United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
For Immediate Release
June 8, 2023
UMC ad campaign receives Davey Award recognition
Nashville, Tenn.: United Methodist Communications has announced that their “Connect with Joy” advertising campaign has been honored by the Davey Awards with a silver award in the outdoor/environmental billboard category. The advertisements reminded millions of Times Square visitors during the 2021 and 2022 Advent seasons that the hope, love and joy that United Methodists celebrate at Christmas is already present in the world – and that they can connect to it in joining together with the people of The United Methodist Church.
The Davey Awards is an international creative award show focused exclusively on honoring outstanding creative work from the best small advertising agencies. The award program is sanctioned and judged by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a “who’s who” of acclaimed media, advertising and marketing firms.
Every year United Methodist Communications implements a series of ad campaigns utilizing a carefully curated array of mediums such as digital display and video, social media, websites, search engines, advanced television and billboards. Each generates awareness of The United Methodist Church among spiritual seekers, those not affiliated with a church who may be looking for community with others. Similar to the “Connect with Joy” ads, the “Together” campaign encourages people in finding peace and connection — together at a United Methodist church. Each of the campaigns serve as an invitation to connect with a local United Methodist church to experience what it offers individuals. Times Square messaging has remained a major component of the annual Advent advertising campaign managed by United Methodist Communications on behalf of The United Methodist Church.
“We strive for excellence in our work as we know that it can help provide a pathway to a personal relationship with Christ and offering a community to help people grow in faith and stay inspired on the journey,” said Poonam Patodia, chief marketing officer of United Methodist Communications. “Having our advertising recognized is a celebration of the quality and engaging messaging our team is delivering for the public to see and respond to on behalf of the UMC.”
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About United Methodist Communications
As the communications agency for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications seeks to increase awareness and visibility of the denomination in communities and nations around the globe. United Methodist Communications also offers services, tools, and resources for communications ministry. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Learn how to support this communications ministry work at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.
Media contact:
Brenda Smotherman
presscenter@umcom.org