Eye-opening research and interesting trends about the African American consumer market were showcased during the 12th Annual MAAX (Marketing to African Americans with Excellence) Summit held in downtown Chicago’s Wyndham hotel.
In addition to providing data, panelists discussed opportunities for engaging the African American market with authenticity. The Summit included the 2011 MAAX Awards, where Bob McNeil of Images USA, Michelle Ebanks of Essence Communications Inc., Jennifer Jones of AT&T, Matthew Barnhill II of BET, and Terrie Williams were honored.
Don Jackson, president and CEO of Central City Productions and Barry Mayo, president of Radio One were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
So, what does the future hold for black media? Things are looking good Mayo tells rolling out.
In fact, Mayo predicts advertising growth for African American niche media in 2012.
“The diversity, our involvement in the digital space, which is the largest growing segment, will ensure that there’s growth,” Mayo says. “Also, there are multiplatform offerings; you have companies like Radio One that have TV, cable and Internet, and the combination of those things will help ensure growth in advertising in 2012.”
