Wednesday, June 25, 1997

CMP MEDIA's transforming publications

On Wednesday, June 25, I encountered many (almost too) media and ad people at CMP MEDIA's party celebrating the transformation of CommunicationsWeek into InternetWeek (a change announced shortly after the company folded it's consumer Net pub Netguide).

The event marked the Manhasset-based company's acknowledgement of the impact of the Net on the nerdy world of network communications. At least that's what Julie Parent and Mercedes Acosta, both of CMP, told me. Set in the cozy Au Bar with wooden arches trisecting the downstairs room, the party provided opportunities to drink with media kids, lounge with friends on faded upholstered banquettes, or dance on the slippery parquet floor. Andrew Fekula of DDB Needham did some fine groovin', decked in a Hawaiian print shirt and Bermuda shorts.

Frank Bellocchio, of Bay Networks, was a friendly chap, sharing some anedotes with Raj Sharma, of Bristol Meyers Squibb. You can imagine my thrill at finding out that Raj actually works as the Associate Director of Toxology for Clariol and tests the safety of their products. Okay girls, if you wanna go a little blond for the summer months -- check out Clairol's Ultress Born Blond, Ultimate Blonde, or Hydriance (which has less peroxide)!

When asked why he was at such an event, Dan Spiner, Managing Director of Progressive Strategies, exclaimed cheerfully, "I like to be out!' He must, because his company, which analyzes hardware and software products, has grown to 40 people in 2 years.

(Appeared originally in @The Scene in the @NY newsletter)