What is thePitch?
thePitch 2020-21 is a 10 day virtual competition focused on advertising and its associated disciplines. You will receive hands-on experience by working with a Pittsburgh advertising agency on a real-world project with a local non-profit organization.
Who should register?
YOU… if you are a junior or senior interested in the field of advertising and its related disciplines (creative, consumer research, brand strategy, media planning, account management, etc.). The cost is $35 per student and includes an AAF Pittsburgh Student Membership.
How does thePitch work?
From Friday, February 12, 2021 through Monday, February 22, 2021, you will work on one of several agency teams to address a client challenge. About a week before the event you will be assigned (via the email address you provide on the application form) to an agency team and given more details about the deliverables and the client. On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 1pm, we will kick off the program and by then you will have been emailed all of the information needed to get to work with your team.
What’s the schedule?
This year’s program will be entirely virtual, the agency team you are assigned to will provide links to virtual meetings. There are 4 main work meetings on the schedule, but as a team you are able to schedule and meet as often or as little as you see fit. The pre-ordained meeting times are as follows:
Kick-off and work time: Friday, February 12 @ 1 pm – 5 pm
Monday, February 15 @ Noon
Wednesday, February 17 @ Noon
Friday, February 19 @ Noon
We encourage you to work with your team mentors and the agency directly to schedule additional meetings as a team – with or without mentor and agency attendance.
What agencies are participating?
This year’s competition includes: 9 Rooftops, Brunner, Chemistry, Garrison Hughes, Gatesman, Moxie, and Tonic
Why do you need to participate?
ThePitch is intensive, real world, and really cool. You will gain invaluable insight into the advertising world and its work, while gaining access to a top Pittsburgh agency and its ad professionals. You will build your resume, professional portfolio, and contacts while doing something that will help you determine if this field is right for you.
What’s in it for you?
§ American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Student Membership
§ Exposure to agency personnel and AAF Pittsburgh board mentors and members.
What happens if your team wins the competition?
Winning team members are entitled to:
§ Public recognition at the virtual Pittsburgh American Advertising Awards in tentatively scheduled for March 2021
§ Resume review by industry professionals, followed by resume distribution to the entire AAF Pittsburgh Board of Directors for potential future employment consideration.
§ Possible execution of concepts by the client.
§ Best of all - Bragging rights!
If you have any questions at all about the program, or if you should participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to AAF Pittsburgh Education Chair Rebecca Senneway at rebecca@big-science.com.