Organizations

José López-Varela, chairman of the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA), recently tapped several of the organization’s members to lead an initiative designed to unify agencies, research companies and online publishers and deliver more precise Hispanic market online data. Members of the newly formed AHAA Online Measurement Task Force met for the first time in New York, NY in November to discuss the issues and next steps.

At a meeting of the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) Board of Directors on November 7th, Roberto Orcí, president of Acento, was unanimously selected by fellow agency leaders to fill a board member vacancy in the western region.

The Association of National Advertisers today announced the finalists for the 2008 Multicultural Excellence Awards. Now in its eighth year, the awards recognize ANA member companies and marketers for their work in producing superior multicultural advertising campaigns that ran between June 2007 and May 2008.

José López-Varela, Chairman of the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA), announced the appointment of Esther Novak, founder and CEO of VanguardComm – a New Jersey-based multi-cultural marketing communications firm – to the board of directors of AHAA.

In April, José López-Varela announced the creation of the AHAA PPM Advisory Council, designed to explore industry issues and opportunities surrounding Arbitron’s Portable People Meter (PPM), the new electronic radio broadcast measurement system. The AHAA Advisory Council comprises representatives from various AHAA member agencies, Hispanic Radio Broadcasters and Arbitron.

Hispanics are growing in numbers and stature in the U.S. and Latino influence is changing the complexion of American culture. The advertising and marketing industry is no exception.

In a rousing, star-studded, three-day event, the Hispanic-specialized marketing industry will explore the dynamics of leadership in all areas of our society and the link to the opportunities and what is occurring daily in agencies creating advertising targeted to Latinos.

Recognizing the transformation taking place in the marketing landscape, the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) has added a new category to its annual Multicultural Excellence Awards to highlight work in digital media. Entries are now being accepted, and winners will be announced at the ANA’s 10th Annual Multicultural Marketing Conference, November 16-18 in Boca Raton, FL.

Three young Hispanic advertising professionals received top honors among their peers Friday at the 24th Semi-Annual Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies Conference. Launched last year, the Hispanic Media Buying and Planning Rising Star competition recognizes the boldly creative and emerging talent in the media buying and planning discipline within Hispanic marketing agencies.

Jackie Bird, chairwoman of the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) and president/CEO of Winglatino, stepped down from her association post in the annual transition of leadership to a new executive on Friday. Jose Lopez-Varela, CEO of ADN Communications in Miami will spearhead the efforts of the Hispanic advertising industry during the coming year in his new role as AHAA chairman.