How to beat the summer heat in Scottsdale

When Mother Nature brings the heat to Arizona, the residents get creative. Where else is dashboard baking a culinary art form?

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Still, the 110-degree temps were of no concern to Reem Massella as she landed in Scottsdale on June 25^th. Her goal was to beat the heat brought by the competitors at this year’s Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) Conference and Showcase.

Now in its 59^th year, IMCA recognizes some of the hottest work in insurance marketing and communications. Entries come from across North America with competitors ranging from top insurers and brokerage firms to independent advertising and marketing agencies of all sizes.

We’re proud to report that Direct Choice Inc. beat the heat with two awards:

– Award of Excellence (Divi6sion III Marketing Communications, Single Item, Sales/Marketing/Branding Promotion under $15K) for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina “Medicare Made Simple” Guide

– Award of Excellence  (Division III Marketing Communications, Total Sales/Marketing/Branding Campaign over $50K) for the Highmark BCBS Individual Renewal Campaign “Future Proof”

As Reem reports, “There was plenty of relief from the heat of competition and Mother Nature. My favorite moment (besides the awards) was the keynote address from Jeanette McMurtry, CMO, Elateral.  She was all about the psychology of marketing and understanding the science of why we do what we do. I had the unique opportunity to dine with her and some other amazing marketers thanks to an IMCA dinner engagement. If you’re ever in Scottsdale, check out Ivy & Olive for superb Mediterranean cuisine.”

Reem was also a fan of David Williams from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “With an increasing number of companies utilizing their philanthropic activities as a means to engage with customers and employees, David’s session was inspiring. Many tears were shed when he invited a Make-A-Wish family to speak about their experiences.”

We look forward to braving the heat at next year’s IMCA Showcase Gala Banquet to be held in Atlanta, Georgia.