The Brisbane Advertising Association (BAA) has a Christmas Party that has become the stuff of legends, with big sponsors, such as Spotify, known to fly teams in from interstate for a seat at a table.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the advertising industry in 2020, it took BAA’s decade-strong foundation with it, and it wasn't just parties that were put on ice – what many may not know is that a good portion of BAA's funds go to supporting members of the media and comms community in times of need.
“We are, first and foremost, a not-for-profit,” says BAA President, Sharon Twomey. “The media industry and those connected to it – our families, friends, or clients – have always benefitted from the support we’ve usually been in a position to provide.
“A percentage of our membership fees goes into a reserve pool and is used to aid anyone in need who is connected to our industry. Last year we were able to donate the last of our pool to Ashleigh Conwell’s GoFundMe Campaign.”
With no networking events and no BAA Xmas, BAA decided to get creative and revive the organisation through its first podcast, filled with unique insights and original content that only BAA can provide.
“With membership numbers down due to businesses cutting costs following hardships from COVID, BAA has been hanging by a thread,” says Twomey.
“We’re calling on our industry to help bring BAA back to its glory and have created The BAAcast podcast to remind everyone why they loved BAA, and why it’s important to support it once again.”
The BAAcast: Tales from Paddock to Pitch aims to bring the best of BAA to the ears of listeners. Funny, sometimes serious, and at times scandalous, each episode will feature a special industry guest, with the first to jump in the hot seat being Flight Centre Australia’s head of marketing, Clinton Hearne.
Produced by Red Havas and co-hosted by Longway Entertainment along with a rotating cast of BAA committee members, every episode will be streamed on Acast where listeners can tune in monthly to get the BAA-rometer of industry news, guest interviews, and a round-up of upcoming events and charitable initiatives.
BAA members will be privy to an exclusive Q&A with each episode guest, getting the chance to ask those curly questions they might have asked them when the liquid courage hit at the BAA Xmas party. Members can also expect surprise gifts and special offers from sponsors to elevate the podcast listening experience.
Through its social media channels, BAA will callout to its followers each month to nominate the next episode’s guest. From CEOs to account coordinators and even clients themselves, BAA will choose their guests via popular vote, and will also open the floor for anyone to submit questions beforehand for their guest interview.
The first episode of the BAAcast featuring Clinton Hearne (Flight Centre) interviewed by Liam Loan-Lack (BAA) and Lauren Pollock (Longway Entertainment), is available to stream on platforms: Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.