Opportunities abound to become an expert in your field

Here are two great learning opportunities to kick off the new year!

Explore & Engage


Brian Solis and Jason Falls will be in Wichita for SocialIRL’s “Explore and Engage” event on Jan. 19. There is special package pricing for attending this event and the SocialIRL event with Sarah Evans here in Springfield in early February. If you are interested in the trek to Wichita, please e-mail Melinda Arnold. We’re trying to coordinate a group to share expenses. http://www.socialirl.com/explore-and-engage/


AAF of the Ozarks presents “It’s All Downtown: A Marketing Success Story,” with Rusty Worley, Executive Director of Urban Districts Alliance

When: Wednesday, January 12, 11:30a-1p
Where: University Plaza, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
Cost: $15 members & first-time guests; $20 repeat guests; $10 students
RSVP: rsvp@aafozarks.org by noon Jan. 10

Thirty years ago, Springfield’s historic business districts were all but abandoned in favor of shopping malls and suburban development. Now, Center City is once again the vibrant hub of retail, entertainment, dining, arts and urban living. Much of this amazing turnaround is due to the work of Urban Districts Alliance and its successful marketing efforts, including the popular “It’s All Downtown” campaign. UDA Executive Director Rusty Worley will show how cooperative branding, advertising and promotions are creating economic vitality in the heart of our community.

This month’s program will also feature brief presentations by nominees for AAF of the Ozarks’ 2010 Jane Meyer Award for best nonprofit advertising/PSA campaign. Nominees include Care to Learn, Springfield Workshop, and Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks. The audience will have the opportunity to vote for this year’s award winner. Join us in recognizing the contributions of area nonprofits, as well as the creative professionals and media organizations who help to ensure that their messages reach the community.

Start the new year right with AAF, and see how the ad industry promotes positive change. Reserve your space now, and pass the word about this valuable program!