There’s some interesting new research out about how advertising on new media outlets is growing. This one comes from PQ Media. You can see an executive summary of the report and even listen (MP3) to it. Some of the report highlights are:
The culmination of six months of primary research, this report found that blog, podcast and RSS advertising are the fastest growing segments of the alternative media industry. These segments, known as user-generated online media, expanded at an aggregate 198.4% to $20.4 million in 2005, and are expected to grow another 144.9% to $49.8 million in 2006.
Collect Cards To Exit
At the closing reception you had to find these guys and obtain one heart, spade, clover and diamond to get your take home gift on your way out from the reception.
Each card was printed with facts about Iowa and it’s biotech industry.
Fortunately you didn’t have to memorize the cards, just show them at the exit door. I think this is a great idea.
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Closing Reception Band
Iowa was the sponsoring state for the closing reception. They hired a great band to play on the main stage.
In another area karaoke was going on and there was casino action in the upper levels of the theater.
You can hear and see the band here: : 
Closing Reception Band (1 min wmv)
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BIO Dancer At Closing Reception
The closing reception was just as good as the others at BIO 2006.
We had great food, beverage and music which featured dancers like this young lady.
The reception took place at the Chicago Theater, a very nice venue with 3 levels of reception activity.
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PSP Giveaways Too
The iPod giveways were many at BIO’s trade show but don’t forget that there are other cool gadgets.
It was almost refreshing to see a Sony PSP giveaway at this booth
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AdFarm Hires Haller
The big news from AdFarm today is that Ted Haller is now their media leadership guy.
AdFarm announced today it has hired Ted Haller to lead the agency’s media strategy, planning and placement services. Haller and his firm, The Jordan Group, St. Louis, Mo., will work exclusively for AdFarm in agricultural markets. “At AdFarm, our purpose is to be ‘a catalyst for the advancement of agriculture’,” said Kim McConnell, chief executive officer. “This requires hiring and retaining the best team of marketing communications professionals available to assist our clients, whether they’re capitalizing on an exciting new opportunity or facing challenges from a competitive market environment.”
You can learn more about what’s going on at AdFarm next week at the NAMA Conference by visiting their red pickup:
On Thursday, April 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the red, AdFarm truck will be parked in front of the Hyatt Regency – NAMA Conference headquarters. We’ll have AdFarmers on hand to show you how Crazy About Farming™ we really are – and a photographer to capture your complimentary, souvenir photograph in a genuine, bright red 1949 Ford pickup.
I’ve got a feeling a pic from this will find it’s way to AgWired and the NAMA Blog.
NAMA Blog is Jazzed
I’ve got lots more content to bring you from the BIO 2006 Convention but I thought I’d take a time out to get you “Jazzed” up about next week’s 2006 Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show.
To start with, the NAMA Blog is ready to rock & roll and I’ll be the NAMAblogger. You can already visit and listen to a pre-convention interview with Laura Ries (pictured) who will be conducting a general session called “The Fall of Advertising & The Rise of PR.” That’s very important subject material to me and I’m sure you too. Laura works with her Dad, Al Ries, at their Atlanta-based marketing strategy firm.
Cindy, actually conducted the interview which we used for a recent ZimmCast. You can listen to it here: 
Laura Ries Interview (12 min MP3)
So check out the NAMA Blog and AgWired for all the latest from the convention as it happens. And if you’re attending please stop by our booth in the trade show. We’ll be conducting agriblogging and farm podcasting demonstrations live and hope to see you there. We also have new weepuls this year to add to your collection.
I’m getting Jazzed. Are you? Oh, one more thing. Please join NAMA by next week and be entered to win a Video iPod courtesy of AgWired and ZimmComm New Media.
F150 Lease Winner
One of the many contests at the BIO 2006 trade show was a 2 year lease on a Ford F150 that’s E85 capable.
The lucky winner is Kyle Beery, ADM, who I just happened to run into while I was wandering around the trade show area. He is one happy camper.
I also got to interview Ford’s Midwest Public Affairs Manager, David Reuter. He talks about the latest E85 vehicles offered by the company and their support for the continued growth and development of alternative fuel availability.
You can listen to my interview with David here: David Reuter Interview (5 min MP3)
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BIO 2006 is Concluding
The BIO 2006 convention concludes this evening with a final reception. It’s time to shut down for now. I’ll be travelling most of tomorrow so keep an eye out for some more BIO coverage. I’ve got more interviews and pictures to share.
I want to say a big thank you here to my sponsor, Rhea & Kaiser Marketing and Communications. Pictured (l-r) are Scott McClure, Steve Rhea, Deron Johnson and Kim Cooke. This has been a fun project.
If you want to learn more about it and why R&K sponsored my coverage you can listen to my interview with Deron which is this week’s ZimmCast. You can listen to my interview with Deron here: Deron Johnson Interview (10 min MP3)
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Interview With BIO CEO
The President & CEO of BIO is Jim Greenwood. Prior to the end of BIO 2006 I sat down with him to talk about how this year’s conference stacks up in comparison to others.
He says it’s a record in several ways. JIm also talks about how significant a role agriculture plays in the convention and suggests that having that same presence next year in Boston would be a good idea. You can listen to my interview with Jim here: Jim Greenwood Interview (4 min MP3)
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