GrowthLab

GrowthLab's Mike Kapetanovic was asked by Ad Age about the impact of the election for advertising agencies, "Ad agencies are likely to experience fewer regulations, especially in advertising and media. This anticipated shift toward deregulation may offer a more flexible environment, easing restrictions on content, targeting and campaign spending. As a result, agencies might embrace a bolder, less restrained approach to creative work, feeling empowered to explore new messaging and formats. However, this freedom also brings increased public scrutiny, as brands navigate an intensely polarized landscape where cultural and political stances are frequently under the microscope. On the cultural front, the administration’s focus on national priorities over DE&I initiatives could shift the tone of advertising, with brands potentially moving away from social equity messaging. Marketing budgets may increasingly align with themes the administration emphasizes such as defense, national pride and economic growth, while areas associated with social programs and environmental initiatives could see reduced investment. Agencies will need to balance the opportunities created by deregulation with the risks posed by a politically sensitive climate, weighing the benefits of creative freedom against the potential for heightened backlash in a divided public arena." Read the full article here

VML retains the Marine Corps Recruitment account, dating back to pre WWII.

📢 New Report Alert: Election 2024 – Key Insights for Federal Marketing Communications Our latest report dives into the federal spending shifts and trends that could reshape opportunities in the marketing communications space depending on the election outcome. Key Highlights: * 42% Increase in Marketing Spend: From Trump to Biden, federal marketing communications spending rose by 42%. Excluding the high-cost Census 2020 campaign under Trump, this increase reaches a substantial 67%, reflecting a major expansion in agency budgets. (Note, this did not even include the nearly $1B COVID-19 campaign) * Small Business Impact: Under a Harris administration, small business set-asides and SDB preferences could continue expanding, adding challenges for larger firms while creating growth avenues for small and minority-owned businesses. * Potential Trump Spending Priorities: Expect increased funding for defense, DHS, and VA if Trump wins, likely benefiting contractors focused on national security while trimming regulatory budgets. #Election2024 #FederalContracting #GovCon #SmallBusiness #marketingcommunications #adagency #federal

Next week's election will have an impact on marketing communications in the federal arena. Are you registered for tomorrow's (1p EST) free webinar? If not, register now. https://lnkd.in/eYPRU6DJ

🔍 Election 2024: Are You Prepared for What's Next? With a race this tight, the stakes for federal contractors are high. Whether it’s defense, healthcare, or infrastructure, Election 2024 will impact budgets, priorities, and opportunities. Join Mike Kapetanovic and Tommy Benz as they discuss insights on trends impacting federal marketing and comms, what a Trump or Harris win could mean for your agency, and strategies to prepare for any outcome 📅 Date: October 31 🕒 Time: 1p EST 🎟️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/eYPRU6DJ Get the insights you need to navigate Election 2024 and position your firm for success! #Election2024 #GovCon #Webinar #GrowthLab

September saw a flurry of competitive awards, including some of the largest contracts in the marketing and communications industry. A special shoutout to Stratacomm, Tombras and Culture ONE World for defending their $329M NHTSA Communications, Marketing, and Media Support contract —one of the biggest wins across the industry this year. Here’s a look at the top 10 largest contract awards last month: Stratacomm: NHTSA Communications, Marketing, and Media Support – $329M FHI 360: HIV Communications Program at CDC – $143M McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations, LLC: Job Corps Strategic Communications and Marketing Support – $46M ICF Next: DHS BLUE Campaign – $40M IQ Solutions: National Institute on Aging's Information Resource Center at NIH – $39M Dynamic Integrated Services: multiple contracts at the VA, including $38M for Strategic Communication and Change Management Services MarCom Group: DHS CBP Recruitment Marketing – $37M BLN24 Fors Marsh JV: OIDP Comprehensive Communications Support – $28.3M Crosby Marketing Communications Integrated Marketing Support at the CFTC – $21M Compel JV: DHS FEMA ICPD Programmatic Support – $20M While these represent some of the largest contracts awarded, many other firms have secured significant wins, check out the full list in the comments below. Congratulations to all the companies that have closed out the year with new contracts in hand! 🥂 👏

🚨 SBA Subcontracting Report Update 🚨 Did you know that prime contractors missed 35% of their small business subcontracting goals in FY 2023, leaving over $1.5 billion in opportunities on the table for small businesses. Notably, primes fell short of their targets for SDVOSB, HUBZone, and SDB firms, achieving less than 50% of their goals in these categories. Both large businesses and small businesses should stay alert, as the SBA and federal OSDBUs are increasingly focused on ensuring primes meet their subcontracting commitments. #SmallBusiness #GovCon #Subcontracting #SBA #OSDBU

Congratulations to all the firms that made it through FY24! Navigating the challenges of a fiscal year is no small feat—whether it’s hitting growth targets, winning new contracts, or adapting to the ever-changing landscape of business and government opportunities. As we move into FY25, let's build on these successes and continue driving forward with fresh perspectives and bold strategies. The best is yet to come! #FY24 #BusinessResilience #Growth #PublicSector #ForwardMomentum #Congratulations

Cheers to one of the most visible national campaigns—"If You See Something, Say Something"—spanning both the public and private sectors. Learn how to “Spot the Signs. Report the Activity.” 👉 https://go.dhs.gov/opJ #SpotReportPrevent #SeeSayDay #PublicSafety

🚨 OASIS+ Awards Update 🚨 Big news from the GSA! The first round of OASIS+ awards has recognized 224 WOSB, 234 SDVOSB, and 82 HUBZone firms in the Management & Advisory Services domain. While this space typically focuses on strategic planning and advisory, several marketing communications firms stood out: + WOSB: Bixal, CommunicateHealth, Inc., LMD, Partner Forces, Red Carrot + SDVOSB: Arrow ARC, Barbaricum, Dynamic Integrated Services + HUBZone: Tactis, Bizzell #GovCon #SmallBusiness #OASISPlus #WOSB #SDVOSB #HUBZone