Despite increasing interest and awareness, co-op marketing funds remain dramatically underutilized in the “local ecosystem.” Estimates show that about $35 billion of nearly $70 billion in co-op ad dollars go unused each year. The biggest challenge is that many local media sellers don’t understand co-op or how to sell it.

Co-op dollars can help brands build local awareness and help small businesses or local dealers and distributors boost their visibility as well. They can also grow media programs for publishers. About 69% of co-op programs offer digital marketing reimbursement and that figure continues to grow.

To help publishers and media sellers more effectively tap available co-op funds, we’re hosting our first LSA Co-op Conference. This half-day seminar in Chicago on September 20 (co-located with and preceding the Place Conference), is designed to get more co-op dollars into the local ecosystem for the benefit of media sellers and their customers.

The event will bring together publishers, media sellers and brands to provide a comprehensive look at co-op advertising tactics that drive meaningful revenue growth. Here are some of the discussions you can expect to see at the event:

• The Brand Perspective: Learn what brands are doing to drive local awareness through co-op advertising.
• Tactical Insights: See how media sellers leverage co-op funds to close more sales and increase client ad spend.
• Best Practices: Find out what is working and the lessons learned from co-op ad veterans.
• Getting Started with Co-op: Discover what you need to operationalize co-op ad funds at your media organization.

Attendees will receive lunch and be able to attend a networking reception. They will also receive a free copy of a new, proprietary LSA white paper that explains best practices and shows how local media organizations can implement a successful co-op sales program.

Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. Click here to learn more or register now!