2023 Pollie Awards & Conference

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AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process

January 5, 2023

 

AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process

 

MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) applauds Twitter’s decision
to allow cause-based ads and the return of political advertising on the platform. Social media platforms
are a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse
audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.

“Twitter’s plans to reinstate cause-based advertising on its platform is a major win for the democratic
process and the ability for campaigns to inform voters about issues they care about,” said Becki Donatelli,
Republican consultant and President of AAPC.

AAPC also applauds Twitter for stating their advertising policy will align with that of TV and other
media outlets.

“Leveling the playing field for political advertising allows candidates and issue organizations to clearly
communicate with voters across all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, especially as
consumer media habits change. Newer platforms, like streaming tv and radio, should follow Twitter’s
example to allow direct communication with voters,” said Larry Huynh, Democratic consultant and Vice
President of AAPC.

AAPC steadfastly supports the foundational principles of political free speech enshrined in the U.S.
Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms,
and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit
organizations.

AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising ultimately reduces the ability of people to
participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, and political organizations,
and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and an official
campaign's ability to reach a broad community online.

AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop
misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.

About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals
dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the
globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC
Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of
political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

 

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FEC Approves Final Rules on Digital Ad Disclaimers and Announces Notices of Proposed Rulemaking on Additional Disclaimer Rules

December 5, 2022

 

FEC Approves Final Rules on Digital Ad Disclaimers and Announces Notices of Proposed Rulemaking on Additional Disclaimer Rules

 

The FEC approved a Final Rule on December 1 revising the disclaimer requirements for public communications placed on the internet for a fee. The amendments revise the definition of “public communication” to clarify how it applies to the internet. The amendments also outline what disclaimers are now required based on the type of internet ad. The Final Rule still must be approved by Congress before it is given an effective date.

The current definition of “public communication” includes only internet ads “placed for a fee on another person’s website.” The new definition includes “communications placed for a fee on another person’s website, digital device, application, or advertising platform.” However, the Commission does not define “digital device,” “application,” or “advertising platform.”

The amendments also outline the required disclaimers based on the type of communication:
  • For text or graphics, a written disclaimer must be included that is clearly readable.
  • For videos, a written disclaimer must be visible for at least 4 seconds.
  • For audio, without video or graphics, the disclaimer must be included within the audio. 
If a full disclaimer cannot be included, the Commission outlines a new “adapted disclaimer” provision if the full disclaimer “would occupy more than 25% of a communication due to character or space constraints.” An “adapted disclaimer” must define that the communication is paid for and who paid for it.
The Commission is also requesting comment on additional proposed rulemaking on the definition of “public communication” or “internet public communication.” The notice has not been published to the Federal Register but when it is, AAPC will work with members to devise comments on the matter.
To read the full announcement on the FEC website, click here.
If you have questions or comments, please contact Robyn Matthews, Director of Advocacy and Industry Relations at [email protected].

 

About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe.  It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

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2023 Pollie Conference Registration is Now Open!

After registering you’ll get access to book your hotel reservations within our discounted block of rooms at the luxurious conference host hotel, La Quinta Resort & Club. The room block will fill up quickly and our group rate of $299 will not be available after the block is full, so don’t delay!

Where: La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, CA

La Quinta Resort & Club is located in the beautiful Coachella Valley, a short drive from Palm Springs.

When: April 18-20, 2023

Register now!

Interested in showcasing your company in Palm Springs? Contact Debbie Thomas to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities!

AAPC Files Comments Citing Concerns with Proposed FCC Rules on Text Messaging

November 11, 2022

CONTACT:

Robyn Matthews

Director, Advocacy and Industry Relations

703-935-2282

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

AAPC FILES COMMENTS CITING CONCERNS WITH PROPOSED FCC RULES ON TEXT MESSAGING 

AAPC Supports Industry Efforts to Target Scam and Spam Text Messaging While Protecting Political Free Speech

 

MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission yesterday regarding a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Targeting and Eliminating Unlawful Text Messages. AAPC’s Comments, on behalf of its more than 1,600 bipartisan members hailing from all across the United States, oppose the proposed rules citing First Amendment concerns, authentication protocols, and the timing of implementation that could adversely impact voter contact and opinion research efforts before the 2024 Presidential cycle.

AAPC members are experts on political campaigns and are skilled in general consulting, digital campaigns, media buying, polling, data and analytics, fundraising, and campaign technology.

View AAPC’s Comments 

The FCC released the NPRM on September 27, 2022, and it was published in the Federal Register on October 11, 2022, prompting a 30-day public comment period. The FCC has until November 25, 2022, to respond to public comments.

 

About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe.  It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

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The 2023 Pollie Contest is Open!

Submit your work by Dec. 15th to receive low Early Bird Entry fees at just $99! 

We can’t wait to see the amazing work you’ve produced to engage and mobilize the electorate during such a busy midterm cycle. Whether you work for a large firm or act as an individual consultant, all of your political communications work is welcome!

With our low Early Bird Entry fees, just $99 for members through December 15th, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to vie for the gold standard for excellence in political communications — the Pollie Awards!

Plus! If you produced work for local or state level campaigns this year, you’ll enjoy low entry fees at just $49 when you enter our Regional Division.

 

Questions? Contact Kourtney Colbert at  or .

AAPC Condemns Netflix Decision To Deny Access for Political Speech and the Democratic Process

October 13, 2022

CONTACT:

Alana Joyce
Executive Director
+1 703-245-8021
[email protected]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

AAPC CONDEMNS NETFLIX DECISION TO DENY ACCESS FOR POLITICAL SPEECH AND THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) opposes Netflix’s decision to ban political campaign and issue ads on Netflix’s ad-supported streaming service. Streaming services have become a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.

“We condemn Netflix’s decision to not accept campaign and issue ads on their streaming service,” said Becki Donatelli, Republican consultant and President of AAPC. “Blanket political ad bans on platforms gag legitimate, fully disclosed campaign and policy advertising by lawful candidates and organizations.”

Netflix’s decision of banning political campaign and issue advertising is against free speech, a cornerstone of our democratic society. AAPC steadfastly supports the foundational principles of political free speech enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit organizations.

“A blanket ban on political ads is inequitable and will make it harder for people of color and young voters to get information on candidates and issues,” said Larry Huynh, Democratic consultant and Vice President of AAPC.

AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising ultimately reduces the ability of people to participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, and political organizations, and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and an official campaign’s ability to reach a broad community online.

AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.

 

About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe.  It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

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Dates Announced: Pollies 2023

POLLIES ‘23 IS THE POLITICAL CONSULTING EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Politics is a relationship business. Pollies ‘23 is designed to bring our community together to reconnect, ready ourselves for the new challenges ahead, and discussed lessons learned form the 2022 midterms. As The Political Consulting Event of the Year, the Pollies is your best opportunity to grow your skills and expand your network. No other industry event offers the same caliber of speakers, attendees, dining, adventures—and FUN. What’s more, the investment you make in attending the Pollies goes right back—to you! Not only will you enjoy a great experience, you’ll support the work of the only nonprofit Association working to advance the industry, protect your ability to do business and safeguard political free speech. Don’t miss Pollies 23, April 18-20, 2023 at the La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California.

When: April 18-20, 2023

Where: La Quinta Resort & Club, Palm Springs, California

Registration will open in Fall of 2022. Upon registration, attendees will receive information for accessing AAPC’s discounted hotel room block at the La Quinta Resort & Club.

Learn more by clicking here.

AAPC Announces Campaign Excellence Awards for the 2021 cycle

Contact:

Alana Joyce
Executive Director
+1 703-245-8021
[email protected]

 

For Immediate Release

May 18, 2022

AAPC Announces Campaign Excellence Awards for the 2021 cycle
Youngkin for Governor named Campaign of the Year and Stop the Republican Recall of Gavin Newsom named Digital Campaign of the Year

San Juan, Puerto Rico (May 18, 2022) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s largest and only bipartisan network of political professionals— today announced the winners of the AAPC Campaign Excellence Awards for exceptional work during the 2021 cycle. These awards were presented at a special ceremony in conjunction with the annual AAPC Pollie Awards & Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Campaign Excellence Awards are a longstanding tradition of the AAPC and recognize those individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of a candidate or public affairs campaign and whose conduct has been consistent with the Professional Code of Ethics of the AAPC.

“The 2022 Campaign Excellence Award winners far surpassed the high bar of scrutiny set out in our standards of judging. The effort, dedication and masterful skills these individuals employed during the 2021 campaign cycle deserves tremendous recognition, and AAPC is proud to provide just that,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “It’s a privilege to celebrate these outstanding political practitioners together at the Pollie Conference,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.

“Political Marketing + Media and our affiliates PlayFly Sports and Home Team Sports would like to offer congratulations to the 2022 Campaign Excellence Award winners,” said Stephen Ullman, Managing Partner of Political Marketing + Media. “We are honored to share in their celebration at the 2022 Pollie Conference.”

AAPC Campaign Excellence Award Winners

Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year (Local): Save Austin Now – Proposition B

Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year (Statewide): Cannabis Community for Fairness and Safety (CCFS) – No on 119

Public Affairs Campaign of the Year: Every Bottle Back

Independent Expenditure Campaign of the Year: All of Mpls

Campaign Manager of the Year, Non-Statewide (Democratic): Katie Moore, Eric Adams for Mayor

Campaign Manager of the Year, Non-Statewide (Republican): Matt Brownfield, Jake Ellzey for Congress

Fundraiser of the Year (Democratic): Darren Rigger, Dynamic SRG – NYC Campaigns for Borough Presidents and Speaker

Fundraiser of the Year (Republican): Jenniffer Ortiz-Alizieri, Campaign Solutions, CDI Ads and Winning Tuesday – Larry Elder for Governor

Digital Campaign of the Year: Stop the Republican Recall of Gavin Newsom

Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide (Democratic): Juan Rodrigiez, Stop the Republican Recall of Gavin Newsom

Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide (Republican): Klarke Kilgore, Jason Miyares for Virginia Attorney General

Most Valuable Player of the Year (Democratic): Kendra-Sue Derby, Howard Franklin & Candice Franklin, Andre Dickens for Atlanta Mayor

 Most Valuable Player of the Year (Republican): Kristin Davison, Youngkin Campaign

Pollster of the Year (Democratic): Tulchin Research, Eric Adams for Mayor of New York City 2021

Pollster of the Year (Republican): WPAi AND Tarrance Group – Youngkin for Governor

Campaign of the Year: Youngkin for Governor

 

About the 2022 AAPC Pollie Conference

As the premier industry event, the 2022 Pollie Awards & Conference is held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from May 17-19, 2022 and brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.

About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,400 members hailing from all corners of the globe.  It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

About Political Marketing + Media

Founded in 2014, Political Marketing + Media specializes in matching political candidates, committees + advocacy groups with the best local, regional + national sports, news and entertainment programming and events. For more information, see politicalmarketingandmedia.com.

AAPC Announces 2022 Class of 40 Under 40 Award Winners

Contact:

Alana Joyce
Executive Director
+1 703-245-8021
[email protected]

 

For Immediate Release

May 17, 2022

AAPC Announces 2022 Class of 40 Under 40 Award Winners

San Juan, Puerto Rico (May 17, 2022) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s only bipartisan association of political professionals— today announced the winners of the 2022 40 Under 40 Awards program recognizing the best and brightest young professionals working in the United States. Selected from more than 200 nominations, the winners were recognized at an awards ceremony during the 2022 Pollie Awards & Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

“The judging process was especially difficult this year, with such high volume of outstanding young professionals nominated. We are encouraged to see so many high achieving young politicos rise up within the industry, and salute this year’s winners,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “We have no doubt that the 2022 Class of 40 Under 40 will continue to even greater successes as political consultants and help educate and inspire other rising stars in the industry, ”added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.

“We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners of the 40 Under 40 Awards. As a leader in the political text message marketing industry, it’s our pleasure to watch these individuals succeed in their profession and to contribute in a small way in their digital marketing journey,” added Kevin Fitzgerald, Tatango CEO.

The AAPC is dedicated to fostering the next generation of political professionals and is proud to recognize leaders and innovators in the political business community (including media, advertising, polling and public affairs) who are making a mark in their organization and their profession.

Winners of the AAPC 2022 40 Under 40 Awards

Democratic Winners Republican Winners
Ryan Berni, Berni Consulting

 

 Michael McCollum Adams, TAG Strategies
Mollie Binotto, Sena Kozar Strategies Sarah Clamp, Prime Media Partners
Kati Bumgardner, Counterpoint Messaging Chazz Clevinger, OneClickPolitics

 
Marshall Cohen, Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Lindsay Shuba Donnelly, TLC Political
Seferiana Day, Upper Left Strategies Kaeley Gemmill, Targeted Victory
Katelynd Duncan, KJD Strategies Joseph Goetz, NRCC
Zandria Haines, SBDigital Amanda Iovino, WPA Intelligence
Joshua Handelman, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Matt Kenney, Camelback Strategy Group
Danny Kazin, American Bridge Danny Laub, POOLHOUSE
Adam Kirsch, Change Research Caeli Mahon, Targeted Victory
Angela Kuefler, Global Strategy Group Katie Martin, Big Dog Strategies
Byron LaMasters, InFocus Campaigns George Nassar, Public Opinion Strategies
Ben Lazarus, TargetSmart Joey Parr, Murphy Nasica
Alesa Mackool, ACM Strategies Sean Philbin, Smart Media Group
Henri Makembe, Do Big Things Christiana Purves, Push Digital & Laurens Group
Ishanee Parikh, Future Forward USA Action Martin Rini, Targeted Victory
Marilyn Báez Rodríguez, 303 Digital Jeffrey Snow, 936 Media
Tess Troha-Thompson, New Blue Interactive Edith Jorge-Tuñon, Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC)
Bryan Boo Yuen, Putnam Partners Phil Vangelakos, Push Digital, LLC
Adam Wise, National Media
Independent Winner:

Stephen Miller, Kivvit

About the 2022 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2022 Pollie Awards & Conference is held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from May 17-19, 2022 and brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.

About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,400 members hailing from all corners of the globe.  It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

About Tatango

Since 2007, Tatango has provided easy-to-use SMS marketing software and industry expertise to political and nonprofit organizations and causes looking to achieve their fundraising goals. Tatango has become a market leader powering SMS and MMS campaigns designed to drive fundraising results. With billions of messages sent, Tatango’s marketing software has been time-tested to deliver positive fundraising outcomes.