Trending Now: Perspective

Since 2005, partners Megan and Maureen have been privileged to be part of the judging team for the DMA’s International ECHO Awards. The judges come from all over the world to spend three days in New York City judging entries from the U.S, New Zealand, India, Canada, Mexico, Sweden and other European nations, to name a few.

Strategic marketers showcased their bold strategies and beautiful creative made possible by talented designers. Digital and traditional channels were married to create holistic campaigns to drive engagement and sales (results).

Although we can’t share details due to confidentiality, we noted some interesting trends. One particular trend that really stood out this year was the nod to the socially conscious – the emotional pull of marketing that benefits humans, animals and the earth. In these programs businesses found a way to benefit others in an authentic way that also fit in well with their brand promises and business philosophies. Another popular trend was the use of humor to create engagement.

Every year, we are amazed at the level of competition and talent that the ECHO awards bring, along with the proven fact that multichannel marketing is alive and well in the world.

The winning results of our judging will be presented at the ECHO Gala in Los Angeles in October. http://andthen.thedma.org/echo-awards/about-the-show/