Emory Marketing Institute and AIGA Launch "Brand Academy"

Business Wire, March 4, 2008

Emory University to host intensive two-day, certificate- level course for design and marketing professionals

ATLANTA -- A new and challenging program at Emory University provides advanced knowledge for corporate marketing executives and senior level design professionals to enhance the value of the brands they build together.

The program entitled "Connecting Business and Design" focuses on three main issues:

* Marketing techniques and tools that designers must understand to make their designs relevant and impactful.

* The role of design, both in appearance and in function, in the operation of successful companies.

* Collaborative techniques for design and marketing leaders to enhance brand equity.

"This program will focus on the key role of design in branding processes and in driving business performance," said Rajendra Srivastava, Roberto C. Goizueta Professor and Executive Director, Emory Marketing Institute, of Emory's Goizueta Business School. "We intend to make each class a cross section of top echelon in branding, including corporate managers, senior level design professionals and brand consultants,"

Professionals who should attend include: design agency principals, creative directors, senior management in related businesses such as advertising, public relations, direct marketing, as well as vice presidents, directors and managers of the design function of large enterprises.

The program will take place May 15-16, 2008 at Emory University's Goizueta Business School in Atlanta. The cost is $2,800 and includes all program materials and meals. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants and admission is selective. Emory Marketing Institute faculty will deliver the course, which includes interdisciplinary team projects, lectures and discussion.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an Emory Marketing Institute's Brand Academy certificate.

For curriculum details and application, contact: www.emorymi.com/AIGA or by phone: 404.727.9317. AIGA members may obtain a membership discount by visiting http://www.aiga-atl.com.

About the Emory Marketing Institute

The Emory Marketing Institute (EMI) pursues the advancement of brand-driven business performance. It is a unique collaboration between first-rate scholars and forward thinking corporate partners. EMI's scholars lead the development of innovations for managing profitable brands. EMI works collaboratively with its sponsors, other universities, associations and research organizations to devise cross-disciplinary solutions for managing real-world problems in brand management.

EMI is based at Emory's Goizueta Business School. The Goizueta Business School is a top-tier business school. It is recognized as one of the best business programs in the world by BusinessWeek, with the Executive MBA ranked #7, the Evening MBA ranked #2, and the BBA program ranked #4.

About AIGA

AIGA's mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force.

AIGA, the professional association for design, is the place design professionals turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research and advance education and ethical practice. AIGA sets the national agenda for the role of design in its economic, social, political, cultural and creative contexts. AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. Founded as the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1914 as a small, exclusive club, AIGA now represents more than 21,000 designers through national activities and local programs developed by more than 55 chapters and 200 student groups.