Third Annual IAB Long Tail Alliance Washington 'Fly-In' Highlights Ad-Supported Internet Entrepreneurs' Role In Driving The U.S. Economy & Spotlights Regulatory Challenges That Jeopardize Their Businesses
Washington, DC (May 26, 2011)– Earlier this week, New York City resident Kyle McCarthy, editor of Family Travel Forum, joined 56 other small ad-supported Internet “Long Tail” publishers from 23 states from across the country, plus one from the District of Columbia, for the Interactive Advertising Bureau's (IAB) Third Annual Long Tail Alliance Washington, D.C. “Fly-In.” The attendees visited Capitol Hill, meeting with representatives from 37 House Districts and 12 Senate Offices, including members of the Senate Commerce Committee, to raise awareness about how interactive advertising regulation affects not just the big players in the industry, but also the livelihoods of small Internet publishers.
Ms. McCarthy runs the website www.myfamilytravels.com from a New York City office, where editors, writers and new media interns program vacation destination content. This is the third time that she has taken part in this yearly trip to Washington, D.C.
“Small businesses are a vital part of the American economy and the Internet economy. This annual gathering of the IAB's Long Tail Alliance members has become a critical touchpoint for legislators and regulators, giving them the opportunity to learn first-hand about the concerns and challenges facing 'mom and pop' entrepreneurs who are struggling to survive and thrive online,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO, IAB.
“The new media landscape is not just about the larger players in the marketplace, but also a diversity of smaller voices seeking success on their own terms and scale,” said Mike Zaneis, Senior Vice President, Public Policy and General Counsel, IAB. “This annual trip to Washington with the Long Tail publishers is part of the IAB's commitment to make sure that Capitol Hill does not overlook this crucial base of small businesses that are powered by interactive advertising.”
In addition to meetings with Congressional leaders, the Long Tail publishers attended workshops to learn strategies and best practices for growing their businesses. "We understand parents' concern over Internet privacy and see a large number of children planning vacations online, so for us, user data is a sacred trust," notes Ms. McCarthy. "However, it's critical to get ahead of legislative efforts that make user data secure at the expense of fun, efficient vacation planning tools, which we can only offer by using that same data."
About FTF
Family Travel Forum (FTF) has served all who "Have Kids, Still Travel" with print and online guides since 1996. FTF sites have won many awards for their global coverage of family vacations; the Top 10 Getaway survey of resort-based infant programs; a robust Flee Market™; forums on lifestyle travel and safety; gear reviews; pediatric travel health and a unique Custom Trip Planning service for consumers. FTF’s “The Complete Idiots Guide to the Best Family Destinations” (Alpha Penguin, 2011) is in bookstores now.
About the IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is comprised of more than 500 leading media and technology companies who are responsible for selling 86% of online advertising in the United States. The IAB educates marketers, agencies, media companies and the wider business community about the value of interactive advertising. Working with its member companies, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices and fields critical research on interactive advertising. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City with a Public Policy office in Washington, DC.
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