I was not aware that the Denver Ad Fed closed down in December 2004.
This Denver Post article from last month, provides some details.
The 113-year-old group shut down in December 2004 as a result of flagging membership. Leaders and members said the group had been too slow to respond to changes in the industry. Many people – particularly those in smaller boutique agencies – no longer saw the value of membership. A slow economy also put pressure on agency budgets, leaving little left for membership fees, they said.
The article points out that members of the Denver ad community are working to revive the club.
As a creative, I always wonder if it’s worth my time to join these clubs. Many markets have clubs dedicated to the creative community, which certainly splinters the membership. In fact, Denver is one of those markets. Art Directors Club of Denver has long conducted a better awards show than the local ADDYs. So, the question remains…does Denver need an Ad Fed?
Oh, alright. I’ll bite.
It was a disappointment to see DAF drown with Denver’s community so tight. But not a shock. Rising costs for membership and award show entries in a time when agencies were falling like flies, and boutiques didn’t have the coin to fork over were the main culprits.
A few weeks ago, creatives from some of these agencies put together a really great gallery of work at a local theater. It was great. All of these creative people talking with one another. A few I haven’t seen for almost ten years (I’m revealing my age), plus a chance to see print and tv spots that took me off guard.
Ad clubs offer the camraderie. I think it’s important.