sfBIG'ers,

Our mandate as sfBIG is to help foster and promote the digital marketing industry here in the Bay, to draw attention to the amazing people, companies and ideas that come from this market.

To that end, two years ago we created what has become a key event for the organization. We established an annual gala dinner event to recognize and celebrate the amazing innovation that makes the Bay Area special. We named the event after Hal Riney (who had recently passed) in recognition of his legacy in having helped establish the creative community here and having acted as an important catalyst to creating much of the industry that continues to thrive here today.

Each year we recognize an icon from the industry that has contributed to the establishment of the Bay Area as the global leader in technology and marketing that it is. A person, team or company that has left a significant legacy that we all continue to benefit from in our business. An icon whose accomplishments we can celebrate and recognize as an industry. The event is attended by a select group of senior marketing execs from across the industry and is in itself a first class night.

The first year we recognized Jeff Goodby for his efforts in following in Hal's footsteps in establishing his agency Goodby Silverstein and recognizing the success they have achieved in creating another Bay Area icon. Last year, we recognized the founders of Wired Magazine, represented by Louis Rosetto and Jane Metcalf. Wired is certainly part of the fabric of the innovative community here in the Bay Area. We were honored to be able to recognize their accomplishments and the role Wired played and still plays in the industry.

This year, we are extremely pleased to recognize Intel, represented by Deborah Conrad, Intel CMO.

Intel deserves our recognition as a company that has been founded on the principle of innovation. A company that has contributed the technology at the very foundation of the computing industry, the web, and digital world which is all made possible by that technology. Would we even have a digital marketing industry today if it wasn't for Intel technology? Intel is a brand that has been built from here in the Bay Area and grew into a global icon and one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. A brand that is firmly rooted in the future and making it better. And finally, in Deborah, a global marketing leader and a person who has been an important player in the Intel story, steward of the brand, and creator of the "sponsors of tomorrow" position for the brand. A company that has helped shape the Bay Area into what it is and has established tremendous legacy for the marketplace.

We look forward to having you join us on November 17th at the Palace Hotel, for what is sure to be a tremendous evening, to recognize Intel and Deborah, and to hear from her more about the story of Intel; the company, the brand and the journey.

All the best,

Mike Parker
2011 sfBIG President