meet and connect

Special Interests Groups

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) represent professional marketing communities focused on a particular type of business or marketing specialty.  Through regular in-person meetings the SIGs involve meeting others with the same interest and sharing ideas, knowledge and experiences with others in the field.

SIG meeting times and locations are reported regularly in the “Events” section of our website with other updates sent via email and social media – stay tuned for what’s coming up!

The Columbus AMA SIG Program Focuses on:

• Social Media
• Healthcare
• International – including global and cross-cultural marketing
• Interactive – focus on online marketing and e-commerce.
• Mobile – focus on the marketing implications of wireless personal devices
• Job Transition Groups – these SIGs serve marketing, communications and PR professionals who are currently in transition. The group welcomes young graduates and seasoned professionals alike.

How Can You Get Involved?

Sign up to attend a SIG meeting through our online registration available through the Events Page or an email link.  For every SIG meeting, the Columbus AMA charges members $5 and non-members $15.

SIGs are run by volunteer members of the Columbus Chapter of the American Marketing Association – get involved and join a SIG Committee!  There are two types of positions on SIG Committees – the Chairperson and Event Directors.  Chairpersons are responsible for the organization of the SIG and typically lead efforts to find and recruit speakers as well as act as SIG spokesperson at the event.  Event Directors work with the Chairperson to fulfill SIG activities.

The VP for SIGs represents the program on the Chapter’s Executive Board and is responsible for the overall success of the program.

The SIG Committees as of July, 2011 are:

• Social Media – Chair, Alison Circle; Event Directors, Faye Oney, Jason Velliquette
• Healthcare – Chair, Jennifer Scheehle; Event Directors, Patricia Rodeman
• International – Chair, Laurence Schmidt; Event Directors, Bill Troy
• Interactive – Chair, Jessie Eckert; Event Directors, Joel Kessel
• Mobile – Chair, Ryan Frederick; Event Directors, Steve Rucinski
• Job Transition Groups – Chairs, Dave Demarchi, Scott Spira

Volunteer opportunities are always available for the SIG program (including starting a new one on a marketing topic of special interest to you).  Please contact one of the chairpersons or any AMA Board Member to learn more.

What can I expect at a SIG meeting?

The topic-focus SIGs meets for an hour and a half, typically with the format below:

7:20am – 7:40 Registration

7:40 – 7:45 Announcements

7:50 – 8:00 Networking activity

8:00 – 9:00am Guest speaker or roundtable discussion among participants

The Job Transition Groups usually meet in the evening.