Johnson & Johnson's Michael Sneed to Speak at 4A's 'Face of Talent' Event Honoring Multicultural Advertising Interns

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Aug 8, 2012) - On August 9, the 4A's (www.aaaa.org), the leading advertising trade association, will honor and celebrate the 2012 graduating interns participating in the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP), as well as advertising and media executives invested in advancing the diversity and inclusion mission, through the second annual full-day symposium, "The Face of Talent." With the support of Marquee Partners, Johnson & Johnson and Omnicom Group, the event features a Leadership Development Forum, Diversity Leadership Luncheon, Career Fair, and Evening Reception. 

Since 1973, MAIP has served as the connecting agent between aspiring advertising and media professionals and the 4A's agency partners, building a sustainable pipeline of multicultural talent and further underscoring the 4A's commitment to two important business imperatives in the industry -- Talent and Diversity. Comprised of over 2,400 alumni, MAIP's presence is felt nationwide and its alumni have been responsible for influencing and shaping well-known brands.

Nancy Hill, President-CEO of the 4A's, said, "The Face of Talent symposium is designed to inspire and connect this year's MAIP class with leading industry executives, and it's our moment to solidify the relationship between a pool of extraordinary individuals, who are beginning their careers, and advertising practitioners. This event is a means for both groups to explore mutual opportunities."

The Diversity Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by Euro RSCG and Deutsch, Inc. and hosted by 1988 MAIP Alumnus David Hernandez, Managing Director/Executive Creative Director at OgilvyOne, will feature over 240 MAIP interns, alumni, diversity champions, senior industry executives, and client-side supporters, who recognize the significance of the event and MAIP. Further underscoring its significance, Michael Sneed, the Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at Johnson & Johnson, will provide the thought-leadership address and bestow the 2012 Agency of the Year Award to a participating agency who has demonstrated its commitment to MAIP by volunteering, hosting, and supporting the program in the 2012 year. 

The luncheon will also feature a keynote address from Susan Credle, the Chief Creative Officer at Leo Burnett USA who was responsible for the iconic M&M characters the world has come to love. A special thanks goes out to our Diversity Benefactors, Omnicom Media Group, IPG, and Macy's who have helped to make this day possible.

Following the Diversity Leadership Luncheon, over 35 agencies will participate in the annual career fair and have the ability to recruit over 103 exceptional, entry-level talent who have amassed over 400 hours of industry experience through seminars, webinars, projects, networking opportunities, and agency experience over the 10-week program. Agencies significantly investing in the career fair include Platinum Partner, BBH; Gold Partners, BBDO, Digitas, Draftfcb, GroupM, JWT, Leo Burnett, MediaBrands, MRM, Team Detroit, Y&R; and Silver Partners, Arnold Worldwide, Horizon Media, McCann NY, Ogilvy & Mather, and Saatchi & Saatchi.

To cap off the day and continue thought-leadership, the Evening Reception, sponsored by 4A's New York Council, provides advertising professionals a unique opportunity to engage with recent and seasoned MAIP Alumni whose network spans across the country. Special recognition will be given to MAIP alumni celebrating their five and 10 year anniversaries.