Marking a Milestone in Hispanic Marketing.

The Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) and Pioneers of Hispanic media and marketing in the United States will gather this Tuesday to reflect on more than 50 years of an industry-in-the-making and celebrate the future of what corporate marketing agencies view as a business imperative. Passionate trailblazers battled misperceptions, small budgets and prejudice at times to achieve the impossible. Overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, they established themselves in the U.S. marketing and media industry and, in the process, created what is today a $5 billion-plus industry segment. Join them as they share their stories, and learn how today’s leaders are breaking new ground in U.S. Hispanic advertising.

Press conference and cocktail reception in celebration of the past decade in Hispanic Marketing as AHAA turns 10

Hear firsthand from the pioneers of Hispanic marketing about the past, present and future state of the industry.

· Hector Orci, first chairman of AHAA and Hispanic marketing pioneer, and chairman of La Agencia de Orci & Asociados in Los Angeles, speaks about the evolution of marketing to Latinos and the bottom line results for marketers. How have marketing strategies progressed over the decade and since he started in marketing with Procter & Gamble?

· Carl Kravetz, AHAA chairman and chairman/chief strategic officer of cruz/kravetz:IDEAS, reveals a landmark initiative for the U.S. Hispanic marketing community and addresses the changing face of the Latino consumer: young, U.S.-born Latinos.

Immediately following the press conference is a cocktail reception in celebration of the milestones achieved in marketing to the largest minority group in the United States.

AHAA celebrates its 10th anniversary by paying tribute to the innovative industry leaders and their triumphant moments that set the foundation for the association and the profession to thrive. AHAA, which began with nearly a dozen U.S. Hispanic agencies a decade ago, today boasts 100 agency members and more than 70 associate members representing 98 percent of the Hispanic advertising community and more than $5 billion in Hispanic advertising spending. The mission of AHAA is to grow, strengthen and protect the Hispanic marketing and advertising industry by providing leadership in, and raising awareness of, the value of Hispanic market opportunities. The association strives to enhance the professionalism of the industry and creates educational experiences to foster the spirit and dedication prevalent within Hispanic agencies.

“AHAA encourages future generations of pioneers who will explore new territory in Hispanic marketing and chart a new course for our industry,” says Carl Kravetz, chairman of AHAA. “Years of hard work, perseverance and dedication have brought us to a place in history most only dreamed about, and it is AHAA’s pledge to continue to make the vision of our forerunners a reality.”