DMA07 Jazzes It Up in Chicago with Special Events; Networking, Awards, Fun Are High on Agenda

October 8, 2007 — Whether it’s the sassy flapper costumes and gangster spats party-goers will be wearing at the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) first-ever old-school Chicago-themed “Launch Party” on October 13, or the laughter and fun comedian Howie Mandel will bring to the 2007 International ECHO Awards Gala on October 16, it may seem as if all of Chicago is outdoing itself to welcome direct marketers at DMA07.

DMA07, which will make its home at Chicago’s brand new McCormick Place West October 13–18, will offer delegates from around the globe an action-packed schedule from beginning to end. But it will hardly be all work and no play. DMA will provide attendees with plenty of opportunities for entertainment, celebration, and kicking back with friends, both old and new.

The after-hours fun will rev up on Saturday evening, October 13, when all DMA07 attendees are invited to DMA’s first-ever kickoff party. With a zoot suit or two and a bit of swing, the “Old School Chicago”–themed Launch Party will provide enjoyment straight from the ‘20s — minus the Prohibition, of course — at Club 151 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Also on Saturday evening, the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) will host its Annual Awards Dinner, at which it will present its Edward N. Mayer Educational Leadership Award to Litle & Co. Chairman and Founder Tim Litle, and its Corporate Leadership Award to Draftfcb. The evening will also feature “Direct Marketers Gone Wild!” — a live and silent auction for education. For more information on this and other DMEF events in Chicago, please contact Asha Roberts at aroberts@the-dma.org.

On Sunday afternoon, conferees won’t want to miss the Exhibit Hall’s grand-opening party. In addition to more than 550 exhibiting companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies, services, and supplies, the hall will feature two special pavilions: an International Pavilion and an Online Marketing Solutions Pavilion.

On Monday evening, following a full day of keynotes and educational sessions along nine tracks of programming, DMA07 conferees will want to attend a fun-filled networking reception in the Exhibit Hall’s Online Marketing Solutions Pavilion, which will feature more than 85 companies specializing in interactive, Web-based, and email applications.

On Tuesday, DMA will roll out the red carpet as the focus shifts to honoring “super star” leaders and campaigns that have contributed to direct marketing’s growing power and prestige. At 10 a.m., DMA will present its Marketer of the Year Award, which, since 1968, has recognized the achievement, innovation, and leadership of some of direct marketing’s best and brightest.

At Tuesday’s luncheon, DMA will induct the 2007 Hall of Fame honorees, adding more leaders to the scroll of direct marketing legends.

It all culminates on Tuesday evening when comedian and “Deal or No Deal” host Howie Mandel presides over DMA’s 2007 International ECHO Awards Gala at Chicago’s historic Union Station. Now in its 78th year, the ECHO is the only international award symbolizing excellence in direct marketing creativity, marketing strategy, and response results in every type of media used today in multichannel direct marketing.

DMA07 will be punctuated throughout by a host of additional enjoyable events in and around the Windy City, including breakfasts, receptions, and dinners hosted by the DMA Nonprofit Federation, DMA councils, as well as conference sponsors and exhibitors.

Clearly, whether it’s soaking in the latest marketing innovations, learning about the hottest multichannel marketing trends and strategies, networking with fellow professionals, or taking in the magic of a city that’s anything but “second,” DMA07 in Chicago has plenty to offer everyone.

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