After joining Ad 2 this past summer, Marco quickly got involved in the Communications committee and he has become a staple at Ad 2 events since.  Marco says, “The best thing about Ad 2 is the networking, people, and food at meetings” =)

Don’t be afraid to buy him a drink at your next event, because before you know it he could be working in the office next to you!

If you’re thinking about getting more involved in the club, listen to Brittany when she says, “I wanted to be more involved with the club and get to know everyone better.  It has been a lot of fun.  The meetings are entertaining and I am happy to be a part of the programs committee!”  So next time you’re mingling around an Ad 2 event, be sure to introduce yourself and say thanks… she probably planned it =) !!

If you haven’t met Matt Walter….. where have you been the past two years?!?! Matt joined Ad 2 San Diego in 2007 as a student at San Diego State, and has since become a very familiar face among the group. After a few fun years in college, Matt has successfully made it into the professional world and hopes to build a long and prosperous career in the agency world. Matt puts it best,

“The best thing about Ad 2 is meeting and networking with other young professionals in a very laid back, social environment!”

Look out for Matt at the Ad 2 events in 2010

1. How long have you been an Ad 2 member?

3.5 years!

2. Did you do anything fun or interesting this summer? If so, what?

I went on a cruise to Mexico. I try to go on a fun trip or get away every few months. The big trip that is coming up is a trip to Miami and the Bahamas for Christmas and New Years! I can’t wait to spend my “white” Christmas on the white sandy beaches!

3. Why did you join Ad 2? Why did you decide to transfer your Ad2 membership?

I joined Ad 2 to get involved within the advertising, communications and marketing communities. I help my clients build name recognition through selling custom packaging and promotional items- so I figured I could get some new clients and make some friends through AD2. I did just that!  I have been on the board the last two years and have enjoyed some committee work. I have made lasting friendships and created valuable client relationships while partaking in all AD2 and SD Ad Club has to offer!

4.  Why did you get involved with the board?

I got sucked in! And Jen and Cheri took me to Albuquerque, New Mexico (of all places) for an Ad Club conference and amongst all the alcohol and food intake, they must have snuck in the Ad Club kool-aid!

5. What’s the best thing about Ad 2?

The relationships we are creating now as young professionals are rock solid. We are steps ahead of many in that we will be able to support and grow these relationships for many years to come, which then attribute to us becoming very well known and successful in our industry. Another BEST thing about Ad2- the happy hours and events- we’ve got great programming and great people; always a fun time when partaking in AD 2 festivities!

Know an Ad2SD member that’s going above and beyond for Ad2SD? Send your nomination for next month’s Board Member and Member Spotlight to info@ad2sd.com or send a direct message to the team at Twitter.com/Ad2SD.

Meet Erica Valdez – as one of the latest additions to Ad 2 San Diego, she is also the President of the brand new USD Ad Club!!

The new club is targeted towards USD students interested in Advertising and Communications, looking to learn, grow, and meet the movers and shakers of the San Diego Ad Community. The club will feature networking opportunities and speakers from within the industry, and will also give students the option to participate in the ADDYs and other advertising competitions.

Be sure to introduce yourself to Erica at the next event!

Melonie Gallegos
Geary Interactive

Melonie Gallegos has been an Ad2 San Diego member since she joined the team of Geary Interactive in 2008. To Melonie, Ad2 provides networking with “smart people in the industry.” (thanks for calling us smart!)but she also knows networking is not the only thing that makes Ad2 a great community.

The best thing about Ad2, she says, “everyone knows how to have fun and more importantly, it facilitates shared learning by bringing in talented speakers and hot topics.” Melonie has always been an extremely positive addition to every Ad2 event. Not only does she bring a lot of ideas but her bright smile and friendly demeanor are always a welcome treat.

Know an Ad2SD member that’s going above and beyond for Ad2SD? Send your nomination for next month’s Board Member and Member Spotlight to info@ad2sd.com or send a direct message to the team at Twitter.com/Ad2SD.

Andrew Mera
Search Marketing Manager
Covario, Inc.

Prior to becoming an Ad2SD member, Andrew Mera was a frequent attendee at Ad2SD happy hours and events. Andrew realized the immediate value that the club had to offer and become an official Ad 2 San Diego member in May 2009. Soon after, Andrew became the Ad2SD Communications Chair and is responsible for four committee members.

When asked what Andrew enjoyed most about Ad2SD, he responded, “First of all, the people. I like working in collaboration with the Ad 2 team and the fact that we’re in the same age range and have things in common, makes Ad2SD even more enjoyable. Secondly, the club is run with a “Do it Yourself” approach. I get to own projects from inception to fruition and I get the opportunity to be as creative as I can be.”

In addition to building his leadership experience, Andrew is a big fan of the Ad2SD events. “From panel discussions, marketing training, access to OMS, and social events – it all makes the club truly diversified,” Andrew said.

Know an Ad2SD member that’s going above and beyond for Ad2SD? Send your nomination for next month’s Board Member and Member Spotlight to info@ad2sd.com or send a direct message to the team at Twitter.com/Ad2SD.

Rachel Kaplan
Online Content Creator
Self-Employed

Rachel Kaplan has been an Ad 2 San Diego member for three months and all it took was attending a happy hour event. “I came to a happy hour event with a friend and met some great people so I decided to join.” Since then, Rachel has been an active Ad2SD member and is participating on not just one but two committees – Membership and Communications.

When asked what she enjoyed most about Ad2SD, Rachel said, “Meeting new friends with similar interests is fun. I like the educational events because I always seem to learn something new about the industry and the social events because I learn something new about people and friends.”

When Rachel’s not at an Ad2SD event, you can find her at the beach participating in water sports, traveling, hanging out with her new nephew and laughing with friends. Rachel adds, “I go to the beach all the time, wave running, wakeboarding, surfing – I’m bad at surfing, anyone want to give me a lesson? I also love to travel to Aruba, cook good food, read bad books and give hugs to strangers.”

On behalf of the Membership committee, we would like to thank both Andrew and Rachel for their hard work and commitment to Ad2SD. Be sure to give them a pat on the back when you see them at the next Ad2SD event.

Know an Ad2SD member that’s going above and beyond for Ad2SD? Send your nomination for next month’s Board Member and Member Spotlight to info@ad2sd.com.

Holly Mann
Executive Assistant
Broadway San Diego

After attending Ad Club and Ad 2 events for the past year, Holly Mann, has officially ‘Drunk the Kool-Aid’ and joined us as one of the newest Ad 2 members. “My favorite part about Ad 2 is getting to bat around new ideas with others in the same field, but different markets. It’s always nice to get some fresh insights,” Holly says. So be sure to introduce yourself to her at the next Happy Hour, and don’t forget to ask about the latest and greatest shows hitting Broadway San Diego!

Mike Maginnis
Co-Founder
MJD Interactive

Mike Maginnis, co-founder of MJD Interactive and Ad 2 Social Chair, is the guy to know if you’re in Ad 2. After originally becoming a member to have some fun and get more involved, Mike joined the Ad 2 Board in July ’08 and has done a great job for us this year! Remember all of the great events over the past year – Happy Hour, Sports Marketing Night, Start Up or Shut Up, and most recently the craziness of the 3rd Annual Pub crawl (just look at the pictures!) – be sure to thank Mike next time you see him for making them all happen. Cheers Mike!