Our latest work for Bus Éireann’s Expressway comes just in time for summer travel. The humorous spot dramatizes the problems of travelers who choose to drive and park at Dublin Airport instead of taking an Expressway coach. The campaign shows the pitfalls and the realization that there is a far better way to get to the airport… Expressway.
Read more here.
Joshua Cook, Digital and Social Media Manager
Since arriving at Connelly Partners last Spring, I’ve been given many opportunities to grow within my role and build my knowledge of the advertising industry, all while helping my wider team in the process. The latest of these opportunities came at the Social Media Conference Dublin at Ireland’s national stadium – Croke Park. As an Englishman and huge sports fan living in Ireland, it’s always a pleasure to visit this iconic arena.
I arrived early so I could wander the corridors awhile, absorbing the traditions and learning of the numerous events that have taken place on this hallowed turf. Gaelic Football and Hurling were a mystery to me this time last year. I’d encourage anyone to visit Croke Park because the games here are highly entertaining (and quite brutal!). But enough of that. There was a conference to attend…
The conference itinerary was comprised of three panels, each with five speakers. At the end of each session, there was a Q&A so attendees could pick their brains. The panels were diverse, showcasing many different aspects of the ever-changing world of social media and how it affects our lives, both professionally and personally.
My pick of the first panel was Nick Mulligan, Senior Social Strategist at E4 and Channel 4 in London. Nick’s presentation highlighted the enormous scale that his role encompasses and how his team handles this every day. He discussed the importance of balancing advance planning with proactivity and reactivity to upcoming trends. As advertisers, we can all learn something from his message, as we often set inflexible, long-term goals. Social media allows us to help our clients be playful and current with market trends. It’s our job to harness this energy in the work we do for them.
The keynote speaker of the second panel was Anu Hautalampi, Communications and Social Media Specialist at UN Women in New York. Anu focused on the importance of team dynamics and how to split your time when working from home: two issues we know all too well at Connelly Partners Dublin (and I’m sure folks across the Atlantic can probably say the same!). What struck me about Anu’s presentation was her passion for her team. You can make all the right noises in your working life, but if the team isn’t singing from the same hymn sheet, none of that matters. Thankfully we have a wonderful team dynamic here in Dublin, and it shines through in our work.
Graeme McQueen, DAA Media Relations Manager of Dublin Airport, was a speaker for the third panel. He spoke about dealing with real-time crises in the workplace, from COVID chaos to lies spread on ‘X’ about his brand. He shared that he spends his days putting out metaphorical fires in the name of Dublin Airport. Overall, Graeme’s message was: “You can’t be afraid to try new things on social media. Some things will land, others will fail. It’s all part of the learning process.”
I had a memorable day at the Social Media Conference and learned far too much to cover in a single blog post. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to attend and I’m excited to put my learnings into action.
We’re pleased to announce the promotion of Vaunnie McDermott to Managing Director of Connelly Partners Dublin. In her new role, Vaunnie will have responsibility for all operational and financial decisions for the Dublin office, working in collaboration with sister Irish company ZOO Digital.
Vaunnie has over 20 years’ experience working as a marketing professional from both an agency perspective and extensive in-house experience with RTÉ and the Irish Examiner. After running her own business for 10 years, she was recruited to Strategem in 2016 to drive new business. Vaunnie has been part of the management team at Connelly Partners Dublin since the Strategem buy out in 2018 and since 2021, has been one of the three-person leadership team which has run the agency.
Speaking about the appointment, founder and President Steve Connelly: “There have been incredible developments for Connelly Partners Dublin over the last year – the calibre of our clients, the creativity of our work – and Vaunnie has been integral in that success. She so deserves this appointment and frankly, we’re lucky to have her. There’s a great next chapter ahead for our Dublin team.”
Continuing the integration between the global offices and furthering our client service offering and creative output, this news also sees new roles for Mary McMahon and Ronan Doyle.
Mary McMahon has been named Group Strategy Director for the Connelly Partners global network, which has a presence in Boston and Vancouver as well as Dublin. While she will remain part of the Dublin leadership team overseeing strategy projects, Mary will also be leading strategy for the growing CP Health practice, which will be soon expanding into Europe.
Ronan Doyle will move to the position of Global Art Director, focusing on senior art direction and major creative projects for clients across both sides of the Atlantic. A new Creative Director will join the Dublin Leadership Team soon.
This news today builds on recent strong expansion by Connelly Partners, both in Ireland and globally. Since recently joining forces with the award-winning digital agency, ZOO Digital, the Dublin office has just hired seven new people to join the team across copywriting, UX/UI and graphic design disciplines. The combined teams of Connelly Partners and ZOO have also successfully won new American business, working collaboratively with the Boston office which will also be announced soon.
In the coming months, we’ll be furthering our offering to the Irish market by launching a more enhanced media and analytics offering to clients and will be expanding CP Health to Dublin.
Press Coverage: