Got some news you’d like to share with others? You can promote upcoming
special events. Boast about some award your firm just won. Highlight a new client.
Or, simply tell the world about a new hire or promotion. Send your press releases
to Big Shoes Network at pr@bigshoesnetwork.com
and we’ll post ‘em as soon as we can. Thank you.
Illinois
Peoria Ad Club to host ADDY Award Gala on February 16, 2012[Posted: 2/3/2012]
Heavy hors d'oeuvres = 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Cash Bar = 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Cost is $30 per person which includes two drink tickets. Gold winners will be announced and on full display. Read More 
LMA Midwest to host "Your Honor Awards" on February 29, 2012[Posted: 1/30/2012]
The LMA Midwest Your Honor Awards distinguish Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri or Wisconsin law firms, law-related organizations and service providers who have set new standards for innovation in finding, developing and retaining profitable business. Read More 
IABC/Chicago Offers "Making Ethics Sexy" on February 15, 2012[Posted: 1/30/2012]
How do you make seemingly dry topics engaging? At times, everyone is faced with having to communicate topics, projects or required actions that may not be viewed as positive, interesting or necessary … such as compliance reminders and mandatory training. However, any topic can be engaging and influence behaviors by using some creativity and humor. Read More 
AAF Northern Illinois Invites You to the "2012 ADDY Celebration" on February 23, 2012[Posted: 1/27/2012]
Celebrate the best advertising creative from the Rockford market with a gallery of the entries and an awards show to honor the winners, hosted by Eric Wilson from WREX TV. $38 admission includes Hors d'ouerves and cash bar. Read More 
Chicago Interactive Social Club's 1st Annual Valentine’s Day Event on February 16, 2012[Posted: 1/25/2012]
Please join the Chicago Interactive Social Club for our 1st Annual Valentine’s Day Event, Thursday February 16th at The Mid (306 North Halsted St.), 8PM sharp! To celebrate this monumental event we’re going all out and bringing CISC After Dark! We've got a special night plan with lots of surprises so stay tuned! Read More 
Chicago Association of Direct Marketing offers 2012 CADM Basic Course on February 9, 2012[Posted: 1/23/2012]
Let’s get down to basics. The world of direct marketing is constantly changing, but the most powerful force for your success in the industry will always be knowledge. During our much-lauded 11-week hands-on course, you'll learn tried-and-true basics like planning, strategy and database marketing. Plus the latest and greatest strategies and techniques for classic direct marketing media like Direct Mail and Direct Response TV plus new media like Social, Twitter, Blogs and Mobile. Read More 
AIGA Chicago's Small Talk to highlight Michael Renaud of Pitchfork on February 7, 2012[Posted: 1/23/2012]
AIGA Chicago Small Talks are designed to be intimately scaled events that offer attendees the opportunity to learn about business practices, view work, and experience environments to local studios and firms first-hand. Join us for our first Small Talk of 2012 with a visit to the studio of Pitchfork's Art Director, Michael Renaud. Read More 
PRSA Chicago offers the "3rd Annual Predictions Panel" on February 21, 2012[Posted: 1/23/2012]
What's Ahead in 2012 for our industry? What can we learn from last year's events, issues and PR moments? Please join us for our annual predictions panel on February 21 as industry leaders convene to talk about the year ahead for communicators around the world. Read More 
Publicity Club of Chicago to feature "An Interview with Carol Marin" on February 8, 2012[Posted: 1/18/2012]
When a major story hits Chicago, there’s one question on most people’s minds: What does Carol Marin think about that? Whether it’s on TV, in print or on social media, Carol is probably Chicago’s most sought-after journalist. In an interview with Thom Clark, president of Community Media Workshop, Carol will discuss her work and the role public relations plays in the multi-platform media world. Read More 
IABC/Chicago Announces Bronze Quill Awards Early Bird Deadline[Posted: 12/21/2011]
The 2012 Call for Entries is now OPEN! By Winning a Bronze Quill Award, Applause and Recognition Are Yours! Peer recognition, often the most difficult to achieve, can be yours with a 2012 IABC/Chicago Bronze Quill Award! Winning a Bronze Quill Award is a distinctive honor that: a) Demonstrates your ability to produce outstanding work, b) Bolsters credibility with your organization and clients, c) Advances your career by helping you establish a more credible portfolio, and d) Rewards team members with a tangible acknowledgment of their high-quality work. Read More 
Publicity Club of Chicago Makes Call for Entries for the 2012 Golden Trumpet Awards[Posted: 12/18/2011]
Be a part of the premier awards competition for Chicago's PR and Communications professionals! The Publicity Club of Chicago invites you to enter the 2012 Golden Trumpet Awards honoring distinguished individual achievement in public relations and communications. These coveted awards are presented for excellence in planning, creativity and execution. Read More 
IABC/Chicago's Holiday Networking Event and Wine Tasting Scheduled for December 19, 2011[Posted: 12/7/2011]
Join in the festivities of the season at the IABC/Chicago Holiday Networking Event and Wine Tasting. You'll enjoy great company as a trained sommelier presents the flavors of the evening. Enjoy the open bar of beer, wine and cocktails paired with cheeses and charcuterie. Celebrate another IABC year with members and friends! Read More 
Chicago Advertising Federation's 30th Annual Career Day to be held on February 24, 2012[Posted: 12/7/2011]
The Chicago Advertising Federation's 30th Annual Career Day is an intensive educational program designed to provide college students and career changers with an in-depth look at the advertising industry and a leg up on finding a job in Chicago's competitive market. Read More 
Minnesota
Ad Fed Minnesota to host "The Student Advertising Summit" on March 2, 2012[Posted: 1/23/2012]
This is your opportunity to learn the secrets to success within the industry. How well you do this is up to you, but the Student Advertising Summit (SAS) is here to make sure that you don’t have to do it alone. The SAS is an annual event that is devoted to assisting students and young professionals in crafting the foundation of their professional careers. Read More 
Minnesota AMA to sponsor "This is Twins Territory - The Mission" on February 14, 2012[Posted: 1/23/2012]
The Twins Territory campaign was developed following the 2004 season. Despite back-to-back American League Championships, attendance was declining, there were threats of league contraction, and the possibility of a much-needed new ballpark was grim. Periscope partnered with the Twins to reingnite our fan base and restore a sense of pride in the team and in our state. At the same time we wanted to bring these multi-million dollar players down to a level where fans could relate to them and ultimately support them at the gate. Read More 
Ad Fed Minnesota presents "Ignorance, Naivety and Disorganization. How Zeus Jones has Succeeded" on February 9, 2012.[Posted: 1/12/2012]
Most businesses tend to spend a lot of time and effort thinking about important and tangible things like infrastructure, structure, process, and skills when they begin. That's probably because they are started by people who know more about business than we do. Read More 
Minnesota AMA offers "Driving Patient Engagement" on February 28, 2012
[Posted: 1/12/2012]
A panel of healthcare experts will share the impact of major components of healthcare reform, such as accountable care organizations and medical homes, and the crucial role of marketers to drive patient engagement. Read More 
Ad 2 Minnesota's Special Tasting Event to be held on February 16, 2012[Posted: 1/6/2012]
Come find out what the buzz is about at Honey with your fellow Ad2 Members. Taste your way through the coolest lounge this side of the river and explore how the East meets Northeast with its mixture of delicious appetizers and fresh and trendy beverages. Bring your networking shoes, warm up your taste buds and join us for 2012 Special Tasting Event. Read More 
Minnesota PRSA Pro-Am Day to be held on February 24, 2012
[Posted: 12/29/2011]
Pro-Am Day (short for Professional-Amateur Day) is an annual mentoring event matching Twin Cities public relations professionals with PRSSA students in an effort to provide a day of job shadowing and networking for participating students to learn more about the public relations industry. Read More 
Wisconsin
BMA Milwaukee presents "Lightning Round: Speed Interviewing & Resume Review" on February 29, 2012[Posted: 2/3/2012]
This is a must-attend event for any student getting ready to apply for their first job. This is your opportunity to practice your interview skills, show your resume to local marketing professionals, and learn powerful tips to sell yourself through social media all in one night. Read More 
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin offers "Bottling Lightning" on February 22, 2012[Posted: 2/3/2012]
What do Tim Tebow, Wilson footballs and tattoos have to do with PR and social media marketing? Mo Moorman of Jockey International and Al Krueger and Dave Racine of Hanson Dodge Creative will explain, using real-world examples of how to strategically leverage opportunities to drive results. Read More 
2-Story Creative Helps Brewers Reach Marketing Excellence[Posted: 2/2/2012]
Local marketing agency, 2-Story Creative produces award-winning work for their clients. And today, one such client, the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, took home the top honor at the 2012 National Sports Forum (NSF) ADchievement Awards in Oklahoma City. The NSF Overall Award of Excellence is presented to the organization that submits the best, most effective advertising in the sports industry. Read More 
Milwaukee Interactive Marketing Association to feature "The Mobile World in the Real World: Stories and Strategies for your Business" on February 23, 2012[Posted: 2/2/2012]
There is no question that mobile is here. And it is changing the way we interact with our consumers. Learn how to use mobile to drive business with tactics and strategies applied to real-world scenarios. Read More 
Laik Joins Bader Rutter as Lead Developer[Posted: 2/2/2012]
Jourdan Laik has joined Bader Rutter & Associates to bolster the agency’s digital service offerings. In this role, Laik will provide expertise in project leadership, software design and digital art direction. Laik brings more than 12 years of experience in building high-end websites and has extensive knowledge in design and aesthetics, enterprise-level programming and photography. Read More 
SMPS Wisconsin presents "What’s in Your Marketing Toolbox?" on February 16, 2012[Posted: 2/2/2012]
As marketers, we need to balance numerous tasks from creating proposals and presentations, posting on social media and blogging, and maintaining the CRM database. This variety makes our jobs interesting, but also challenging to continually learn new software and best practices. This roundtable session will give you the opportunity to learn some insider tips and tricks that can help address marketing department challenges and boost your marketing toolbox. Read More 
Acumium eCommerce Turns Ten, Expanding SaaS and Mobile Offerings[Posted: 2/2/2012]
Acumium LLC, a leader in eCommerce and Content Management software and e-Business consulting, celebrated its 10th year in 2011 and is announcing an expansion of its products and services in 2012. Read More 
Milwaukee Press Club partners with Rotary Club of Milwaukee to offer "A Conversation with Senator Tim Cullen" on February 7, 2012[Posted: 2/2/2012]
Senator Schultz is a Republican from Richland Center. Senator Cullen is a Democrat from Janesville. Together, they’ve launched what they’re calling their “Civility Tour”. After a year of bitter politics, Schultz and Cullen are pushing for a new era of bipartisan cooperation in Madison. David Hayes, Editorial Page Editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, will facilitate a conversation with the Senators in a joint program with the Milwaukee Press Club. Read More 
PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin's Young Pros to host "DISCUSS" on February 13, 2012[Posted: 2/1/2012]
Meet us at DISCUSS for engaging conversation on industry topics such as alternative ways to pitch the media and how to handle a social media crisis. Read More 
Ad 2 Madison to feature "Discovering Your Memory Power" on February 23, 2012[Posted: 2/1/2012]
Your profession demands that you acquire and remember a wealth of knowledge including, client information, market data, presentation...and most importantly, ...names. A simple slip of the mind can result in thousands of dollars in lost sales or credibility. Read More 
Seroka Expands National Reach with New East Coast Office[Posted: 1/31/2012]
Seroka, a full-service Certified Brand Development and strategic communications agency that serves a nationwide client base, is pleased to announce the opening of its East Coast office in the Charlotte, N.C., area. With offices in Wisconsin, California and North Carolina, the agency is now strategically positioned to truly offer second-to-none client service nationwide. Read More 
AIGA Wisconsin's Morning Blend to focus on "Client Communication Style: A Tailored Approach?" on February 7, 2012[Posted: 1/31/2012]
Freelancing not only involves juggling multiple jobs, but also dealing with different client personalities. Do you find yourself refining your communication or even your design style depending on who you're working for? Bring your stories of what's worked--and what hasn't--and we'll all leave more aware of how we work most naturally and how we can adapt some of our language or approach to fit the client better. Read More 
Association for Accounting Marketing - Wisconsin Presents "Health Care Reform - How You and Your Clients Should Prepare" on February 16, 2012[Posted: 1/30/2012]
Join the Wisconsin Chapter of AAM on Thursday, February 16, 2012 as we welcome John A Rubatt, Senior Vice President, Employee Benefit Group at Willis. With all the confusion over healthcare reform and what’s changing, it’s hard to know what to expect. Learn what the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act means and what your clients need to do to be prepared to manage and benefit from the change. Read More 
Bader Rutter Promotes Two Associates[Posted: 1/25/2012]
Bader Rutter, an integrated marketing services agency, has promoted Larry Engel to group leader and Aimee Buck to team leader, both in the agency’s account management department. Read More 
IABC/Madison offers "Getting the Most From Collaborating With Outside Experts" on February 29, 2012[Posted: 1/25/2012]
When the answer to promoting an enterprise or completing a project is to tap the expertise of an outside independent contractor who specializes in a skill you need, best results come from knowing how to do it well. Our panel discussion answers questions about getting started and how to develop a productive working relationship with outside communication and design consultants.
Read More
Owner of Directions Marketing Receives 2012 Governor’s Trailblazer Award[Posted: 1/25/2012]
Kristine R. Sexton of Neenah has been selected as a recipient of the 2012 Governor's Trailblazer Award for Women in Business, recognizing women pioneers in the business community. Sexton is the owner and president of Directions Marketing, a full-service integrated marketing communications and packaging agency. A Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), the agency has more than 55 years of experience connecting clients’ brands and services with their customers. Read More 
John Mader Heads PKA's New Medical Marketing Group[Posted: 1/23/2012]
PKA Marketing has created a new division to focus on the firm's growing list of clients in the medical and long-term care fields. John Mader, a leading health care marketing professional, has been named General Manager of the new Medical Marketing Group. Read More 
BMA-Milwaukee Announces 2012 Bell Awards: ‘Peer-Judged, Mom-Approved’[Posted: 1/23/2012]
Remember when you used to bring your best work home from grade school and your folks would stick it on the refrigerator to celebrate? BMA Milwaukee is adopting a similar theme to show off the B2B marketing industry's most effective and creative work in Southeastern Wisconsin at its annual recognition show, the Bell Awards. The event, which will be held March 29 in Milwaukee, WI, features more than 40 marketing categories. Find out if your B2B marketing campaign is fridge-worthy. Entries are due by February 16. Read More 
BMA-Milwaukee Offers "Building Milwaukee's Water Technology Hub" on February 9, 2012
[Posted: 1/19/2012]
Business to business marketing is more than generating sales and awareness. Join BMA-Milwaukee to learn about how Badger Meter CEO, Rich Meeusen, has gone beyond sales and marketing and through his vision, haschanged the face of his company and the water industry. His vision for The Water Council has put Milwaukee on the international map for water innovation in business, academia and research. Read More 
Hanson Dodge Creative Launches Active Lifestyle Advisory Board with Appointment of Olympian Nick Symmonds after Winning eBay Auction[Posted: 1/18/2012]
Hanson Dodge Creative (HDC), America’s leading active lifestyle agency, today announced the addition of 2008 Olympian and 2012 Olympic hopeful Nick Symmonds to the agency’s new Active Lifestyle Advisory Board. The move is designed to deepen the agency’s relationships with emerging and leading athletes and expand on the overall understanding of the lives, spirit and preferences at play within the active lifestyle marketplace. Read More 
AAF Fox River to host Addy Awards Gala on February 29, 2012[Posted: 1/18/2012]
Our MC, John Maino will help us celebrate the very best creative advertising and design in Northeast Wisconsin. Musical guests include "The Unfortunates" and "Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons." Read More 
Gardner Earns National Accreditation in Public Relations[Posted: 1/16/2012]
Zeppos & Associates, Incorporated today announced that John Gardner, senior account executive at the firm, has earned his national Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Gardner is the fourth member of the Zeppos team to do so. Read More 
AAF Madison to host "2012 ADDY Award Show" on February 25, 2012[Posted: 1/12/2012]
Display of winners, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, celebration and ADDY Award show ceremony with Master of Ceremonies: Mitch Henk, WIBA-AM’s "The Big Show." Read More 
Association for Women in Communications - Madison presents "Stuck in a Rut: 6 Reasons Your Social Media Program is Stagnant" on February 15, 2012[Posted: 1/9/2012]
Dana Arnold, PR and Social Media Director, Hiebing, looks at social media campaigns and how to determine if yours is working. Arnold explores these social media DON'Ts: a) No goals/strategy; b) Using social media as a broadcasting tool, not a means to connect; c) Forgot - or never knew - they had to give their target a reason to care; d) Don't know how to own their assets in the social space; e) The surprise and delight are gone - or were never there; and f) Misuse of social media metrics. Read More 
AMA Milwaukee Sponsors "A Storybook Year (and a Half)" on February 21, 2012[Posted: 1/6/2012]
Follow the 17-month journey ACUITY Insurance and DuFour Advertising traveled to make ACUITY's 2010 pop-up annual report - A Storybook Year - spring to life. The award-winning report has been installed in the rare book collection at the Smithsonian Institute. It made the prestigious CLIO short list and was ranked as the best Annual Report design in the U.S. by the CLIO Awards. Read More 
iPic Theaters Announces Film Festival Contest[Posted: 1/2/2012]
Enter and your "Earth Preservation" themed film and it could be shown on the big screen at all the iPic Theaters. Submissions accepted: January 7 - February 10. Grand Prize Winner (1) will receive: a) a screening of his/her winning Entrant Content at all theaters in the pre-show content for the month of May 2012 and b) $4000 to be awarded in a form selected by Sponsor at its sole discretion. Read More 