In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA) | The Association of Canadian Advertisers Incorporated (ACA) is a national, not-for-profit association exclusively dedicated to serving the interests of companies that market and advertise their products and services in Canada. Membership in the ACA is restricted to client marketers only.
- National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS) | This association is "a dynamic support system for all Canadian professionals in the communications industry facing personal, career and family challenges due to illness, injury, unemployment or financial difficulties."
- The BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association (BCAMA) | The BCAMA is a non-profit advertising industry association that serves the advertising industry in British Columbia.
- Creative BC | Creative BC offers full support to facilitate commercial projects and commercial producers are welcome to make use of Creative BC's resources including the digital photo library to streamline their production process.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
- Strategy | Strategy is an industry magazine for the marketing/advertising community in Canada. They offer a regularly updated website as well as a print/digital magazine that is published 11 times per year.
- Advertising Age |The largest and most-read advertising magazine in North America. Check out Small Agency Diary to read up on the latest trends and issues that affect small and medium sized ad agencies.
- Medical Marketing and Media | First published in 1966 Medical Marketing & Media is the media brand for pharmaceutical marketing and commercialization, delivering the most balanced and relevant coverage of its subject matter.
- Marketing | Marketing magazine is the voice of Canada’s marketing industry. Marketing is comprised of special reports emphasizing insight, analysis, context and debate.
TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.
Blogs
- The Creative Department| Hosted by a US-based marketing agency, this blog focuses on advertising, branding and marketing news and creative ideas for advertising professionals.
- Blend 360 Blog| This blog is run by a team of staffers from Blend 360 Communications, a professional communications firm.
- Digital Agency Network| A blog from the all-in-one marketing platform.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.