David Fry

I am back in Honolulu from my trip to DC for the American Association of Political Consultants convention. It was my first time at the AAPC conference, and a truly eye opening experience.

The conference sessions showed the industry's focus on learning the techniques of online campaigns. Sessions included Email Best Practices, Online Fundraising, Online Advertising, Search Marketing, Viral Marketing and Social Networking. I learned a lot from the people I met and the discussion panelists on both sides of the aisle.  Truth be told, I learned more from McCain's team than I did from Obama's staffers, who are still playing their cards close to the vest.

The conference, and the organization itself, serves as a bridge across the partisan divide in the highly-competitive field of political consulting. For the most part, everyone was willing to put aside difference to try to learn form the techniques and experiences of their competitors. The only time I saw this strained was in a presentation by the Yes on 8 consultants who helped to ban gay-marriage in California. Even there, the raw feelings were only seen in the body language of audience members who support gay marriage.

The last night of the conference was the AAPC's Pollie Awards ceremony. McNeil Wilson Communications was the only Hawaii-based company to win an award.  They brought home an honorable mention for their radio and television work for Support Rail Transit.

The weather was not great. DC was cold and rainy, but the cherry blossoms had begun to bloom, so I know they think its springtime. I enjoyed the trip, but I'm happy to be back.

Mahalo,

David Fry