Center for Brand Research to hold Conference in Washington DC

The Center for Brand Research at the University of Texas at Austin and the American Advertising Federation (AAF) have organized a conference focusing on three niche lifestyles - clean cities & organic foods, gay and lesbian lifestyle and urban youth - and their impact on branding. "Across the board, the changes these lifestyles have brought to our entertainment, fashion, kitchen tables and acceptance of diversity have been dramatic and lasting," said Dr. Neal M. Burns, director of the Center for Brand Research at the University of Texas at Austin.

Eric Webber, Vice President/Marketing Director at GSD&M and a member of the Conference Planning Committee points out " The expansion of these niches into mainstream advertising and marketing is already a fact. The exciting part now is to see who becomes the dominant players and can do so appropriately without having their growth alienate the core."

Wally Snyder, president and CEO of the American Advertising Federation, remarked that "This conference is overdue and an important one for us to host. It brings together some theoretical points of view along with agencies and clients that demonstrate best practices. These niche lifestyles are part of the cultural moment and moving into the mainstream."

The "Niche Lifestyles and Branding: Advertising in the Cultural Moment", conference takes place February 23-24 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Poster submissions from faculty and students alike are solicited.

This executive-level conference aims to deliver fresh perspectives on contemporary issues facing many organizations and is an ideal information exchange opportunity for agency and corporate management, start-up businesses, retail enterprises as well as those working with niche brands.

Nationally recognized speakers will lead each of the three Niche Sessions. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin will keynote the Gay and Lesbian Influence Session, Carol Browner (formerly head of the EPA under President Clinton) will lead off the session dealing with Clean Cities/Clean Air/ Organic Foods and Dave Mays (Editor and Founder of Source magazine) will initiate the session on Urban Youth. Additional conference participants and the full agenda may be found at the web site

12/17/2003