your itinerary and any updates or changes to the schedule. It will also show you on the day of if a session is still open, filling up, or if it is full. This can help you know if you need to hurry up or if it isn’t worth it to walk across town anymore.
Download your schedule to your phone. Online and through the SXSW app, you can star your favorite sessions and events and build your personalized schedule. Once you have done this, you can download your schedule to your apple or google calendar and it will include the event info, times, and locations. This is super helpful for blocking out your schedule, especially when some events overlap or go all day. (I learned this after inputting it all manually for the first few days.)
SXXpress Pass. Some of the more popular SXSW sessions will have an option to claim a SXXpress pass. This pass will guaranty your entry to the session and allow you to go to a separate line that puts you in the front of the queue. The passes get released at 9am the day before the session and can be claimed on a first come-first served basis. So make sure you plan your sessions two days in advance and have your tabs open and ready for when you wake up in the morning in order to have the best chance of getting them.
Check-in: If you are coming into town on Friday, there is a late check in station. I highly recommend going in the evening instead of waiting to go in the morning. There was no line when we went and we heard that the lines were awful in the convention center the next morning. Also, be sure to fill out your profile and upload a profile picture ahead of time that is cropped to be like a headshot or ID photo. If you don’t have a photo or if it is not a clear photo of your face, you will have to take one there on their webcam… and trust me, the lighting won’t do you any favors.
Be Flexible: While it’s important to have a plan, some of the best SXSW experiences come from spontaneous decisions. Be open to changing your schedule based on recommendations from other attendees, intriguing events you learn about on site, or random pop ups or food stations you may just accidentally walk by.
Dress Comfortably: You’ll likely be on your feet and moving between venues throughout the day. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Check your weather app daily to know if you should pack an umbrella, etc. You don’t have to dress super professional, but make sure you are confident in what you are wearing because you never know who could be standing in a line next to you. Also, I recommend packing a light jacket or sweater to have with you because the temperature in the sessions vary and sometimes it may be a bit chilly.
Stay Charged: With long days and heavy use of your phone for scheduling, navigation, and social media, make sure you have a portable charger and a wall charger. (I forgot mine and I definitely regretted it.) There are some charging stations that can be found throughout SXSW but I wouldn’t rely on them.
Network Effectively: SXSW is a prime networking opportunity with professionals from a wide range of industries in attendance. Don’t be shy to introduce yourself and exchange contact information. Follow up with new connections after the festival to maintain those relationships. If you can, I would recommend having business cards on hand, or setting up a virtual business card in an app like HiHello that people can scan and exchange information with you.
Take Breaks: The pace of SXSW can be exhausting and use a lot of your social battery, so it’s important to take breaks to rest and recharge for yourself. Find quiet spots to relax during the day or take a night to turn in early and get solid sleep.
Explore Beyond Your Field: With such a diverse range of sessions and events, SXSW is the perfect time to explore topics outside your primary area of interest. You might discover new insights or innovations that could apply to your own field.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: There are people handing out drinks or snacks all over the city. Make sure you are grabbing them when you see them. But make sure to drink plenty of water, not just cocktails and energy drinks, and have snacks on hand. Keeping hydrated and fueled will help you maintain your energy levels throughout the festival.
Takeaways:
Overall SXSW is highly recommended by everyone who went. It is such a fun and unique opportunity to experience new things and learn from top industry professionals. We were able to take away many insights that have already been implemented into student campaigns in various classes. The experience was invaluable.
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 & Helena 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
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.”
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.
Temerlin Advertising Institute Presents Annual Sustainability Lecture, The Decade of the Mexican Avocado, Featuring Alvaro Luque, President & CEO of Avocados From Mexico.
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.
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.
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.
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
Event marketing is valuable for creating buzz, gaining brand awareness, and building relationships between brands and consumers. This past weekend, various brands took the initiative to capitalize on this at SXSW by hosting brand activations. At many of these activations, brands gave away merchandise, provided photo opportunities, drinks, food, samples and more. These events are uniquely valuable as consumers get to see the brand come to life by experiencing all their interactive offerings, fostering a true connection with the brand. Because attendees can easily connect with the brand on a personal level, they find it easy and almost organic to post their experiences on social media promoting the brand maximizing their reach to not just SXSW but to all attendees’ followers as well.
Throughout the weekend, we attended events hosted by Lush, Paramount +, Dolby, Roku, UT Austin, and more. The most exciting event that we attended was Roku. The purple logo up and coming TV brand rented a multi-story building and turned the space into “Roku City.” Each room had a different theme, making us feel like we were experiencing Roku City in a modern, magical version of real time. The actors in each room were highly animated and unbelievably engaging, never breaking character. Overall, the event was incredibly captivating and has even remained a topic of conversation throughout the weekend because of how unexpected and whimsical the experience was.
Although the Roku event was exciting and unique, the user experience before the event could have been better. The bouncers outside the venue were aggressive, creating negative energy while waiting to attend the event. Additionally, the event only allowed four people in at once to make the experience feel personal. While the intimate numbered group received lots of one one attention inside, it created a long waiting time for people outside in the middle of the street causing traffic, ultimately taking away from the user experience.
This weekend we saw first-hand that in advertising sometimes wait times are unavoidable due to the personable connection we are trying to build with the consumer, however failing to provide an enjoyable captivating experience from start to finish is avoidable. The sound software system Dolby also struggled with this issue of extreme wait times however by the second day the brand had developed a quicker line system showing the importance of editing and being flexible with events in order to satisfy the consumer. Apart from making real time event changes, the Dolby event allowed attendees to sit inside a luxury car inviting them to sit back, relax, and imagine themselves driving with the surreal surround sound. Representatives from the Dolby team were in the vehicle to explain the engineering and technology behind the system to groups of threes. This was a very unique, personal, and exciting experience for both the brand and the consumer. Despite the wait times, Dolby welcomed consumers into various other rooms and even had a chicken and waffle car while consumers were waiting. Dolby provided a seamless, engaging experience start to finish as they interacted with the consumer before, during, and even after the event completing the entire consumer journey positively. The way to truly captivate the consumer is to establish a level of connection from the very first minute you reach them to the very end.
Finally, Paramount + hosted a fantastic event throughout the weekend. Paramount + rented a large venue with multiple floors and various activities. This event was the best because there were many options of things to do, thus creating a more manageable flow throughout the experience. Each section of the event promoted a different show or movie on Paramount +. There were many photo opportunities, and fabulous specialty cocktails that matched the themes of the promoted films. Also, the Paramount experience was outstanding as they had fun activities that were not strictly related to any movie or show in specific as well. These activities included basketball, painting vinyl records, henna tattoos, and more. This created a fun and uplifting atmosphere and encouraged attendees to stay at the Paramount event for a long time.
Overall, this weekend was filled with fun and exciting brand activations. It was great to participate in these activations and see how event marketing can be utilized. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about these brands, bonding with one another, and learning more about the world of advertising and brand activations.
The week of October 24, 2022, over 150 CMOs and business leaders joined together in Orlando, Florida, as a force for growth and good. This is the first time the entire council has met in person in three years.
Dr. Carrie La Ferle of the Temerlin Advertising Institute (sitting first row 2nd from right) and an expert in Culture & Ethics was in attendance helping to shape initiatives for the year ahead.
Below are the actions agreed to be taken in 2023 by the ANA’s Global CMO Growth Council.
SUSTAINABILITY: When we focus on driving growth in ways that are good for the environment, consumers will reward us, which will drive the economy.
TALENT: Our goal is to affect 50,000 marketers and 50,000 students in 2023.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): Multicultural market growth represents the single most significant opportunity for business growth today.
Humanized Brand Growth: A shift from referencing B2C or B2B with a preference for B4H (Brands for Humans). Growth comes from brands acting in a human-centric way – creating real value to address human needs in innovative ways for the people they serve.
These initiatives will help the industry work together to change habits and systems that limit market growth, including those damaging our planet. As many on the council believe, advertisers and marketers have the power to reach a lot of people, but with power comes responsibility. As La Ferle sums it up “we have a responsibility to use our tools over the people we serve and the environment we live in for growth and good, resulting in a win for all.”
