Creative briefs should be the foundation of creative brilliance, but often the content falls flat and output suffers. Attempting to put the abstract into words is never easy.

In this session, Rena DeLevie will cover secrets to creative brief success, why and when creative briefs are important, how creative briefs should be used across the life of a project, as well as tips for getting the best guidance from your clients.

Creative Brief Template Recommended Creative Brief Process Map

Implementing a workflow/project management solution is another step in the evolution of a creative services team, but selecting, lobbying for and implementing a system can be overwhelming.

In this session, Dan Mucha and Jackie Schaffer will discuss the capabilities and benefits of systems, considerations in choosing a system and how to gain your management’s buy-in for implementing a system.

Vendor Scorecard Template Categorized Vendor List

Introducing account management is a natural evolution of a creative team when the volume of work becomes too great for designers and managers to “wear all of the hats.”

In this session, Susan Hunnicutt will explain the role of account management, why it’s necessary and the account manager’s role in the creative lifecycle. In addition, she’ll discuss when to introduce formal account management and what qualities to look for in your account management team.

Account Executive Job Description Account Manager Job Description

Too many designers or editors seek manager roles because they view them as a next career step, not because they’re interested in developing personnel and implementing department strategy. Those who do make the transition often struggle with how to measure their success and manage their relationship with former peers.

In this session, Rena DeLevie will explain how to evaluate team members for management potential, support them through the transition and guide them toward success.

Sample First-Time Manager Interview Questions Guide to Supporting First-Time Managers in Their First 100 Days