Some of the guests enjoying dinner at the Battery Gardens Restaurant
Perhaps the only place better for celebrating the Fifa World Cup other than the IAA Summer Ball would be the sidelines of a World Cup game in Brazil itself.
The International Advertising Association invited members and guest to the Battery Gardens Restaurant for their annual Summer Ball. The Summer Ball is known for its creative themes, and this year did not disappoint. Because of the World Cup’s timing, the night was filled with fun revolving around Brazil as the tournament’s host country. The event featured authentic Brazilian cuisine, music and entertainment that made any attendee want to book the next available flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Two dancers at the Summer Ball
Along with the Winter Ball in the winter, the Summer Ball is considered one of the best events of the year, with guests dancing and having a great time late into the evening. The IAA gave the Brazilian tradition of Carnival a run for its money with this event.
Aleksandra Lacka never misses the Summer Ball. “It’s been nine years that I’ve been at this event, and it’s one of the best industry events,” said Lacka. “They are always very creative with their themes, and it’s always fun and different each time. It is a great place to be and a great networking opportunity for anyone in the industry.”
Aleksandra Lacka, Associate Director, Strategic Insights, Zenith Optimedia and Grace A. Capobianco, CEO Publisher, DOWNTOWN Magazine
The annual Summer Ball is a way for the IAA to say thank you to its members and clients. There are many chapters of the IAA around the world, and the Summer Ball is a chance for everyone to come together and have some fun, all while networking for the future.
Tom Brookbanks, President of the Board of Directors for the IAA, says, “It’s terrific that we are able to attract such a diverse and big crowd for these social events. The IAA’s mission is to create an environment where we can regulate ourselves as marketers and have freedom to operate, and events like this really make it possible to fund those initiatives. So, we are delighted for our sponsors and our members to get together and have a bit of early summer fun before things kick off and people get out of town.”
John Williams, VP Americas, BBC Advertising, BBC Worldwide and Amanda Marano, Client Solutions Partner at Bloomberg Businessweek
Like years past, the rain tried to get in the way of the night’s celebrations, but it held off, for the most part, and guests were able to enjoy the beautiful venue.
“Fortunately, the weather has played its part, it hasn’t rained too much,” said Master of Ceremonies John Williams. “Everyone’s in the mood, the music is great, the alcohol is flowing, and it’s a good bunch of people.”
The IAA New York Chapter will be having its annual BrillIAAnce Awards on September 18th at Mativo in the Flatiron District. The BrillIAAnce Awards honor the global media industry’s most strategic, impactful advertising campaigns. With the September event already outlined, the IAA better start planning the 2015 Summer Ball now, if it is to compete with the success of this year’s Ball.
Check out our Facebook for more photos from the IAA Summer Ball 2014.
– Jordan Tidwell
– Photography by Eddy Garay
Josephine Wu, IAA New York Chapter Coordinator; Katrin Barbarello, Digital Account Director, Publicitas US; Alessandra Rao, IAA NY Chapter Coordinator; Lexy Torzilli, Investing Channel; Jill Cohen, Vice President Area Director US/Canada, IAA Global, Executive Director, IAA New York Chapter; John Williams, VP Americas, BBC Advertising, BBC Worldwide; Jennifer Hung, Account Team Coordinator at Williams/Gerard Productions; Amanda Marano, Client Solutions Partner at Bloomberg Businessweek; Lisa Piccuirro, Media Sales Manager at Spafax; and Marina Koletis, Client Service Analyst at Endai Worldwide
