Ad networks and vendors go to great lengths to catch the attention of media buyers and agencies, paying for clothes and other merchandise at “tangible meetings,” giving them laptops in return for insertion orders, and tickets to concerts and Yankees games.
Another favorite tactic among media sellers is the summer house, which they rent for the summer in places like the Hamptons. The well-appointed summer houses are used to wine, dine and generally butter up clients. According to agency buyers, some vendors even use their summer houses as leverage to extract spending from them, making clear ahead of time that only existing clients — i.e., those that spend money — will receive invitations.
Meanwhile, agencies’ brand clients say they’re getting more and more worried about the incentive and rebate culture that exists in digital media. The fact that there are personal benefits up for grabs can easily lead buyers to favor certain vendors, they say. The other side is this kind of high-touch relationship building is part and parcel of how many industries operate — no harm, no foul, who’s got the next game of beer pong?
We rounded up some of the more notable houses being rented by media vendors and networks this year:
Undertone Hamptons House
Millstone Rd, Sag Harbor, NY.
Agency guests include: Universal McCann, Aegis Media, Zenith Optimedia, Morpheus Media.
Amenities: Swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court, basketball court, game room, 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.
Genome/Interclick Yahoo Hamptons House
Water Mill, NY.
Agency guests include: Digitas, Universal McCann
Amenities: Pool
Tremor Video Hills House
Kings Road, West Hollywood, Cal.
Agency guests include: Deutch
Amenities: Pool
StyleCaster Media Group Summer Haven
Water Mill, NY.
Agency guests include: Mediavest
More in Marketing
Why the New York Times is forging connections with gamers as it diversifies its audience
The New York Times is not becoming a gaming company. But as it continues to diversify its editorial offerings for the digital era, the Times has embraced puzzle gamers as one of its core captive audiences, and it is taking ample advantage of its advantageous positioning in the space in 2024.
Why B2B marketers are advertising more like consumer brands to break through a crowded marketplace
Today’s marketing landscape is more fragmented than ever. Like consumer brands, business brands are looking to stand out in a crowded and competitive marketplace, making marketing tactics like streaming ads, influencers and humorous spots more appealing.
As draft puts WNBA in spotlight, the NBA is speeding up ballplayers’ transition to creators
The NBA’s star athletes are its greatest marketing asset.