MattCreamer.com

I just sat through a really interesting session on private-equity firms’ growing interest interest in the marketing business, whether in brands or in agencies or media sellers. The star was Anton Levy, who led General Atlantic’s deal for a majority stake in AKQA. Levy took a stab at altering the pervasive image of private-equity firms as ruthless cost-cutters and succeeded in making a compelling case for these firms as partners that can add value to brands in a lot of difference ways while at the same time allowing the acquired company to retain (or perhaps win) independence and culture. I’m sure a lot of folks that worked in companies owned by private-equity firms would disagree, but it was nonetheless interesting to see one of these typically publicity-shy players step out and make its case. It’s also good to get some financial topics into these marketing conversatios. Here’s a slightly longer take on AdAge.com

The conference’s biggest disappointment thus far came from Al Gore. Expectations were especially high given that Gore just pulled down the Nobel peace prize, and a lot of people were expecting an especially inspiring speech. What they got, however, was a sales pitch for Current TV, the cable network where he’s chairman. Gore didn’t even mention the Nobel. Marketers, I think, are getting a bit tired of hearing about consumer-generated content–Current’s main programming component–and I can’t say I blame them, by now. Not that CGM isn’t important, it’s just that discussing it as the next big thing rather than another key part of the communications pallette is a bit wrongheaded now. To boot, Gore looked tired and heavy, though maybe a little slimmer since I saw him in Cannes over the summer.

None of that, however, diminishes my desire to see him run for president.