If travel is taking you to Europe or the Middle East this fall, you’d do well to stop in at Istanbul for the 2011 IAPC World Conference in late November. The International Association of Political Consultants brings together political campaign experts, analysts and journalists to discuss the hottest issues of political life.
This year’s agenda promises a compelling conference covering the Arab Spring and its future; the role of religion, ethnicity and culture as catalysts for change; the ways that youth, demographics and social networking are propelling the revolution; and the likelihood that true democracy will prevail as the Arab Spring begins to wane.
The Istanbul conference will also look at elections around the world and techniques and strategies that are impacting their outcome.
IAPC is always thought-provoking and informed – a highlight in our calendar. We hope to see you there!
The Arab Spring with IAPC in Istanbul
September 24th, 2011The kids are back to school. Now what?
August 30th, 2011It’s that time again. Families across Canada have pulled out the backpacks and lunch bags. They’re getting back in the swing of things with schedules and supplies. They’re thinking about what each child will need to succeed.
At NOW, we’re thinking back to school, too — helping teachers tell the story of what’s happening in their classrooms and how it affects students.
Remembering Jack Layton
August 22nd, 2011
Many members of our NOW Communications team knew Jack – as a client, as a superb political communicator, but above all as our leader.
The first thing that struck us about Jack was the incredible discipline he brought to every interaction he was part of. From our first meeting, we knew this was someone who was determined to get results – big results. From the inner circle of election campaigns to the wider progressive community, Jack demanded the best from everyone, including himself. He left no stone unturned and put everything on the table in the tireless pursuit of better ways to connect with Canadians and promote progressive values. It was thrilling to work with him and his team as he crafted a renewed federal NDP.
Part of our work with Jack over three elections involved shooting photography and film of him interacting with people. The most persuasive leaders we know share a genuine delight in talking to ordinary people. Jack had that spark for people. Whether on a set with a full film crew buzzing around him, or a small photo shoot with our own kids at a nearby hall, he lit up talking to people about what was going on in Canada.
The inheritance Jack leaves his family and all Canadians is a rich one – rich with hope and a vision for a better world. With Jack we moved from the conscience of Canada’s political life into the heart of Canadian values.
We always felt he delivered his most stirring message with: “Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.” It was Jack to the core.
Spot the new faces
April 28th, 2011Take a close look at our team photo – and let us know if you can spot the new faces. We’ve expanded our staff in Vancouver and Halifax to better serve our clients. Skana Gee leads up Client Services at NOW Halifax, bringing a wealth of experience in public affairs journalism, film & TV publicity and project management to our clients. And Daniella Reid has joined the Vancouver team as Administrative Assistant, with a background in marketing and client service. As we suspected, her meticulous attention to detail leaves no stone unturned in our ad trafficking and production records. We’re very lucky to have both of these talented women as part of our team.
Innovative Workplace Nominee, YWCA Women of Distinction Awards
April 27th, 2011We’re thrilled to be an official nominee as an Innovative Workplace as part of YWCA Vancouver’s Women of Distinction Awards. At NOW we’ve done a lot to accommodate women and families at work, and it’s great to be recognized for those efforts. For our part, making work manageable for women and their families just seems like the right thing to do. After all, life is short, and work should be fun.
You can see the full list of nominees here, and check out the auspicious company we’ve landed in, with UBC, McCarthy Tetrault LLP, PwC, and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.
Ambulance Paramedics Protecting Critical Emergency Services in BC
April 26th, 2011Ambulance paramedics are a critical public service in BC. And CUPE 873 — BC’s Ambulance Paramedics will always work to keep it that way.
Ambulance Paramedics Protecting Critical Emergency Services in BC
CUPE 873 members tell their story and demonstrate their commitment to providing crisis response, reliable service, expert care, and commitment to patients in this broad spectrum campaign which included print ads in commuter papers, radio ads province-wide and online ads with community media websites.
Ambulance Paramedics Protecting Critical Emergency Services in BC
Print ads in commuter papers, radio ads province-wide and online ads with community media websites use arresting visuals and a message that connects with families to talk about what’s at stake for the public.
The ads point to an online video where six CUPE 873 members tell their story and demonstrate their commitment to providing crisis response, reliable service, expert care, and commitment to patients.
It’s an awareness campaign aimed at keeping ambulance services a public service throughout BC.
7 Pollie Awards international recognition for NOW’s clients
March 14th, 2011We’re so proud of our clients and our work together! This weekend, creative work on highway privatization, pension security, parks, public services, and election awareness was recognized with seven international awards.
The Pollie Awards have been called “the Oscars of political advertising” and recognize the best of public affairs and issue advertising.
NOW’s clients won in 5 categories:
International candidate direct mail:
Silver – for the pension leaflet for the Ontario New Democratic Party caucus called “What’s the plan?”
Bronze – for the Manitoba New Democratic Party caucus’ direct mail brochure “Hugh”
International candidate radio:
Silver – for a radio spot on parks privatization done with the SGEU called “Grandpa”
International candidate television:
Honorable mention – for the spot made for the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party called “Balloon”
International public affairs internet campaign:
Bronze – for the anti-privatization campaign site for the SGEU ifyoulovesaskatchewan.ca
International public affairs television:
Bronze – for a public services branding spot from the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union called “Commitment”
Honorable mention – for the spot that defines the risks of highways privatization, from the SGEU: “Signs”
Reed Awards Recognize Top Political and Public Affairs Talent in The World
February 5th, 2011On February 4, 2011, Campaigns & Elections magazine held the third annual Reed Award Dinner in Washington, DC. Political consultants and public affairs executives were recognized for their outstanding work and creativity in the 2010 mid-term elections.
“Winning a Reed Award is considered to be one of the most prestigious honors in the business of politics and Campaigns & Elections congratulates the finalists and winners,” said Publisher of Campaigns & Elections, Paul Plawin. “It is truly a remarkable achievement and we would like to thank the judges and the winners for their contributions to electoral politics and making the Reed Awards such a memorable experience.”
NOW’s clients won in two categories:
Direct Mail – Best Non-US Campaign (International)
For the pension leaflet for the Ontario New Democratic Party caucus called “What’s the Plan?”
Special Categories: Best International Campaign
For the anti-privatization campaign by the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union which includes a series of TV ads, radio, outdoor, and print and their IfYouLoveSaskachewan.ca website.
Congratulations to our wonderful clients! It’s an honour to work with you.
At your door… CUPE Alberta
January 24th, 2011Every day, CUPE members in Alberta (and public service workers all across our country – federally, provincially and civically) deliver the vital public services families count on.
As an extension of their ongoing campaign, CUPE is advertising online to Alberta audiences.
We worked with them to create this animated ad on a tight budget and timeline – to show just some local public services and how they matter to people in the community. We're showing our support for all our public service clients and their members with our Like for Public Services on Facebook.
Do women decide elections in Canada?
December 6th, 2010When Campaigns & Elections magazine planned a whole issue on women in politics, NOW’s Maya Russell decided to tackle the critical role of women as voters. She talked to several public opinion professionals about the gender gap in support for national political parties, and how the party Leaders fare with women voters. See the online magazine and let us know what you think!
