The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry is an exclusive group of researchers, educators and practitioners from every facet of the dental profession. AAED came to BatesMeron to modernize their logo and refine their communications.

AAED is an elite association, which is why their annual meeting always takes place in luxurious settings. For their 2007 meeting in Colorado Springs, we developed a vibrant design that took into account the association, the location and the time of year (late summer / early autumn).

Our familiarity with associations made it easy to coordinate and execute a campaign of meeting materials that enhance interest in the event, both as an educational forum and as a vacation getaway.

Different design styles are applied to different AAED events: annual meetings and retreats are more lifestyle and photo-driven, while scientific meetings are more graphically iconic.

This is a brochure inviting exhibitors to participate in this educational event.

Each year’s educational symposium takes place in a different major US city (Seattle, Boston, etc), introducing fresh iconography to the marketing materials while retaining a consistent brand image.

AAED is part of a global network of dental associations, led by the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry (IFED). When presented with the opportunity to land the biannual IFED meeting in 2009, AAED asked BatesMeron to help them pitch Vegas as the perfect locale.

With the luxurious Bellagio Hotel as the site of choice, AAED commissioned a number of materials (print ads, belly bands) that would help their international colleagues visualize a symposium in Las Vegas.

To convince the IFED board of 35 international directors, we developed a “Las Vegas Travel Kit” to present at their meeting in Chicago, where the decision would ultimately be made.

As these materials were part of a pitch, it was essential to make this “Las Vegas Travel Kit” not only persuasive and memorable, but also extremely affordable at a low quantity. The mini-suitcase made of thick paper was a great start.

Armed with the presentation we developed, they won hosting privileges and a sizable budget to match. So in August 2009, the world’s top esthetic dentists descended on the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas, with AAED in the spotlight.

A key component leading up to the main event was an informative and dynamic website featuring program information, Vegas reviews, sponsor spotlights, a blog and more. ifed2009.org

With the IFED symposium two years in the making, the site evolved considerably over time. Content and even navigation was frequently updated as new information was made available as the target audience gradually shifted from sponsors to exhibitors to attendees to press. ifed2009.org