About Us
The evolution of AA&P
Many of you know who we are today but may not know how Associated Advertising & Promotions (AA&P) came to be.
In January 1999, after many years working with national advertising and media agencies as a master media specialist, managing Federal and Northern Territory Government accounts Claire Bell opened Associated Advertising & Promotions Pty Ltd, in Cavenagh Street.
However, the transformation of the media industry was on the horizon and over the last 20 years has been one of the most significant disruptors to life as we know it.
The Locally owned and operated agency provided advertising and national and international media buying and planning services across northern Australia, servicing mostly Government clients. Traditional media still ruled then, media spend was strong and there was a healthy and sustainable level of competition.
The media landscape was changing, fragmenting and evolving at a rapid pace, and so was purchasing behaviour. Add the introduction of social and digital media, and the whole industry was being turned upside down.
And whilst change is inevitable. Growth is optional.
At this point, the mid-2000s, it was a case of adapt and shift or stay and fade. And that is a mindset that has served AA&P well to this day.
Our vision is to grow and become northern Australia’s leading business events and strategic communications agency. And we are confident that we are on the right path and we have the right team of people to get there.
Claire began to expand AA&P’s services to include specialist writing, creative design, PR and communications which led to a more diverse and larger mostly private sector client base. This was the fork in the road that started the journey to where we are now, and where are heading in the future.
Fast forward a decade or so and here we are today, embracing technology and celebrating 21 years of hard work, determination, commitment and success. And that is the order it should be recognised in – because the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
AA&P Events became a specialist division of the agency in 2011. Over the last ten years, we have grown to become northern Australia’s most awarded event management agency.
Great things in business are rarely done by only one person. They are done by a team of people who share the same values, goals and dedication to succeed together.
And our passion for what we do is firmly planted in our passion for the Northern Territory and the community we live in and work in.
Our vision is to grow and become northern Australia’s leading business events and strategic communications agency. And we are confident that we are on the right path and we have the right team of people to get there.
In 2021, we officially launched AA&P 360, the brand under which our strategic communications and stakeholder engagement services will be offered. This will sit alongside our award-winning events division, AA&P Events, which continues to grow and be recognised as an industry leader.
Our Sustainability Policy
AA&P is passionate about our community and is committed to making a difference wherever we can.
As a locally owned and operated business, we believe that being ‘good’ is about more than just being green, and we take a holistic approach to be the best corporate citizen we can be.
To help guide and measure our social, environmental and community impact we consider each of the below in our day-to-day operations.
Think Big. Act Small
Daily actions become ongoing habits, so where possible we think about what small daily actions, we can each change or embrace that make a positive impact. It can be as simple as ‘think before you print’ and turning off light switches when not in use, using the latest technology to improve efficiency, or working with clients on whole of event delivery, suggesting sustainable alternatives and encouraging a ‘clean and green' event.
Buy Local
Investing in and supporting local business strengthens and grows our business community and keeps money in the local economy. Buying local reduces the cost and emissions associated with transport and travel, and local suppliers know the marketplace and understand the uniqueness and challenges of operating in the NT. AA&P has a commitment to working with local business, growing local capacity and buying from local suppliers.
Partner with suppliers and venues that share our passion
Every stakeholder in the event supply chain has the power to contribute to enhancing the community we live in, and to proudly promote the Northern Territory. By partnering with those who share our goal and passion to consistently operate efficiently and sustainably at the highest standard, ensures that we are all working together to achieve the same outcome.
Support the community
AA&P recognises the important work of community groups and not for profits. We regularly support a number of charities through donations and sponsorships, and we provide in-kind event management services to Autism NT annually for their Gala Fundraising Luncheon. Members of the AA&P team hold voluntary positions with boards and committees of not-for-profit organisations, as well as volunteering at community fundraising days.
Reduce, reuse and recycle
We pride ourselves on early engagement and collaboration with our clients and we are committed to best practice, from concept to completion, which enables us to operate efficiently, sustainably and thoughtfully. Setting objectives early in the planning phase allows you to budget more efficiently (Eg. A printed program or an App? Single-use plastic bottles or reusable water bottles?) There are a number of ways to encourage a ‘reuse, reduce and recycle’ methodology to events which can create a positive social example, save money and reduce waste.