On the day of our 61st annual Christmas client party, one may be consumed with the thought that tonight will be a step back to the future in this year’s theme of “AdMen and AdWomen.” Our themed Christmas party for clients, suppliers, partners and friends is a long-standing tradition in Flint Group culture.

This year’s theme of course, is in homage to the popular television show, now in its third season. A brief background for those who may not have noticed the fervor; “Mad Men” is an AMC period drama centered on Madison Avenue advertising executives in the early 60’s.

Our 2009 Client Holiday Party: "Admen Yourself" at http://www.flintcom.com/holiday/

Historically, the early 60’s was a noteworthy time in advertising history. Some industry experts cite the period as a highpoint, “with skinny ties and fat budgets.” Others look to the era as a turning point of advertising decay and rebirth. Interestingly enough, one needs to read only an industry article or two to note emerging patterns that are reminiscent to the time period of the television series.

For those who experienced the era in real-time or who have heard the story from those who did, a recent article in Advertising Age puts the television series, “Mad Men” in perspective. “Those things did not happen that way” – Ken Wheaton as quoted in the November 2, 2009 article, “Real London Fog Adman Not Happy About “Mad Men.”

When asking Flint staff about past client parties, perhaps the same is true, that “those things did not happen that way.”

Happy Holidays.