For the third time in five years, the University of Nevada, Reno's Integrated Marketing Communications team has won first place in the regional portion of the National Student Advertising Competition of the American Advertising Federation - the most prestigious advertising competition open to college students.
With this win, the team has earned a bid to defend the school's 2003 national championship title in Dallas on June 13 and 14.
Last year Nevada's wining team created an ad campaign for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and its revolutionary cross-over utility vehicle, the Toyota Matrix.
This year, students were challenged to create an advertising-centered, $7 million communications plan that encourages tourism from out of state residents to Florida on behalf of client Visit Florida.
The ad concepts produced by the Nevada team included sponsoring a diabetes research fundraising event and focusing on minority markets that included Hispanics and individuals with disabilities.
The American Advertising Federation describes the student competition as the "World Series of Advertising." It begins with 210 universities and more than 6,000 students before the regional events narrow the field to a "Sweet 16." Nevada's advertising team of students from the College of Business Administration and the Reynolds School of Journalism defeated teams from California Berkeley, the University of San Francisco, Fresno State, San Jose State, Chico State and the Art Academy of San Francisco to bring home the first-place regional trophy.
The Advertising Association of Northern Nevada provides financial support to advertising students through scholarships and assistance with competition expenses.
The American Advertising Federation pays for the travel of five student presenters and one faculty adviser, but there are 24 students on the team.
"We're hoping to raise $10,000 to help as many students as possible attend the national competition," Morris said.
Anyone wishing to donate can write checks to the University of Nevada Foundation and note the donation is for the Student Ad Team.
Donations can be mailed to Kendall Inskip at the Reynolds School of Journalism, Mail Stop 310, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557.
