MJW & MJM Media Kit

Media Kit

Introduction

Y 

our Guide as You Head to the Chuppah & the Bimah

The Modern Jewish Wedding is the premier resource for those planning a traditional Jewish wedding, or a wedding simply including Jewish touches. The site showcases real weddings and features topics such as the latest trends, timeless traditions, tips for successful event planning for all Jewish life cycle events, and advice from wedding industry experts.

The Modern Jewish Mitzvah is the guide of choice for those who are planning or celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah for their children or grandchildren. The site features real mitzvah ceremonies and keeps the community and vendors up-to-date with the most recent in mitzvah ideas and resources, as well as tips for successful event planning for all Jewish life cycle events.

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

www.themodernjewishmitzvah.com

Mission The Modern Jewish Wedding and The Modern Jewish Mitzvah are websites that bring together the fashion and fun of once-in-a-lifetime events and the meaningful observances that put God on the guest list. They are sites that combine the panache of Martha Stewart and the wisdom of Anita Diamant.

Target Audience Balanced between trend and tradition, The Modern Jewish Wedding (MJW) and The Modern Jewish Mitzvah (MJM) target an educated, affluent demographic focusing on persons of Jewish faith or intermarriage, their families, and the event planners and vendors who work with them. Among sites dedicated to Jewish life cycle event planning, these sister sites are the only ones that offer training and curriculum to event planners and event vendors, ensuring they understand the cultural intricacies of Jewish traditions and how to work within the Jewish demographic.

Media Kit

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Michele Schwartz, CEO

The queen of connections, Michele Schwartz is the creator and editor-in-chief of The Modern Jewish Wedding (MJW) and The Modern Jewish Mitzvah (MJM), the go-to websites for Jewish life cycle events.

Michele bridges the richest Jewish traditions, the Schwartz, Chief Event Organizer freshest trends, and the dreams and wishes of the families celebrating these once-in-a-lifetime passages.

Richest Jewish traditions. It’s only natural that Michele brings to MJW and MJM a depth of knowledge about Jewish life cycle traditions and event planning not found on other sites. An active member of the nation’s leading professional associations for event planners and a sought-after speaker at national event planning conferences, Michele also serves as a professional event planner within the organized Jewish community.

She believes that Jewish community members deserve the opportunity to work with trained, certified professionals when planning the special events that give meaning to a lifetime. In conjunction with the Nuptial Essentials Wedding Certification, Michele trains planners and vendors on what to do – and what not to do – when presenting Jewish events. She keeps her blog community in the know by frequently posting insightful articles about the meaning behind Jewish customs.

Freshest trends. It’s no wonder Michele finds and invents the most creative, expressive, fun-loving and beautiful event ideas.

She’s…well…a little obsessive when it comes to gathering and creating the latest trends, the newest colors, the coolest themes and sharing them with her online community.

Dreams and wishes. It’s right in line with her background that Michele is passionate about bringing dreams and wishes to life. From Walt Disney World (“If you can dream it, we can do it!”) to the Make-a-Wish Foundation (granting wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions) to many other signposts along her journey, Michele has dedicated much of her career to making dreams and wishes come true.

Don’t miss a thing! Follow Michele and become a fan.

As Director of Life Cyle Events for Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Michele coordinated at least 200 life cycle events each year. She attended every wedding rehearsal held at the temple, working alongside florists, caterers, decorators and even DJ’s as a liaison between families and the rabbanic staff. She also planned every holiday celebration for the temple which deepened of her love and knowledge of the rituals and celebrations that mark the Jewish faith.

Michele celebrated her own life cycles as a child growing up at Congregation Beth Israel. She went on to become a diehard University of Texas fan, while studying for her degree in Communications. She is a member of Temple Beth Shalom, is active with the Jewish Business Network, and is the President of the Austin Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. She is also an alumna of Leadership Texas 2007 and serves on the board of the Austin Professional Chapter of the Association for Women in ichele is Communications. one of the Friends ask Michele how she most knowlmanages to juggle everything edgeable people while maintaining her active I know in Jewish cussocial life. She laughs. “I toms. I, too, am Jewdon’t really know, but, ish, but I constantly learn it’s working; so, I’m about my heritage and tranot complaining! ditions from her. She is always I’m having happy to educate people, both Jews and non-Jews, on the subject, and does the time so graciously and never condescendingly. of my life.”

I have attended several events planned by

M

Michele. Her gatherings are purposely unique – memorable and fun, as well as meticulously executed. Michele makes things look like they run perfectly and smoothly, even if there may be some glitches behind the scenes.

Michele’s Jewish background, strong Jewish identity and rich knowledge of the Jewish heritage make her the perfect resource for Jewish lifecycle events. Michele is wonderful with follow-through, and is admired by the Austin Jewish community for her dedication, knowledge, generosity, friendship and volunteerism. She’s a role model for many of us.

Jody Lockshin Founder and President of the Jewish Business Network

Outreach Community Involvement The Modern Jewish Wedding (MJW) and The Modern Jewish Mitzvah (MJM) are committed to both the Jewish community and to the larger community as a whole, supporting a number of charitable and community organizations and events. CEO and Editor, Michele Schwartz, does pro-bono event planning for many Jewish community fundraising events, and is a contributor and board member of various organizations within her local community.

Memberships, Associations, and Certifications Setting her apart from her competition, Michele, is uniquely qualified to provide the training and curriculum included on her blogs, in part due to the fact that she maintains memberships in event planning professional associations serves as a professional event planner within the organized Jewish community, and speaks at national event planning conferences.

Media Kit

Certified Professional Wedding Consultant (PWC) Certified Life Cycle Event Professional (CLCEP) Director of Communications, International Special Event Society (ISES) Austin Member/ Social Media Chair of the Nuptial Essentials Association of Wedding Professionals (NEAWP) Member of Twitter Wedding Inspiration Pals (TWIPS) Official Wedding Expert of Pop the Question OneWed.com blogger panel member 2013 Maccabi Austin Opening Ceremonies Co-Chair Member of Temple Beth Shalom Member of the Jewish Business Network (JBN) Immediate Past President of the National Council of Jewish Women, Austin, Texas Section (NCJW) Member of Amy Atlas Events Community Editorial Partner on Two Bright Lights Freelance Austin, Director of Programs for the Association for Women in Communications, Austin Professional Chapter (AWC) Alumna of Leadership Texas, 2007

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Expert Engagements Public Speaking Credits NACE Webinar, August 2012 NACE Experience! 2012, New Orleans, July 2012 Austin B’Nai Mitzvah 101 Panel, Austin, February 2012 The Special Event, Tampa, Florida, January 2012 “Choosing Judaism,” Life Cycles Curriculum, 2nd grade thru Adult, multiple years Bar/Bat Mitzvah Panel, NEAWP, June 2011 “Successful Simchas,” Texas State University, October 2010 “Successful Simchas,” AWIC, September 2010 Upcoming Engagements and Media Coverage Destination Weddings & Honeymoons article, September 2012 The Special Event Live Blogger, January 2013 Speaking and Writing Topics Michele writes articles and speaks on all things concerning with Jewish events, including: Questions to Ask Your Rabbi Honoring Tradition in a Modern Event Stress Free Planning DIY Options for a Beautiful Wedding Mitzvah-Nomics: Cost Saving Tips for Planning the Bar or Bat Mitzvah Blended Families: Life as a Stepmom

When

it comes Jewish lifecycle Contact events, Michele To request an interview with Michele, or to invite her to write an article or speak at your is a wealth of event, please contact her at: knowledge.

Not only is Michele Schwartz, CEO & Editor she a pivotal member of TheModernJewishWedding.com and TheModernJewishMitzvah.com the Jewish community, but 512.228.0390 she has become an expert in her atxmichele@themodernjewishwedding.com field through years of research and experience. Michele is known across the U.S. for her educational seminars and thorough training opportunities for othMichele makes time to be on the front lines with her vendors and takes on er event planners wanting to know more about special clients’ planning needs. Each year she handles several nonprofit Jewish events. galas to support both the Jewish and event planning communities. In I use both of Michele’s websites – Modern Jewish order to stay abreast of the latest trends, exercise her creativity Wedding and Modern Jewish Mitzvah – as reliable and maintain her extensive network, Michele continues to be resources for everything simcha! I’ve lost count of how many involved with select Bar & Bat Mitzvah each year. times I have used Michele’s websites for help with Jewish clients and educating myself on the importance of various elements in the planning and design process. to

Event Planning

Michele is not just another event expert; she truly cares about her clients and vendors. She goes the extra mile to make sure everyone is taken care of, loved, and supported. She’s a blessing to the event industry because she truly works to serve others.

Katherine McCommon Intelligent Lighting Design

Media Kit 2012

The Numbers Analytics 4,744

2,568 Unique Visitors 7,388 Page Views

higher mon wed fri

Google PageRank is competing sites.

Peak Traffic Days:

than that of

,

and

Average time spent on sites is 4 minutes

locations

Top Visitor are New York, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Massachusetts, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Israel

Reader Demographics

% 31 % 80 % 40

Media Kit

are ages of

18 to 35

are ages of

35 to 54

are women

Facebook’s weekly reach with an average of 3 - 4 posts per day reaching approximately 1,000 users per post Twitter Grade of 97.2 and over 2,254 followers. (A higher grade and twice as many followers as competitors.)

Over 500 Pinterest followers

second highest

Schwartz is the Jewish influencer on Klout. (Rated only 2 points away from the top Jewish influencer.)

% 20 % 39 % $100,000 49

have a college degree have a graduate degree

have a household income of more than

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Readership Industry Statistics

Jewish Influence 27,000

The average wedding budget for 2011 was $ with a predicted increase in spending in 2012. Experts believe this trend will continue.

The Modern Jewish Wedding is considered a high influencer in the Jewish topic of Klout earning a total K score of

49,

compared to the top Jewish influencer with a total K score of 51.

The average mitzvah budget runs roughly $ 15,000 to

$ 30,000. Variables such as time of year, day, guest list and location factor into the differences in average spending. research compiled by www.theknot.com

Robust Search Engine and Social Media Referrals Google Search 62% Direct Referral 17% Facebook 13% Other Search Engines 3% Pinterest 2% Unknown 2% Twitter 1%

M ichele

always gives 110% of herself for every event. She is supercreative, and she is fun to work with. She is organized. She always returns calls and emails; she is pleasant to work with. All things good. Here’s an example of Michele’s creativity.

I just worked on a Bat Mitzvah with her.

I was blown away when I walked into the room. I’d done a lot of weddings at that venue, but for this event, Michele had transformed the room into a western theme in pink – a kids’ paradise! I was impressed. It was really cool and so much fun.

Within the Jewish Community, everyone knows Michele and is comfortable with her. She understands what people expect for Jewish events. Her knowledge sets her apart.

One of the most important things from a vendor’s point of view is followthrough. Michele is great about getting everyone everything they need so the event flows easily. She gets us great timelines; some planners forget that. I appreciate her as an event producer because she not only does she take care of the family, but she also takes care of the vendors. If vendors are happy, things flow better.

Michele? She’s a rock star!

Ginny Belofsky Ginny B Photography

Advertising Rates Advertising on The Modern Jewish Wedding (MJW) and The Modern Jewish Mitzvah (MJM) is an economical, targeted way to reach your audience. No other advertising option in the Jewish event planning community is as well-informed and well-connected.

MJW and MJM advertise in targeted publications to drive traffic to the sites, and they offer guest blogging and sponsored post opportunities to advertisers and certified vendors.

Exclusive vendor directory listings and sponsored posts are available by request. Contact advertising@themodernjewishwedding.com for more information.

Advertising rates begin with a 3-month option. Your advertisement will be posted for the duration of your agreement, with options ranging from 3 to 12 months. With four sizes to choose from, you can invest in the one that is right for you.

Rates Advertisement

3 months

6 months

12 months

Leaderboard

$120

$210

$360

Vertical Banner

$120

$210

$360

Medium Tile

$90

$150

$240

Small Tile

$60

$90

$120

Rates reflect the total amounts for each run. All ads are live with instant click-through capability to your website. Discount pricing is available for longer run time. Advertising design is available at an additional cost.

Advertising Contact To advertise, contact the advertising sales department and enjoy the knowledge and relationships Michele Schwartz has spent a lifetime building!

Chellie Thompson, 512.293.9277 advertising@themodernjewishwedding.com

General Conditions Advertisements are accepted upon the representation that the advertiser and its agency have the right to publish the contents thereof. The advertiser and its agency agree to indemnify and hold the MJW and MJM harmless against any expense or loss by reason of any claim arising out of publication. Conditions, other than rates, are subject to change by the MJW and MJM without notice. Cancellations will be handled on an individual basis. If you cancel before the end of your agreement term, you’ll forfeit the amount paid. Proper notification will be given of any rate changes. Current agreements remain in effect until fulfilled. Upon expiration of current agreement, rates outlined herein apply.

Advertisements will be posted within 7 days of receipt of payment; agreement term begins on the day the ad is posted. The MJW and MJM shall not be liable for any costs or damages as a result of any mistake in the advertisement. No conditions other than those set forth in this document shall be binding unless specifically agreed to in writing by the MJW and MJM. Media Kit

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Mechanical Requirements Advertising Placement Advertising placement on MJW and MJM is specific to the advertisement size. Banner ads will run at the top of the site. Vertical banners will run on the righthand side. The medium and small tiles will run on each page on the right and bottom of the site. Guaranteed homepage placement is available for an additional 10% of the advertising rate.

Advertisement Sizes Leaderboard 728 x 90 pixels

Small Tile 125 x 125 pixels

Vertical Banner Medium Tile

I

brought Michele in as a speaker 300 x 250 pixels when I was Education Chair for a 160 x 600 pixels professional organizarelative to 1152 x 720 screen resolution tion for Austin Wedding Planners. She gave us a detailed, in-depth look at Jewish weddings – why things are done the way they are done, why one JewEmbed all fonts used in your advertisement. Use RGB color. Provide image files ish wedding is so different from the next. only: JPG or GIF (no HTML forms). To keep download time to a minimum, the Michele’s talk really armed us to go forward maximum file size is 40 KB. Please provide alt text (text that is readable while and talk knowledgeably with our Jewish clients the image is loading) of 30 characters or less. Animation cannot exceed 8 instead of just following their lead. Even those of us seconds in length and may not loop more than twice. (Animation applies who have done Jewish weddings for years learned a lot. to GIF files only.) Be sure to specify the target URL for your ad.

In fact, I had a client who thought I was Jewish! During our site visit, we were talking about where we would do each part of the wedding ceremony. I asked, “Where will the ketubah signing be? Are you going to do a tish? Do we want pictures of the Provide your advertisement in JPG or GIF format and chuppah, or is that strictly for the ceremony?” The mother of the bride be sure it meets all the specifications above. You may stopped and asked, “Are you Jewish?” I laughed and said, No, but I’ll take email your advertisment, target URL, and alt text to: that as a compliment!” I’m not sure I would have had the confidence to ask advertising@themodernjewishwedding.com. those types of questions without all I’ve learned from Michele.

Producing Your Ad

Submitting Your Ad

If you have any questions about how to produce or submit your advertisement, contact Andrea Exter, 512-680-3989.

Michele has brought integrity to Jewish events by educating a broader field of coordinators. Now Jewish families have more people to choose from – they can find a better fit.

Jessica Moore Something to Celebrate

The Modern Jewish Wedding Vendor Directory Exclusive Vendor Directory The Modern Jewish Wedding (MJW) is the only online vendor directory, specifically for the Jewish life-cycle audience with pre-qualification required. Every vendor selected to be included in the exclusive Vendor Directory has completed continuing education in Jewish life cycles through Nuptial Essentials Professional Wedding Consultant Instruction.

Vendor Selection Vendors must be recommended by a Modern Jewish Wedding reader, a recent client or an industry professional. We don’t simply look for referrals but rather for vetted knowledge of a particular vendor regarding his or her knowledge of Jewish events. Every one of our Vendor Directory members can demonstrate knowledge of Jewish weddings, Mitzvah receptions, dietary laws and working with Jewish clergy through our continuing educatioin coursework. We do accept applications, as well. Click here to read more about our process and start your application.

Pricing The Modern Jewish Wedding Vendor Directory is a unique advertising vehicle that brings the best artists and designers into the hands of style savvy clients. Selected vendors pay a competitive annual fee of $225 to be listed. The listing includes: Logo (or image that represents the business) Contact name Email address Brief company description (50 words maximum) Website Phone number Modern Jewish Wedding badge (for use on vendor website) Full Page advertisement in annual e-magazine, The Modern Jewish Wedding

VEN D

For more information on how to complete the education requirements and apply to be a part of this select listing, contact mjwvendordirectory@themodernjewishwedding.com.

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