All About the Summer SVMS

The days are quickly counting down to the next STRONG Virtual Marketing Summit (SVMS). Learn a little about why we host this event, and hear from Media on being involved in their first SVMS.

Why the SVMS?

In 2018, SAM began partnering with Google to host a series of educational summits for decision-makers in the automotive industry. Originally, these summits were held in person at Google’s offices in New York City and Austin, Texas. But as we all know, 2020 changed just about everything.

After pivoting to a virtual summit out of necessity, the SVMS team realized the scalability that virtual marketing events offered. Since hosting the first SVMS in the fall of 2021, SAM has grown an annual summit into a thrice-yearly event. It will be exciting to see how the event evolves in the future, but in the meantime, keep reading to see what’s in store for this month.

About the Summer 2022 SVMS

This summer’s SVMS will focus on the evolution of TV viewing. Speakers from SAM will discuss the best strategies for advertising on streaming services like Hulu, ESPN, and YouTube. They’ll also cover the benefits of Google’s Performance Max campaigns, Spanish advertising, and Linear Media.

The summit will take place on Thursday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m. SAM team members will have a chance to watch live, but please refrain from registering for the event. The internal link will be sent out on the 28th.

John Paul Strong, Stan Long, Jason Waters, and Casey Quattlebaum will speak at the event, covering all of the media-related topics listed above.

Up until this point, the SVMS has been primarily digital-focused. This marks the first time that Media has spearheaded the content, and they’ve done a phenomenal job helping craft scripts and angles.

“I am excited for Media to make its debut in this episode of SVMS!” Casey said. “I also enjoyed collaborating with my team. It forced us to think outside of the box and use our creative juices!”

Michele Alfano shared similar sentiments: “It was refreshing to collaborate on something a bit different for our team. The process from the first brainstorming session to the final scripts was great to be a part of. I can’t wait to see Casey shine in the final product!”

Liz Elder said of the project: “I was so proud of my team – Casey, Katie, and Michele – who pulled together, did a lot of research, and came up with strong content to make this episode of SVMS the best one yet! We collaborated to get the scripts written and worked so well together – each of us adding bits and pieces of information, graphics, research stats, and so on. We definitely stepped out of our comfort zones with this project. We were the embodiment of all 10 of SAM’s core values in this collaboration. It was challenging but rewarding all at the same time. We can’t wait to see the finished product!”

The SVMS project is led by Beth Nichols, with support from nearly every department in the agency. A lot goes into the planning, marketing, and implementing of each marketing summit. But the results have led to new clients, increased exposure, and higher engagement from our current dealers.

Stay tuned for the launch of the next SVMS!

Heard Around the Agency – July 2022

Learn what Team SAM has been up to lately, both in the office and at home.

Account Team

AT is celebrating both Hayley’s return from maternity leave and Holly Logan’s new arrival, baby Liam. The team is also excited about Sydney joining as the newest Account Coordinator, and wishes Rose good luck on her move to Texas.

“I was definitely nervous about coming back and leaving sweet baby James,” Hayley said. “But I really have been so happy being back. I missed my clients but especially my people.”

Rose shared the following about her move: “As of July 18, I will officially live below the Mason-Dixon Line. After 20 months and two freezing winters in Chicago, I am thankful to be heading back south. When the career opportunity was presented to my husband, it didn’t take us long to agree to relocate to Fort Worth. I will not miss those cold winters!”

 

Direct Contact

The DC team is excited to welcome its three new hires: Grace Bauder on eCampaigns, Anna Beth Heisler on Mail, and Rachel Mayo also on Mail. Welcome to the team!

 

Digital

Digital has had a busy month celebrating many promotions and new hires. The team has also enjoyed seeing photos of Summer’s new puppy, Coach.

My husband (Logan) has been begging me for a white Labrador Retriever ever since we got married,” Summer said. “I wasn’t on board at first because of our busy schedules, but I started looking at different breeders online just out of curiosity. On Saturday morning, I told Logan I was headed to the Pepper Place Market with a friend. Little did he know, I was actually headed to pick up our new pup. I came home and surprised Logan and he was shocked and thrilled! We are already so in love. The vet said he will be around 100 pounds.”

 

 

 

Graphics

The Graphics team is getting ready to welcome two more members to the extended SAM fam. Alex Hendrix is expecting her first child in August, and Ryan and his wife are also expecting in September.

 

Media

The team in Media is looking forward to Carly Corfman’s transition to the department, along with the addition of a new employee, Jordan Murphree, on July 18.

Media has also been busy working on the SVMS, which you can learn more about here.