Steven HT Wong is the cofounder and co-CEO of Ready State, the marketing and communications committee chair at the 1990 Institute, and a valued Ad Council partner, most notably for his work on our “Fight the Virus. Fight the Bias,” which directly addresses the rise in anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on to learn more about Steven’s work, his thoughts on what brands should be doing to combat the rise in anti-Asian racism, and his advice for creating a meaningful life and career.

Hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, Stop AAPI Hate released a report that documented 3,795 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents from March 2020 to February 2021, and last night in Atlanta, a shooter took the lives of eight people, most of whom were women of AAPI descent. If you or your organization is looking for actionable ways to support the AAPI community and stand firmly against hate, read on:

Through the technology they use, the partnerships they develop and the creative approach they take to telling new stories, advertisers have the unique ability to propel culture forward.

Just because Black History Month is drawing to a close doesn’t mean education about Black history should. We thought we’d take this moment to round up some valuable partners, resources and collaborators that may inspire you or your organization to elevate Black voices through your work. Let’s commit to making every month Black History Month.

Moments before Elvis Presley sang “Hound Dog” on The Ed Sullivan Show on October 28, 1956, he made a different kind of history backstage, where he got his polio vaccine in front of reporters. He had been recruited for this PR effort for a simple, brilliant reason—children were getting the vaccine, but teenagers and young adults weren’t. Who would they listen to? Well, they were listening to Elvis.

As America gears up for a Super Bowl unlike any in history, many brands have already released the ads they’ll run during the big game on Sunday. Though many spots exist in a parallel existence free of COVID-19, some meet our moment more directly. Here are a few of our favorites, including one that won’t run on Sunday. (You’ll understand what we mean in a minute.)

Purpose-driven marketing is a strategy used by an organization to center its external communications efforts around a social cause that aligns with its core values. The goal of purpose-driven marketing is for an organization to develop a deeper rapport with their consumer base by creating authentic connections based on shared values.

Over the last year, creative producer and friend of the Ad Council Ramone Hulet has kept busy on projects like the forthcoming film Candyman and developing engaging ads in partnership with Amazon, Kingsford and Nike.

Industry veteran will lead the Ad Council’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts

“It’s Up to You” Vaccination Education PSA to Premiere During “56th Academy of Country Music Awards™" Broadcasting Live from Nashville on Sunday, April 18 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on CBS

Ahead of spring outdoor recreation season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council today announced a new public service advertisement (PSA) from Smokey Bear’s Wildfire Prevention campaign encouraging Americans to explore nature responsibly by taking steps to prevent wildfires.

Pharmacists Help Inspire Vaccine Confidence Across the Country