In a first for the Milwaukee advertising community, local ad agency Integré is hosting a group of Russian advertising professionals for a serious discussion on the global advertising marketplace – and a true Wisconsin bratwurst cookout.

The 10 Russian ad professionals, all from small- to medium-sized firms in the Moscow and St. Petersburg areas, are in southeast Wisconsin for two weeks to gain insights into American advertising. While at Integré, the Russians will get a flavor for advertising trends, practices and techniques at an agency of similar size.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for a multicultural workshop of advertising professionals,” said Bill Campbell, co-owner of Integré and the agency’s vice president of creative services. “Russia has a burgeoning advertising community that is looking to learn from its American counterparts. Integré is honored to be a part of the process.”

Agency personnel will share their expertise with the Russians on practical agency matters such as client relations, personnel issues and agency organization and processes. By applying best practices from a successful small American advertising agency, the Russians believe they can accelerate the growth and success of their own businesses.

The visit will not be all business. The exchange of ideas and insights on the business of advertising will increase the appetites of both the Russians and Americans – for food. With that in mind, the agency plans a Wisconsin cookout featuring beer and brats on the grill.

The Russian advertising professionals are in the United States sponsored by the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI), a San Francisco-based non-profit organization that supports political and economic reforms in Russia.