Lorien Briggs
I joined the IAA when I first moved to NYC nearly 20 years ago for my first job in advertising. What an exciting time! I immediately was captivated by the energy and excitement of the industry and the global nature of the IAA, so quickly took over as President of the Young Professionals. I had always loved to travel but now I’d found an industry and organization that offered an opportunity to combine my interests. After 4 years in NYC, the market crashed during the GFC and I took a contract role in Sydney. I immersed myself in the local landscape and volunteered to start a YP division of the IAA in Australia. I wanted to share best practices from my time in NYC. There are many industry organizations but the global nature of the IAA is what makes it unique. I attended the IAA World Congress in Moscow in 2010 and had an incredible experience. The ability to attend speaking sessions in the Kremlin was a once in a lifetime experience and I have connections with people from that event that I still speak with. I’m now back in Sydney after another stint in the US – this time for good (raising my children here!) – and want to continue growing alongside the IAA in the Australian market. With stints in all areas of the industry from agency to media to services sides, I believe my experience lends itself well to joining the Australian Board. The International Advertising Association is a powerful organization but there needs to be better presence in the market and a USP that people can align with. Global Partnerships is one key area of improvement. I have been a fellow at the inaugural session for Young Professionals at the Salzburg Global Seminar and see collaboration opportunities.