Inspiration & Collaboration from the ADDYs

Planning a major event for 500 people is no easy task – especially when you have a family and a full time job also demanding your attention. Multiply that by three and four times and you’ve got Bob and Shannon. This dynamic duo has been the driving force behind the past three ADDY Award shows, including this year’s 25th annual event.

With 2016’s show a few months behind us, we asked Shannon and Bob to reflect on the past few years of planning the largest advertising celebration event in Rochester, N.Y.

Shannon was first asked to join the RAF board as the ADDY chair four years ago by then RAF President, T.C. Pellet. She remembers that it was on the patio of a local establishment over lunch and a couple of beers (smart move, T.C.).

He had explained that it was a “two-year” commitment and what the position would entail. T.C.’s excitement towards being the incoming president that year and his fervor for the RAF was inspiring and Shannon just couldn’t say no.

As she reflects now, “I am grateful to T.C. for inspiring me to join the board of this amazing organization. Being involved with the RAF has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.”

That being said, being an ADDY Chair is a huge commitment. Shannon is not shy to say that it has been the busiest four years of her life – and that’s coming from a mother of three! BUT, she emphasizes that she wouldn’t trade the experience for the world!

Bob joined Shannon during her second year of producing the show, creating the positions of the ADDYs Co-Chairs. And they have been a great team. Their individual skills, talents, and strengths have proven to be a wonderful combination and Shannon praises, “it has been an absolute pleasure working with that fantastic man.”

Like Shannon, Bob has given his all over the past three years to creating an amazing, annual event to bring the Rochester advertising community together for one massive celebration. Between wrangling the entry system, audio visual needs, generating sponsors, coordinating volunteers, obtaining judges and venues… there are a lot of moving parts and, in Bob’s words, “I have a new-found respect for people that do this for a living on a day-to-day basis!”

What he’s realized is most important is the journey that he and Shannon have taken and the relationships they’ve built along the way. Don’t be mistaken, being recognized for quality work in front of your peers is a great thing. But to Bob, the people he’s had the opportunity to meet and the relationships he’s built along the way are more valuable than the awards.

Of course, behind Shannon and Bob is a team of volunteers who have given their time and talents to make every ADDY show possible. Add to the list, the businesses and individuals that support the RAF by way of donations, sponsorships and time… we are surrounded by a beautiful community of generous individuals. Shannon reflects that, like Bob, “getting to know and work with its members has broadened and strengthened my own creative person. I am inspired constantly by the amazing people I have the honor to now call friends and colleagues.”

Both of our outgoing ADDY Co-Chairs look back fondly on their time in this position. Bob can’t say enough of how proud he is of all they accomplished. Shannon asserts that she really will miss the position – despite the countless hours she’s devoted over the past four years. In their own words, “We are forever graced by all that the RAF has brought into our world.”

They would both like to thank each and every person who has supported them and the RAF over the past few years of creating one of a kind ADDY Award shows and wish Aaron Lattanzio and Collette Major all the best as they step into the roles of incoming ADDY Co-Chairs.

Thank you Shannon and Bob for your devotion to the RAF!