Press Announcements | MEA Digital

05.01.12 – MEA Digital Launches New Drupal 7 Website for Omega Institute for Holistic Studies

San Diego, CA – May 1, 2012 – MEA Digital announced today that it has launched a new website for Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, the nation’s most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. The website, built with Drupal 7, boasts a unique technical architecture that allows the non-profit organization to more effectively and efficiently promote its diverse curriculum. More specifically, it includes an extensible content management system (CMS) that organizes content into six Learning Paths for users and allows for easy sharing. In addition, multiple backend systems seamlessly integrate workshops, conferences, and retreats with users’ reservations.

“As a non-profit lifelong-learning organization, Omega’s mission is to ‘awaken the best in the human spirit,’” said Carla Goldstein, Omega’s Chief External Affairs Officer. “At this time in history, with so much promise for advancing human development and so much at stake, we wanted a website that could extend our reach dramatically.”

“MEA Digital and Omega have worked together for almost five years. In fact, this is the second time MEA Digital has worked with Omega on a large, custom website development project. We turned to MEA Digital to once again create a website that translates our unique mission online with greater impact, connecting people with a vast array of articles, workshops, and videos, and helps to ultimately inspire personal and social change.” Goldstein said.

Another special feature of the new website is “Omega-In-Action,” which will provide up-to-the-minute highlights of inspiring people and organizations making meaningful change. From protecting the environment to empowering women, healing veterans, and serving nonprofits, visitors will find fresh perspectives, trending news, and the latest information on noteworthy events from around the world.

“We set out to create a website that stimulates unimpeded communication between Omega and people from all walks of life interested in living with a greater sense of wellbeing, purpose, and connection,” said David Schafer, executive creative director, MEA Digital. “It was certainly no small feat. But thanks to months of hard work and dedication from both teams, Omega can now create and deliver editorial content, workshop information, and leadership online. We’re very proud of the final product and excited to see how it will evolve Omega in the future.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego, New York, and San Francisco. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses. For more information, visit www.meadigital.com.

About Omega

Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 195 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York, and at exceptional locations around the world. For more information, visit http://www.eomega.org.

For more information about Omega, please contact Chrissa Pullicino, 845.266.4444, ext. 404

03.26.2012 – Tamara Bousquet and Morgan Vawter of MEA Digital Set to Speak at ad:tech San Francisco

San Diego, CA – March 26, 2012 – MEA Digital announced today that executive media director, Tamara Bousquet, and director of analytics and optimization, Morgan Vawter, have accepted invitations to speak at ad:tech San Francisco, April 3-4. Bousquet’s session, scheduled for April 3rd at 5 PM, is titled “What Buyers Want: How Not to Piss Off a Brand Marketer.” In addition to tips on how to effectively manage the modern day buy-sell relationship, attendees will benefit from two simulated calls made by seasoned sellers who will receive feedback from high-level buyers. Representatives from Influence Collective and Traction will also take part. Vawter’s session is set for 2 PM the following day and titled “Measuring Digital ROI.” With the assistance of representatives from Microsoft, Comscore, Ancestry.com, and Future U.S., she’ll lead a discussion on how to leverage data-driven insights to assess, plan, and allocate budgets across channels, publishers, and ads.

“Morgan and I are thrilled to be on our way to San Francisco, joining thousands of the smartest people in our industry today,” said Bousquet. “ad:tech allows us to connect, learn, and network with people from all over the world. I can think of only a few other events that offer the same caliber of opportunities.”

The largest event in digital marketing, ad:tech welcomes more than 10,000 of the industry’s most entrepreneurial and innovative marketers. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about the hottest topics, tactics, and trends from industry experts during seven compelling keynotes and 35 breakout sessions. They can also connect with hundreds of prominent, leading-edge businesses that specialize in search, social, mobile, and more.

John Hartman, president of MEA Digital, added, “ad:tech is a hotbed for critical thinking, actionable insights, and good, old fashioned big ideas – things that successful digital agencies are built on. We’re lucky to not only be a part of it, but to also have key members of our staff recognized as leaders in the evolution of our industry.”

About MEA Digital

03.22.2012 – MEA Digital Staff Set to Participate in Two Panels at 2012 eMarketing Association (eMA) Conference

San Diego, CA – March 22, 2012 – MEA Digital announced today that Morgan Vawter, director of analytics and optimization, and Michael Maiman, search marketing supervisor, have been selected to participate in two separate panels at The Power of eMarketing, an eMarketing Association (eMA) conference scheduled for April 3-4 in San Francisco. This year’s event is highlighted by more than 33 highly interactive panels led by dozens of expert speakers who will discuss the newest and best processes, techniques, and ideas in social, email, search, and mobile marketing. Specifically, Vawter will join the “Actionable SEO Analytics” panel on April 3rd at 2 PM, while Maiman will be a part of the “Monetizing Search With Social Media” panel on April 4th at 11 AM.

“It’s an honor to take part in an event held by such a prestigious association,” said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. “Morgan and Michael represent the best of our agency and I have no doubt that they’ll add unique, helpful insights to their respective panels. Not to mention benefiting from the experience and knowledge of fellow conference attendees.”

Recognized worldwide, the eMA was established to deliver marketing resources, services, research, certifications, educational programs, and events to governments, companies, professionals, and students alike. Membership indicates a commitment to the industry as well as to professional development and achievement. Since it was founded, more than 5,000 marketers in 40 countries have enrolled in eMA online courses with thousands earning certification.

Hartman continued, “As online marketing continues to evolve rapidly, the future of our industry depends on thought leaders like those you’ll find at an eMA event creating and sharing the solutions of tomorrow. The most successful of us will be in the middle of this collaboration.”

About MEA Digital

02.29.2012 – MEA Digital Launches New Website for American Pistachio Growers (APG)

San Diego, CA – February 29, 2012 – MEA Digital announced today that it has launched a website for American Pistachio Growers (APG), a voluntary agricultural trade association representing pistachio growers, processors, and industry partners in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Designed to better educate consumers and support its members, the website was officially unveiled at the 2012 American Pistachio Industry Annual Conference in San Diego on February 20, 2012, and will later be translated into Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Spanish (Spain), and English (UK).

“APG exists to address the critical needs of pistachio growers, processors, and partners, providing a credible, unified voice for our members,” said Judy Hirigoyen, APG's director of global marketing. “We partnered with MEA Digital to create an online destination that supports our mission, reinforces our values, and would serve as the backbone to our revamped marketing efforts in 2012 and beyond. No simple task, but the hard work has paid off.”

In addition to offering consumers basic information such as the nutrition and health benefits of pistachios, the website features a vast selection of recipes, a dedicated blog, a chance to meet actual growers, and multiple videos. Just as importantly, it is also host to a robust library of resources for members of APG.

“While pistachio lovers get to know Miss California, discover how to cook sea bass with Thai curry and pistachios, and take a candid look at the little green nut in 'Pistachios Unshelled,' growers, processors, and partners can view the latest industry news, upcoming member events, and market research,” said David Schafer, MEA Digital's creative director. “Needless to say, this website is highly versatile. However, it's equally simple, easy to use, and reflects APG's reinvigorated brand well. That, I think, is even more impressive.”

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02.07.2012 – MEA Digital Launches Major Online Campaign to Support Cars.com Super Bowl Commercial

San Diego, CA – February 7, 2012 – MEA Digital, Cars.com’s digital agency of record, announced today that it has launched a major online campaign for the fourth year in a row to support the brand’s 2012 Super Bowl commercial. An innovative social media application, high impact rich media banners, and high profile media partnerships highlight the campaign.

In this year’s spot, which was produced by DDB Chicago, viewers are taken inside a showroom where a knowledgeable car shopper is talking to a dealer. Thanks to Cars.com and the website’s side-by-side comparison tool, the car shopper’s inner confidence is unleashed in the form of a smooth Disco-singing head.

The digital centerpiece of the campaign is an innovative social media application called “Confident You.” Built in a partnership with Oddcast, users can upload a photo from Facebook, a desktop folder, or a web cam, and instantly see themselves in a video based on Cars.com’s Super Bowl commercial. They can then post or share it via their favorite social platforms.

“Similar to projects in the past, we were tasked with extending the campaign online and reinforcing the concept that Cars.com can bring out your confident you,” said David Schafer, MEA Digital’s new creative director. “Now, we’re evolving our creative thinking and capabilities. Through a combination of unique executions and high-impact media placements, we crafted one of our most outstanding campaigns to date.”

In addition, high impact rich media banners transform Cars.com’s Super Bowl commercial into an interactive experience, giving users exclusive access to bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage. To round out the campaign, Cars.com will be participating in Super Bowl ad programs with Hulu, YouTube, Yahoo!, and Twitter, all of which allow users to watch, vote, and comment on the commercials that aired during the game.

About MEA Digital

About Cars.com

Cars.com is an award-winning online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy, and how much to pay for a car. Cars.com offers thousands of new and used vehicle listings, consumer reviews, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content, and many other tools. Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (N.Y.SE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (N.Y.SE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (N.Y.SE: MNI), Tribune Company, and The Washington Post Company (N.Y.SE: WPO).

01.25.2012 – Morgan Vawter, MEA Digital’s Director of Analytics, Set to Speak at Search Engine Strategies (SES)

San Diego, CA – January 25, 2012 – MEA Digital is proud to announce that Morgan Vawter, director of analytics, has been invited to speak at the upcoming Search Engine Strategies (SES) Accelerator conference in San Diego on February 9th. SES is renowned as the leading international conference series for webmasters, digital agencies, online marketers, and corporate decision makers. Since 1999, it has guided attendees of all skill levels through the complex, fast-growing world of search. But this year may be the biggest yet as SES comes on the heels of Online Marketing Summit (OMS) 2012, a premier, three-day global educational event for marketing professionals. OMS kicks off on February 6th.

“I’m honored to be part of such a unique conference, collaborating with a highly respected group of thought leaders,” said Morgan. “It’s a great opportunity to share my knowledge of analytics, absorb information, and connect with my peers.”

Morgan’s panel, scheduled for 4:30 PM PST that Friday, is titled “Channel Surfing: Measuring Profit & ROI Across Channels.” During this session, panelists will take a close look at how users move through the shopping funnel, identify various methods for determining attribution, and pinpoint common misconceptions. More specifically, the types of ads that are most likely to lead to a conversion, the types of ads that result in the highest ROI, and how attribution modeling can help marketers identify the most profitable channels.

For more information about the Search Engine Strategies (SES) Accelerator conference, click here.

About MEA Digital

01.12.2012 – MEA Digital Named Top Agency by BtoB Magazine For a Sixth Year In a Row

San Diego, CA – January 12, 2012 – MEA Digital has been named a top agency for a sixth year in a row by BtoB, a nationally renowned magazine published for marketing strategists that recognizes a wide range of pioneering advertisers, agencies, vendors, and other service providers around the country each year. Winners are selected based on the percentage of their resources dedicated to business-to-business (B-to-B) projects, new client wins, innovative campaigns, and more. MEA Digital was included on the Top Agencies list as well as the Top Interactive Agencies list alongside Draftfcb, Ogilvy & Mather North America, and R/GA, among others.

“We’ve worked tirelessly over the course of the past 12 months to expand our capabilities in the vertical and spur lucrative partnerships with B-to-B companies,” said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. “In the wake of a long, harrowing recession, we’ll foster this growth by continuing to provide our clients with more of what they need – actionable customer intelligence, strategically allocated budgets, big ideas, and maximum impact across all tactics.”

Published monthly by Crain Communications Inc., BtoB delivers timely editorial on all disciplines of B-to-B marketing to nearly 50,000 subscribers. A majority of those readers are looking to develop integrated strategies, identify new products that will optimize their efforts, and find the most effective ways to advance their companies.

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01.06.2012 – MEA Digital Taps David Schafer as the New Executive Creative Director

San Diego, CA – January 6, 2012 – MEA Digital has tapped David Schafer, a seasoned industry veteran with more than 15 years of experience, as the agency’s new executive creative director. Effective immediately, he will oversee the creative department as well as all current and future projects.

“As MEA Digital grows, we remain dedicated to widening the breadth of our capabilities to meet the future needs of clients,” said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. “But this ongoing evolution is challenging to navigate and necessitates natural-born thought leaders at the helm. People like David. More than just a strategic or conceptual thinker, he has demonstrated an uncanny knack for galvanizing ‘creatives’ and inspiring them to produce outstanding executions since the mid-1990s.”

Prior to joining MEA Digital, David worked with some of the most recognizable brands on the planet, including Adobe, Dell, PBS Broadcasting, and Discovery Channel, developing everything from intuitive web experiences to entertaining TV spots to integrated global campaigns. In that time, he managed teams ranging from five to 50 people and along the way earned recognition from MOMA, Communication Arts, Graphis Magazine, New York Art Director’s Club, and Webbys. His specialties include relationship marketing, interactive marketing, branding, and more.

“I’m very excited because I see so much potential here,” commented David. “I love digital and social media and always enjoy melding new technologies with proven advertising strategies. I’m looking forward to raising the creative bar and getting our work noticed. And also showing our clients how an agile boutique agency can outmaneuver and out-think the big agencies.”

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11.18.2011 – EVP, Media Director of MEA Digital, Tamara Bousquet, Named a Top Internet Marketing Leader and Innovator by iMedia

San Diego, CA – November 18, 2011 – MEA Digital announced today that Tamara Bousquet, EVP, Media Director, has been named to the iMedia 25 – 2011 Internet Marketing Leaders and Innovators, a coveted list that recognizes the year's most outstanding key influencers in the industry. More specifically, people that excel in their own business roles, as well as execute on cutting edge ideas, share them with peers and consumers, and push the field to new levels of success and significance. iMedia, a subsidiary of DMG World Media, compiles the list through a collaborative effort between its seasoned editorial team, 2010 honorees, and a community of digital industry professionals.

Tamara, a 14-year advertising veteran, started her career at McCann Erickson in 1997, where she worked with Nestle as a media planner. Since then, she's spent time in senior positions at DDB, The Digital Edge, and the Martin Agency, handling multimillion dollar budgets for Universal Pictures, Xerox, Microsoft, and UPS, among others. In 2006, Tamara joined Zenith Optimedia and oversaw more than 40 successful campaigns for Hewlett-Packard. More recently, she managed the worldwide digital assignment for Apple at OMD as the worldwide digital director, helping the most recognizable fruit in the world establish an indomitable presence on the web with a series of elegant, never-before-seen executions.

Now at MEA Digital, Tamara is as well known for bringing in new business as she is for overseeing major initiatives for clients like Cars.com, L'Oréal, Oakley, Nickelodeon, Ray-Ban, and Mitsubishi. Her holistic approach to media reflects her deep understanding of the interplay between today's various media types as well as her expertise in display, mobile, video, social, affiliate, analytics, email, search engine marketing (SEM), and search engine optimization (SEO).

Tamara is a regular speaker at industry events, often offering her thoughts on the changing role of the modern day agency. Most recently, she spoke at OMMA, the iMedia Agency Summit, and ad:tech. She is a graduate of the University of Denver, where she earned a degree in marketing with a minor in management.

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9.26.2011 – MEA Digital Approved to Become a Google™ Analytics Certified Partner (GACP)

San Diego, CA – September 26, 2011 – MEA Digital today announced that it is entering into a strategic agreement to become a Google Analytics™ Certified Partner (GACP). This accreditation certifies the agency's ability to provide implementation, training, and support for Google Analytics™. As a GACP, MEA Digital is now also a reseller of Google Analytics Premium (GAP), which offers increased processing, SLAs, attribution modeling, and more.

For a majority of online businesses, investing in a web analytics program ultimately increases their bottom line as a result of uncovering unique consumer insights and optimization opportunities. However, it is crucial for those businesses to work with a company that can oversee this endeavor in a cost-effective manner. GACPs like MEA Digital help businesses make their websites and ad campaigns more effective using Google Analytics, a free, enterprise-class online measurement tool. Clients working with a Certified Partner receive professional Google authorized training, implementation, and consulting services. For more information, click here.

“This is an unbelievable honor,” said Morgan Vawter, MEA Digital’s Web Analytics Manager. “Each GACP is held up to Google’s well-known standards of excellence. This certification is testament to our unwavering focus on analytics, our dedication to driving measurable results for clients, and our aptitude for extracting actionable insights to increase ROI.”

About MEA Digital

About Google Analytics

Google Analytics tells you exactly how visitors got to your site and how they use it. It can help you identify bottlenecks and gives you ideas for improvements, leaving you to concentrate on your marketing campaigns and increase your returns. Google Analytics is an advanced, easy-to-use tool. The software has all the functions that you’d expect from an advanced web analysis package. For more information, visit www.google.com/analytics.

MEA Digital is a licensed reseller of Google Analytics Premium (GAP), which features increased processing, SLAs, attribution modeling, and more. To learn more about GAP, click here.

6.22.2011 – MEA Digital Wins Online Marketing Category at the 2011 AMY Awards

San Diego, CA – June 22, 2011 – For a third year in a row, MEA Digital was recognized for creative excellence at the American Marketer of the Year (AMY) Awards. The top 50 interactive shop won the Online Marketing category for its work on “One Car Show,” a multifaceted interactive campaign that launched in support of Cars.com’s Super Bowl TV commercial. It was highlighted by high impact media units, which ran on major publishers such as ESPN and Yahoo!, as well as a microsite that was home to exclusive video content.

“The success of One Car Show – both as a consumer-facing campaign and a show piece – was the result of smart creative, sound media planning, and a dynamic client-agency partnership,” said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. “And while we’re not in this business for awards, it’s always an honor to be recognized by our peers.”

The AMA is the professional association for individuals and organizations that are leading the practice, teaching, and development of marketing worldwide. Its core purposes are threefold – to serve as a conduit of knowledge sharing; provide resources, education, and professional development opportunities; and support marketing practices and thought leadership. Through relevant information, comprehensive education, and targeted networking, the AMA assists marketers in deepening their marketing expertise, elevating their careers, and achieving better results.

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6.8.2011 – MEA Digital to be an Exhibitor at the 2011 Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition

San Diego, CA – June 8, 2011 – MEA Digital has announced it will be an exhibitor at the 2011 Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE), the world's largest e-retailing show, in San Diego, June 14-17. The IRCE attracts thousands of representatives from the retail, catalog, manufacturing, and consumer service industries, including top 500 e-retailers, notable e-commerce vendors, and scores of finance, research, consulting, and publishing enterprises. This year's agenda is built around strategies for marketing and selling to the web-centric, anytime, anywhere consumer. You can visit MEA Digital at booth #1422.

"Given the very recent shift in consumers' shopping habits in the wake of the recession and the staggering penetration of mobile, the 2011 IRCE is arguably the most relevant and crucial event of the past five years," said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. "As an exhibitor, we plan to make the most of it by sharing our industry know-how with our peers while connecting with some of the brightest minds in e-retail, e-commerce, marketing, and beyond. Of course, we'll make sure to have some fun along the way."

At booth #1422, MEA Digital will have a short series of e-commerce related interviews on display via iPads, which look at the future of search, display, and social media. Staff members will also be onsite, answering questions based on their experience working with clients like Oakley, Cars.com, and L'OrÃ©al.

Living up to its promise to have a little fun along the way, the top 50 interactive agency will host a VIP cocktail reception and has produced a "Guide to the Gaslamp." Available to all conference goers that stop by the booth, this integrated pamphlet and mobile-friendly website highlights some of the hottest hotspots and best-kept secrets in San Diego and offers exclusive specials that can be redeemed by "checking in" at each destination via Twitter. According to sources at AAF's ADmerica!, a conference held recently in San Diego, the guide is a must-have for attendees.

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5.31.2011 – MEA Digital Joins Host Committee for Inaugural ADmerica! Conference

San Diego, CA – May 31, 2011 – MEA Digital recently announced that it has joined the host committee for American Advertising Federation's (AAF) inaugural ADmerica! conference, the first event to highlight the affect of advertising on popular culture, in San Diego on June 1-4. Influential agencies, clients, media companies, suppliers, and colleges from across the country will address how to thrive in a recovering economy and how the changing cultures of business and consumers are impacting the industry. Geared for brand-side and agency marketers alike, the agenda will cover such topics as gaming, viral campaigns, multiculturalism, entertainment, sustainability, partnerships, and globalization.

Staff from the top 50 interactive agency will volunteer at various events, including the Centennial AdBash held at the San Diego Zoo. In addition, it has developed an exclusive "Guide to the Gaslamp" - an integrated pamphlet and mobile-friendly website that provide conference goers with a map of the hottest hotspots and best-kept secrets in downtown San Diego as well as exclusive VIP specials at each destination that can be redeemed by "checking in" via Twitter.

"We're anxiously looking forward to the conference and playing our part in making it as valuable as it is enjoyable," said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. "ADmerica! is a unique opportunity for some of the biggest brands and brightest minds in advertising to come together for the betterment of the industry."

Brands like SONY, Walmart, Turner Entertainment, Microsoft, Honda, General Mills, FedEx, and more will be in attendance and members of those companies will be featured as guest speakers. They will be joined by top agencies and their members as well, including Arnold Communications, DDB Latina, Draft FCB, Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi, Wieden & Kennedy, and Wunderman to name a few.

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5.27.2011 – MEA Digital Officially Recognized as Digital Agency of Record for TVG

San Diego, CA – May 27, 2011 – MEA Digital has officially been recognized as the digital agency of record for TVG, the leading wagering website and horseracing network in the U.S. and a subsidiary of Betfair Group Ltd, the premier e-gaming betting community. Working with TVG since January 2010, the top 50 interactive shop will take on a more strategic role moving forward in addition to handling all creative development and media planning.

"We've developed a familiarity with the TVG brand over the past year that provides us with a strong foundation to launch campaigns that effectively reach and resonate its core audience," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. "We'll continue to ensure the company stands out in a competitive market, driving new customer acquisition and improving member retention, particularly during major events like the Triple Crown."

TVG broadcasts to more than 30 millions households nationwide, covering up to eight live races per hour and highlighting coverage of up to six additional races. None of which are more coveted than the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes.

"During this extremely crucial time of year, we've worked with MEA Digital to develop a cross-channel campaign that exploits both traditional and interactive media," said Don Scott, VP Marketing for Betfair TVG. "Our efforts thus far are paying dividends in the form of signups and wagering, and we're looking forward to fostering even more success in the future as a result of our partnership."

Aiding these efforts are TVG's long list of member benefits, including access to more than 150 tracks worldwide, free membership to the fastest-growing horseracing community, TVG Wager Rewards, race analysis, exclusive interviews, insightful handicapping tips, live streaming video, no deposit fees, and more. Wagers can be placed online, by phone, with a web-enabled mobile phone, or set-top remote control.

About MEA Digital

About TVG

TVG, the official TV and interactive wagering partner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and a subsidiary of Betfair Group Ltd, the premier e-gaming betting community, is among the most widely distributed horseracing networks in the world. It is also the second largest legal online gaming company in the US, accepting over $500 million in wagers in 2009. Since its inception, TVG has demonstrated its commitment to the racing industry, owners, tracks, and fans through the sponsorship of several preeminent races such as the TVG Breeders Cup Mile and the Betfair/TVG Triple Tiara. Viewers in certain areas can wager interactively on races via telephone, the web, TVG Mobile, or interactive television by establishing a wagering account online at www.tvg.com or by telephone at 1-888-PLAY-TVG..

5.13.2011 – MEA Digital and Found Animals Partnership Fosters Success

San Diego, CA – May 13, 2011 – MEA Digital partnered with Found Animals in mid-2010 to help the non-profit organization, which is dedicated to addressing animal welfare issues such as euthanasia, raise awareness and inspire support. Since then, the top 50 online marketing agency has provided a variety of consultancy, creative, and media services, the most important of which was a complete overhaul of the Found Animals website.

"The website is central to the cause, offering a wealth of information to a critical online community," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. "The previous version didn't accurately portray the brand or its core offerings. In response, our team performed an in-depth audit of structural organization and messaging, using that data to transform it into a more seamless, immersive experience that highlighted key programs and services. All this in a matter of months."

A few weeks after the revamped Found Animals website launched, traffic had increased by more than 100%. "It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship," said Aimee Gilbreath, Executive Director at Found Animals. "Since then, we've continued to unveil additional upgrades that enhance usability and solidify foundanimals.org as a go-to resource for 'all things pets.' For instance, users now have access to an Adopt Me section, created in a partnership with Petfinder.com, which provides them with a unique pet matching service and search tool for adoptable pets."

In addition to the new website, Found Animals has strengthened its online and offline marketing efforts to support their local and national outreach. Most recently, they opened Adopt & Shop, an innovative L.A.-based retail pet adoption center that redefines how people adopt animals from local shelters.

Looking forward, MEA Digital will provide Found Animals with a number of additional services to meet their evolving online marketing goals, including email marketing, list management, social media strategy, search engine marketing (SEM), and search engine optimization (SEO).

About MEA Digital

About Found Animals

Found Animals is a trusted non-profit, dedicated to the development of sustainable, effective solutions to the root causes of pet euthanasia and animal welfare issues. From comprehensive, universally accessible resources online, to funding for research, and community-based clinics and programs, Found Animals drives positive change in communities while saving the lives of countless animals. For more information, visit http://foundanimals.org.

5.04.2011 – MEA Digital Wins Two Bronzes at the 32nd Annual Telly Awards

San Diego, CA – May 4, 2011 – MEA Digital was honored for excellence in creativity at the 32nd Annual Telly Awards. The top 50 interactive agency received two bronze statuettes for Cars.com's Knowledge Lab, an original series of online video tutorials that addresses the reoccurring needs of car shoppers in an effort to help them make more confident decisions. To date, the tutorials have garnered thousands of views on YouTube and, as part of a larger media mix, helped solidify Cars.com as the go-to resource for tools, reviews, and listings.

"We're not in business for statuettes," said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. "But to be recognized by such a renowned award show and be counted among the most creative agencies, winning a Telly is a special honor. It's a symbol of our staff's creativity, dedication, and passion. I'm so appreciative of them as well as the judges who deemed our entries worthy."

Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards honors outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions created for the web. As in years past, a prestigious panel of more than 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a former winner of a silver Telly and a member of the Silver Telly Council, judged the competition.

A widely known and highly respected international competition, the show accepts 13,000 entries annually from advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments. And while entries do not compete with one other, they are held against a high standard of merit and recognized for distinction in creativity. Typically, less than one-fourth of applicants receive bronze and only one out of ten receive silver.

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4.08.2011 – MEA Digital Wins One Silver and Four Bronzes at the 2011 San Diego ADDY Awards

San Diego, CA – April 8, 2011 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) was honored for excellence in creativity and execution at the 2011 San Diego ADDY Awards. The agency received one silver Addy for its work on “Legion,” an integrated campaign for Oakley. It also took home four bronze Addys — one for “Timothy’s World,” a rich media campaign for Cars.com, one for “Knowledge Lab,” a series of online video tutorials for Cars.com, another for “What Makes Us,” a self-promotional piece, and still another for “Winter Wonderland,” an agency holiday card.

“When your work is held up against the highest standards of excellence by a judging panel composed of distinguished advertising executives and creative professionals, it’s a remarkable honor to be recognized,” said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. “2010 was a big year for us. These awards are a testament to the impressive creative thinking and unyielding dedication our staff has demonstrated over the past 18 months.”

The San Diego Advertising Club, a member of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), puts on the local ADDYs annually. It’s the only show administered by the advertising industry for the advertising industry, presenting awards in a variety professional advertising and graphic design categories, including sales promotion, collateral materials, direct marketing, out-of-home advertising, non-traditional advertising, consumer or trade publications, newspaper, interactive media, radio, television (including cinema), mixed media, advertising for the arts and sciences, public service, self-promotion, and elements of advertising.

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4.07.2011 – MEA Digital Named Top Agency by BtoB Magazine for a Fifth Year in a Row

San Diego, CA – April 7, 2011 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) has been named a top U.S. agency by BtoB Magazine for a fifth year in a row. The annual listing includes awards for winners, runner-ups, and honorable mentions in three categories — small agency (revenue less than $11 million), medium agency (revenue between $11 million and $100 million), and large agency (revenue more than $100 million). Winners are selected based on the percentage of the agency’s resources dedicated to business-to-business work, new client wins, innovative campaigns, and other criteria. Other well-known honorees include Ogilvy, Stein Rogan+Partners, Digitas, and Traction to name a few.

“2010 was a big year for us and the entire industry, which makes this a special honor,” said John Hartman of MEA Digital. “We’re on this list for a fifth year in a row because, coming out of the recession, we refocused our efforts on providing clients with a higher level of customer intelligence and transparency in budget allocation. Ultimately, we were able to stretch media dollars and maximize impact across all tactics.”

Published monthly by Crain Communications Inc., BtoB Magazine delivers timely editorial on all disciplines of business-to-business marketing to more than 45,000 subscribers. A majority of those readers, according to the nationally-recognized publication, are marketers looking to develop winning integrated business strategies, uncover new products that will optimize their sales and marketing efforts, and find the most effective ways to advance their company.

About MEA Digital

2.25.2011 – MEA Digital Receives Gold at the 2011 Pixie Awards™

San Diego, CA – February 25, 2011 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) recently received gold at the 2011 Pixie Awards™ (www.pixieawards.com) for conceptualizing and producing a video that promotes the vast array of features available on Cars.com, a leading destination for online car shoppers. The video was distributed online and is available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qavUJXrJNE.

Founded by the American Pixel Academy (APA), The Pixie Awards™ honors outstanding creativity in animation, motion graphics, and effects. It's judging panel is composed of respected industry professionals who judge entries based on standards of excellence, rather than against each other, and rate them on a 10-point scale. Those submissions earning a score of nine or higher qualify for a platinum Pixie. Those scoring between seven and 8.9 qualify for a gold Pixie. This year, only 42 entrants received gold while 24 received platinum. Other winning brands included US Air Force, Stephen Colbert, NASA, and CNN.

"Our second statuette in two years, this is quite an honor," said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. "The Pixie Awards™ is a sign of the times. Few tactics can match the effectiveness of a well-executed video, particularly online. Those marketers that master the art of 'moving pixels' have a spot reserved at the forefront of the industry for years to come."

About MEA Digital

2.23.2011 – Cathleen Ryan, MEA Digital's Chief Results Officer (CRO), Set to Attend OMMA Global speaking on Breakthrough Digital Creative

San Diego, CA – February 23, 2011 – Cathleen Ryan, Chief Results Officer (CRO) at MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), will attend OMMA Global in San Francisco as a curator and moderator. Each year, the widely renowned conference brings together top agency executives, brand managers, marketing managers, media planners, buyers, creative directors, and others, to address the biggest problems as well as the greatest opportunities in online, media, marketing, and advertising.

In a panel titled, "The Best of the Best: Pushing the Boundaries of Online Display," Cathleen and fellow panelists will highlight the most successful rich media campaigns in recent months. From conceptual thinking to graphical treatments to technological innovations, they'll discuss how each pushes the boundaries of "traditional" units in an effort to stand out among the clutter, gather information, and generate social participation.

"I'm as honored as I am anxious to be a part of this event," said Cathleen in response to the announcement. "OMMA Global manages to bring the best and the brightest of our industry together each year. I'm looking forward to contributing my expertise and thinking on digital creative, but also gaining a fresh perspective on a variety of topics from my esteemed colleagues as well."

Cathleen is an interactive evangelist with more than 15 years of experience in branding, strategy, e-commerce design and development, digital marketing, and analytics. Over the course of her career, she has successfully guided marketing strategy and development projects for Toshiba, Qualcomm, and WD-40. At MEA Digital, she lends her background and ability to combine strategic and tactical approaches to clients such as Cars.com, Oakley, Ask.com and L'Oreal among others.

About MEA Digital

2.23.2011 – MEA Digital's Chief Results Officer (CRO), Cathleen Ryan, Tapped as an Advisory Board Member and Presenter for ad:tech San Francisco's Startup Spotlight Series

San Diego, CA – February 23, 2011 – MEA Digital's (www.meadigital.com) Chief Results Officer (CRO), Cathleen Ryan, has been tapped as an advisory board member and presenter for ad:tech San Francisco's Startup Spotlight Series, a new opportunity for the heads of promising digital marketing startups to profile their company during one of the most renowned conferences of 2011.

16 startup companies across four categories - data, mobile, social, and shopper marketing - will participate in the inaugural event. Four, one-hour-long sessions have been added to the conference to spotlight the services and technologies these budding enterprises offer brands and marketers in the digital space. Additionally, each company will be invited to join ad:tech's Innovation Alley on the expo floor. The series will culminate when Cathleen and the rest of the advisory board members collaborate to select four winners, one in each category. The honorees will be revealed during the conference and receive the coveted ad:tech Innovation Award.

"The beauty and burden of digital marketing is that it is always in a constant state of flux," said Cathleen in response to the announcement. "ad:tech's Startup Spotlight Series is a smart, relevant addition to the conference because it directly reflects the continuing evolution of our industry and the ever-growing need for fresh thinking, ideas, and partnerships to deliver on client expectations. I'm excited to discover what's on the horizon."

About MEA Digital

9.17.2010 – MEA Digital Recognized as a Finalist in Two Categories at the 2010 SAMMY Awards

MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) was recognized as a finalist in the Best Social Creative and Best Social Promotion for Product Launch categories at the 2010 SAMMY Awards (http://www.sammyawards.com), which honors overall excellence and breakthrough achievement in social advertising, media, and marketing. The top 50 interactive agency won both awards for its work on Oakley Women's Perform Beautifully campaign. View the campaigns at http://awards.meaclients.com/sammys2010/.

"With the rise of social media and the growing desire of marketers to exploit various social platforms, this award holds special significance," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. "It's symbolic of our ability to reach a target audience in an unexpected, relevant manner and create a two-way conversation that is beneficial to both brand and customer. We are honored to be included among this year's recipients."

The SAMMY's are presented annually by DM2, publisher of digiday:DAILY and host of digiday:SOCIAL. The renowned organization is made up of hundreds of leading social media and marketing experts, journalists, insiders, marketers, publishers, and social technology visionaries, some of whom served as judges during the competition.

About MEA Digital

9.14.2010 – MEA Digital Receives Two Platinum and Two Gold Statuettes at the 2010 EMPixx® Awards

San Diego, CA – September 14, 2010 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) recently received two platinum and two gold statuettes at the 2010 EMPixx® Awards (www.empixxawards.org), a show founded by the American Pixel Academy (APA) to honor excellence in the production of moving pixels. The judging panel is made up of professionals in the animation, motion graphics, and effects industries. Entries are judged on individual standards of excellence, rather than against each other, and rated on a 10-point scale. Those submissions earning a score of nine or higher qualify for platinum while those scoring between seven and nine qualify for gold.

The first platinum statuette was awarded for Timothy's World, a series of entertaining online videos that complemented and extended Cars.com's on-air Super Bowl campaign. The judges remarked that it was "well written" and showcased "excellent editing." The second platinum statuette was awarded for Big Heads, a series of unique viral videos produced for Oakley's AFA campaign. The judges called it a "cutting edge concept" that was "great for viral use." The first gold statuette was awarded for Knowledge Lab, a series of educational videos sponsored by Cars.com that promoted the value of third party informational websites for car shoppers. The judges noted the campaign's superior casting, writing, and production. The second gold statuette was awarded for Feature Montage, a video highlighting specific features of the Cars.com website. The judges said it was a "fast-paced piece" driven by "good editing."

John Hartman, President of MEA Digital, said of the announcement, "The EMPixx Awards is different breed of award show, offering a unique scoring system that's designed to honor the most outstanding creativity independently and objectively. With that said, one award would have been great. Four is unbelievable."

About MEA Digital

7.9.2010 – MEA Digital Named Digital Agency of Record for USAOPOLY™

San Diego, CA – July 9, 2010 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) has been named the Digital Agency of Record for USAOPOLY™ (www.usaopoly.com), a leading specialty market game developer that offers a unique spin on the world's best-known games, as well as its own award-winning, trademarked game, Telestrations™. Effective immediately, the interactive shop will handle all creative development and media planning duties for the niche brand.

"This is a big win for us," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital, in response to the news. "USAOPOLY™ is a high-energy brand that offers a wide range of entertaining products, lending itself to a variety of exciting, entertaining marketing concepts and executions. Our team knows it, and they're anxious to get started."

USAOPOLY™ started in 1994 with a single idea – put a hometown-spin on MONOPOLY®. After securing permission from Hasbro to license the world famous board game, the San Diego edition of MONOPOLY® was born. And so was USAOPOLY, Inc. From there, the company expanded it's Monopoly® product line to more cities, colleges, and other popular themes like Family Guy™, Major League Baseball®, and Beatles. 100 specialty editions later, USAOPOLY™ branched out to other timeless games like Operation, Yahtzee, Jenga, and The Game of Life. In 2010, USAOPOLY™ released Telestrations™, the "classic telephone game sketched out." Telestrations™ is the first product in the company's own line of trademarked games.

"This is an exciting time," added Jeanette Best, Marketing Manager of USAOPOLY™. "We'll rely on MEA Digital to expand our reach and grow our customer base via the digital medium. If the agency selection process was any indication, the staff's creative thinking, thought leadership, and enthusiasm will be some of our most valuable assets."

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About USAOPOLY

USAOPOLY™, a trademark of USAOPOLY, Inc., is a leading specialty market game developer, offering the world's best-known games with the hottest licenses from the Entertainment & Licensing Division of Hasbro. This year, USAOPOLY™ brings to market themed MONOPOLY®, including Rolling Stones, Nintendo®, The Office, and Hello Kitty Collector's Editions; CRANIUM® Disney Family Edition; OPERATION® Family Guy™ Collector's Edition; TRIVIAL PURSUIT®, including the Rolling Stones and the Beatles Collector's Editions; CLUE®, including The Office and Family Guy Collector's Editions; RISK® Halo Wars™ Collector's Edition; YAHTZEE®, including Elvis® 75th Anniversary and Super Mario Collector's Editions; and JENGA®, including Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and Donkey Kong™ Collector's Editions. For more fun and games, check out www.usaopoly.com.

6.23.2010 – MEA Digital Wins One Silver and Three Bronzes at the 31st Annual Telly Awards

San Diego, CA – June 23, 2010 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com) was honored for excellence in creativity at the 31st Annual Telly Awards (http://www.tellyawards.com). The top 50 interactive agency received a silver statuette – the show's top honor – for a self-promotional piece (http://www.meadigital.com/reel/), two bronzes for its work on Oakley’s Talking Heads campaign (http://www.meadigital.com/v3/portfolio_oakley.html), and another bronze for producing a video that highlights the features and benefits of Cars.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qavUJXrJNE).

"To be recognized by such a highly respected award show, to stand out among thousands of entries, to be counted among the most respected advertising agencies – winning four Tellys is an unbelievable honor," said MEA Digital President, John Hartman. "It is especially significant given the increase in broadband adoption and video outlets over the past year. More and more consumers are turning to the web to watch their favorite shows and movies, and we're working to ensure our clients are taking advantage of these new opportunities with highly engaging rich media. It seems our work is paying off."

Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards honors outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions and work created for the web. Each year, the judging panel is composed of distinguished advertising, production, and other creative professionals – all of them past winners.

A widely known and highly respected national and international competition, the show accepts 13,000 entries annually from advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments around the world. While entries do not compete with one other, they are held up against the highest standards of excellence. Typically, less than one-fourth of applicants receive bronze and only one out of ten receive silver.

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6.18.2010 – MEA Digital Wins at the 2010 AMY Awards For The Second Year In A Row

San Diego, CA – June 18, 2010 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com) was recognized for creative excellence at the San Diego 2010 American Marketer of the Year (AMY) Awards. It's the second year in a row that the interactive shop has earned top honors at the event. This year, MEA Digital won the Advertising category for its work on Oakley Women's "Perform Beautifully" rich media campaign, as well as the Viral Marketing category for its work on Oakley's "Rock Legends" social networking campaign.

"One is awesome, two is unbelievable," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital, in response to the announcement. "These awards are testament to the heart and soul our entire staff invests in every project. The long days, the late nights, and the inhuman amounts of caffeine we consumed to ensure these campaigns were successes – it's all worth it."

The San Diego AMYs, sponsored by the local chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), recognize and reward those individuals in the community who have successfully connected businesses with customers. Each year, a panel of esteemed marketing and communication professionals selects winners based on effectiveness, quality, style, and execution. This year's judges included Lauren Damron, the National Accts. Director of AOL Advertising, Cindy Wells, the Sr. Director Media of Razor, and Sean Cheyney, the VP Marketing and Business Development of AccuQuote, among others.

The AMA is the largest marketing association in North America, founded for individuals and organizations involved in the practice, teaching, and study of marketing worldwide. It is also the premier destination for resources, training, and professional networking. In fact, members are connected to nearly 40,000 experienced marketers, including leading academics, researchers, and practitioners.

About MEA Digital