Thoughts on Last Night’s Wake for Advertising

By Ted Page, Captains of Industry
I have to say it was the most fun I’ve had at a wake. About 70 people came to pay their last respects to the old advertising and join us in a conversation about the rebirth of the industry. To me, it felt a lot like a family gathering, and even though our tongues were in our cheeks with the wake concept, there was a homecoming feel to the event.

Lots of old friends came, plus clients we’ve been working with for a while now and have become friends. There were also many people I met for the first time who heard about the party through the Ad Club invite or other organizations. Beer and remembrances flowed in equal measure. Singing Oh Danny Boy at the open casket, as classic TV commercials played on the ‘head’ of the deceased, and the flickering candlelight filled the room with a warm glow, was certainly the high point of the evening for me. I know this may come off as corny, but I am reminded that any business you are in is ultimately about the people you work with. When you are lucky enough to work with wonderful people, you have a great job. I have a great job.

Today, the pine coffin Fred and his son made will go home to his house for Halloween. We’ll all take home the flowers. The bowls of candy will be devoured one by one. The illusion we created for the night will be packed away with the lights and video camera. What will remain is the fact that – through up times and down – there’s no business like the ad business. And we still have some beer left over, which is always a good thing.