NEW BLOOD FOR YOUNGBLOODS

This year the AFA Youngbloods committee under the direction of Adam Grootveld (AFA President – Meerkats), Sarah Dalziel (TMP), Elliott Woolf (303), Lauren Moss (Gatecrasher) and Chris Baker (Marketforce) have set a new course and plan to make 2008 the biggest year yet.

“At the end of 2007 we were frustrated with the way things were running on such an adhoc basis and set ourselves some new objectives,” said Grootveld. “We were unhappy with the size of our membership database and aimed to double it. This was achieved within a few months and is on its way to being triple the size. We were also tired of constantly asking agencies and the AFA to assist us with sponsorship money to host industry events. So we approached various other bodies and are now, for the first time, finically independent.”

Grootveld said this means AFA Youngbloods is in a position to hold bigger and better events, plus do what they were brought together to do – assist people under 30 with their careers in advertising.

“Thanks to our sponsors Cineads, The West Australian, Getty Images, Curtin, Daniels, 92.9, Stockman and Meerkats we have planned three major events for the year. The first to look out for is the movie premier of Get Smart, which is scheduled for 25 June. A new winter party is also being planned, which will take place in early August and our famous Christmas party will take place towards the end of November. These are must-not-miss events. Not only are they a great opportunity to mingle with other people in the industry, the money raised at the end of the year is given back to a chosen charity. This year we have chosen the Starlight Foundation.”

The Youngbloods are also getting in front of Uni students (so far Curtin and ECU), the future of the advertising industry, educating them on the realities of the industry and giving them direction on how to get a started. Grootveld said they also have plans to bring in interstate and international guest speakers to talk to the AFA Youngblood members about their experience in large agencies working on large clients.

“As most of you would know, Youngbloods WA has a group on Facebook and we have the most members in the country – good work!  Youngbloods WA use Facebook to promote the upcoming events, competitions, and also as a forum for you to further network with the industry. This is important, as it’s another platform that we can offer members to assist in building their careers.”

So if you’re not on the database, which is free to join, email adam@meerkats.com.au to be registered or jump on Facebook and join the AFA Youngbloods group.

Top: AFA Youngbloods WA Committee Adam Grootveld (Meerkats), Sarah Dalziel (TMP), Elliott Woolf (303), Lauren Moss (Gatecrasher) and Chris Baker (Marketforce).

Details of Youngbloods Get Smart movie night here

AFA Poster_kaos.pdf