What's Happening @ Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Viewing this e-mail on a mobile device? Click here to view our web version. MONDAY, 4 JULY 2016 Today's High Temp: 88° F/31.1° C Miami Beach Surf Temp: 80° F/26.6° C               JULY/AUGUST TEMPTATION Greater Miami and the Beaches is renowned for luxury spas that are ranked among the "Best Spas in America." Celebrate with us during July and August as we feature Miami Spa Month where you can enjoy special treatments for $109 at Miami's premier spas. For more GMCVB Marketing Programs, visitMiamiTemptations.com.     DID YOU KNOW... Biscayne National Park is the largest marine park in the National Park System, with 95% of its 173,000 acres covered by water.  Within its boundaries are the longest stretch of mangrove forest left on Florida’s east coast, the clear shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, 40 of the northernmost Florida Keys and a spectacular living coral reef. Turquoise waters, emerald islands and fish-bejeweled reefs make Biscayne National Park a paradise for wildlife watching, snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing and other activities.     MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA) #1 in Airline Carriers in the U.S. All Nipon Airways Executives Visit MIA to Discuss Air Service to Miami Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) officials welcomed All Nippon Airways (ANA) executives to Miami International Airport on June 27, where the two sides continued ongoing discussions regarding potential passenger service from Tokyo to Miami. The Miami meeting followed talks earlier this month in Dublin, Ireland, at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit - the world’s largest gathering of airline leaders.     PORTMIAMI Cruise Capital of the World™ Always was. Always will be. PortMiami to Hosts World's Largest Cruise Ships According to the Miami Herald, A new Royal Caribbean cruise terminal will bring world’s largest cruise ships to PortMiami, thanks to a partnership between the line and Miami-Dade County. Partnership deal will go to a final vote before the Miami-Dade County Commission on July 6, 2016. Royal Caribbean Cruises and Miami-Dade County recently announced that they have reached a deal to build one of the biggest cruise terminals in the country at PortMiami, a move that will — finally — bring Royal Caribbean International’s massive Oasis-class ships home.     CUSTOMER SERVICE CORNER Be True to Your WordRead this week's Customer Service Tip of the Week...     GETTING AROUND TOWN Miami-Dade Transit Tracker App The free Miami-Dade Transit Tracker App makes it easier than ever to have a fun-filled Miami-Dade County vacation on public transit. Metrorail, Metrobus and Metromover offer excellent travel value in Miami. They connect you from airport to hotel to scores of popular tourist destinations, by rail or by road. It’s a big system, but the MDT Tracker App puts it all in order for you. Download MDT Tracker App from the App Store or Google Play now!  More Than Just A Ride To The Airport Now your SuperShuttle pick-up is faster and more efficient than ever with their new App! Faster booking & check-in, secure transactions and you can even locate your shuttle! SuperShuttle is the “official” airport shuttle operator at MIA and has “exclusive” curb side access at the MIA arrivals terminal. Their service offers shared-ride or private transportation to or from the airport, ports, hotel, home, or office. You can download the App and book your ride or call 305/871-2000.   More Options Than Ever No matter where you’re headed, getting around Miami and Beaches is easier than ever thanks to new and exciting transportation options. From the Citi Bike program operated by DECOBIKE to the free trolley service available in several neighborhoods, quality taxi and limousine service and the ultra-convenient Miami METROMOVER and METRORAIL including direct service to MIA—we promise you’ll get there. Miami will soon enjoy access to high speed rail thanks to the new GoBrightline train service connecting the destination with other major cities in Florida. Digitally Dispatched Car Sharing Services The popularity of this type of service available through mobile apps continues to grow for companies such as UBER, which is now available in 45 countries and more than 270 cities around the world. A similar service is offered by LYFT in more than 90 cities enabling passengers who need a ride to request one from drivers who have an available car.  Get a Taxi in One App ZabCab, ZabCab Driver, and ZabCab Front Desk are companion apps for consumers, drivers and businesses. They work together to help passengers find taxis – and taxi drivers to find passengers – quickly and easily from a smartphone. They are available to download at the App Store and Google Play.     CORPORATE PARTNER ANNIVERSARIES A strong CVB begins with a strong partnership base. The support of our corporate partners aids us in promoting Greater Miami and the Beaches to the world. Join us in recognizing the GMCVB's Corporate Partners who are celebrating their membership anniversary this month:     BIRTHDAYS The GMCVB wishes a happy birthday to our friends and family...     GMCVB PHOTO ALBUM GMCVB Team members are busy selling and promoting Greater Miami and The Beaches at home and around the world. Click through to see recent photos of the GMCVB Team in action and tap on the photos for captions.      RESOURCE CENTER Travel Updates• Mobile Passport Control App at Miami International Airport (MIA) • Get in the Fast Lane at MIA! TSA Pre-Check Now Available for Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Local Interest • Florida Tax Watch Study Details Benefits of Expanding Florida Tourism • National Travel and Tourism a Big Win for Industry     COUNTDOWN Days     ABOUT THE PUBLISHER William D. Talbert III, CDME President and CEO, Greater Miami Convention &  Visitors Bureau Download Outlook® V-Card Newsletter Archive | Story Archive   TOP STORY - TOP SELECT GLOBAL MARKETS: JANUARY - MAY 2016 FOR THE MONTHS OF JANUARY – MAY 2016, HOTEL ROOM OCCUPANCY IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REACHED 81.3 PERCENT, ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE SELECT GLOBAL HOTEL MARKETS AND RANKING AMONG THE TOP FIVE.DEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES DURING JANUARY – MAY 2016 REMAINED STRONG RANKING #1 IN REVENUE PER AVAILABLE ROOM (REVPAR), #2 IN AVERAGE DAILY ROOM RATE (ADR) AND #3 IN HOTEL ROOM OCCUPANCY AMONG THE TOP FIVE SELECT GLOBAL HOTEL MARKETS AS PROVIDED BY SMITH TRAVEL RESEARCH. Miami #1 - Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) January - May 2016 January - May 2015 % Change vs. 2015 $181.62 $189.36 -4.1%   Miami #2 - Average Daily Room Rate (ADR) January - May 2016 January - May 2015 % Change vs. 2015 $223.45 $229.42 -2.6%   Miami #3 - Average Daily Occupancy January - May 2016 January - May 2015 % Change vs. 2015 81.3%  82.5% -1.5% GMCVB PRESIDENT & CEO WILLIAM D. TALBERT, III, CDME NEW CHAIR OF THE 2016-2017 VISIT FLORIDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS On July 1, 2016 GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME officially began his tenure as the new 2016-2017 Board Chair of VISIT FLORIDA. The Board of Directors is the organization’s private sector governing body who, along with the members of its 11 committees, provide guidance, input and insight into the evolution of VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing programs. Appointed by Enterprise Florida in conjunction with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the 31-member board is comprised of representatives from key sectors of the tourism industry and is balanced geographically throughout the state. The nine-member Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, made up of the officers and standing committee chairs, includes Gene Prescott, President - The Biltmore Hotel, who will serve as Treasurer; and Simone Champagnie, FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Executive Director of Development, who will serve as Secretary. Other Miami-based board members include Past Board Chair Andrew Hertz, President & General Manager - Miami Seaquarium; and Christine Duffy, President - Carnival Cruise Lines. VISIT FLORIDA – the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida – promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 11,000 tourism industry businesses.    HEADLINES THIS WEEK It's Time to Spa! GMCVB's 9th Annual Miami Spa Month Returns July 1, 2016 Miami Spa Month, one of GMCVB’s most popular monthly Temptations programs, returns to the destination beginning July 1, 2016! Greater Miami and the Beaches is renowned for luxury spas that rank among the “Best in America,” and are beloved by spa connoisseurs around the world.  WWE Entertainment Ranks #6 and #8 in Nielsen's Cable Top 25 Ratings for the Week Ending June 26, 2016 WWE's WrestleMania Week drew record-breaking crowds to Miami and Beaches in April 2012. Nielsen ratings are the audience measurement systems developed by the Nielsen Company in an effort to determine the audience size and composition of TV programming in the United States. GMCVB President & CEO to Attend Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting for First U.S. Property of Latin American Based Atton Hotels - Atton Brickell Miami On July 7, 2016, GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME will join Miami city officials and business leaders for the official grand opening ribbon-cutting for Atton Brickell Miami, Downtown Miami’s newest hotel and landmark U.S. property for Latin American-based Atton Hotels. GMCVB President & CEO to Attend Retirement Celebration for Former City of Miami Police Major Delrish Moss on July 9, 2016 William D. Talbert, III, CDME, President & CEO of the GMCVB will attend the retirement celebration for former City of Miami Police Major Delrish Moss, a veteran law enforcement officer and supporter of Greater Miami’s travel and tourism industry.In March 2016, Moss was appointed Police Chief of Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. He was appointed to the position over 53 other applicants. Join the Movement: Vote for Vacations, Vote for Miami! If you’re in the New York City area on Tuesday, July 6, 2016, join GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME and the Miami Team for the Vote for Miami 2016 Campaign Rally at The Shops at Columbus Circle. Americans continue to leave more vacation days on the table year after year and it’s time to take a stand. Vacation seekers can join the #VOTEMIAMI2016 campaign via VoteMiami2016.com to cast their vote.GMCVB President & CEO Will be a Featured Guest on Pete de La Torre's Radio Show "The Voice of Business Miami" on July 7, 2016 GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME will be a featured guest on Pete De La Torre’s “The Voice of Business Miami” show on July 7, 2016. Mr. Talbert will be promoting the newest happenings in Greater Miami and Beaches, including Miami Spa Month, signature attractions and events, the Miami Beach Convention Center renovation and the business of tourism. PortMiami Ushers in New Big Ship Era with Special Event July 9, 2016 On July 9, 2016, GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME will join Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, PortMiami officials and partners will celebrate “History in the Making” the arrival of the MOL Majesty container ship – the first Miami-bound Neo-Panamax vessel to transit the expanded Panama Canal. TSA Precheck Enrollment July 19-23, 2016 A TSA Precheck enrollment event in the Miami area has been scheduled for the week of July 19-23. The site will be located at the Hilton, Miami Airport, located at 5101 Blue Lagoon Dr, Miami, FL 33126 USA and will be open for enrollments during the following hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.     GMCVB UPDATES   Advertising & Digital Marketing International Family Campaign The International Family Campaign was launched early June targeting families in Argentina, Mexico and Colombia, who have shown an interest of vacationing in Miami.July 4th Fireworks Will Be Lighting Up The Miami Sky Check out the Independence Day Fireworks Celebrations on MiamiandBeaches.com to find the most spectacular July 4th fireworks displays. Vote Miami 2016: Vote for Miami for Chance to Win Miami Vacation Miami is rallying Americans to vote for something that really matters…their right to vacation! There are many reasons to love every bit of Miami and Beaches. From our unique, vibrant cultural experiences to our multi-faceted arts scene, the beach and beyond.   Multicultural Tourism & Development GMCVB Multicultural Tourism Hosts Planning Meeting for 3rd Annual Art of Black Miami to be Held During Art Basel Weekend GMCVB Multicultural Tourism Team held its first planning meeting for the 3rd  Annual Art of Black Miami event on June 23, 2016. More than twenty (20) local artists and organizations convened to discuss this year’s format. The discussion was engaging and attendees are looking forward to more national exhibits and enhanced connectivity to the various neighborhoods.   GMCVB Multicultural Tourism VP Attends NiteCap-Live in Miami Gardens Connie Kinnard, GMCVB of Multicultural Tourism attended NiteCap-Live on June 25,2016 which was a one-on-one formatted conversation about the future of Miami Gardens with the city’s Mayor, Oliver Gilbert III, and award-winning author and journalist Peter Bailey.   Convention Sales & Services GMCVB Returns From Successful Chicago Sales Blitz GMCVB Convention Sales Team returned from a successful sales blitz to Chicago, IL USA. The Team made presentations at 15 association and corporate companies in Chicago and the suburbs. GMCVB Convention Sales Team Sells the Destination at Smart Meetings East National Held in Miami June 26-28, 2016 GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME provided a warm welcome to the attendees from across the nation of Smart Meetings East National held at the Trump National Doral. The event brought more than 60 planners for three days of networking and getting to know Miami. GMCVB Convention Sales Team Attends CVENT Connect Conference June 26-28, 2016 GMCVB Convention Sales Team attended Cvent Connect in Las Vegas, NV USA June 26-28, 2016. Cvent CONNECT is an annual conference where group business, corporations and associations come together to connect, learn and engage with like-minded professionals.   Media Relations & Promotions GMCVB Media Relations Assists French Press Group in Partnership with The Setai Hotel Miami Beach GMCVB Media Relations Team partnered with The Setai Hotel Miami Beach which hosted a group of French media, June 26, 2016. The GMCVB provided itinerary enhancement for the group who were in Miami to review the Setai and write about the destination. GMCVB Media Relations Assists Italian Travel Vlogger GMCVB Media Relations Team assisted Italian travel vlogger Sara Izzi, June 27 – July 2, 2016. Sara was in Miami to do research for a Miami City Guide (guide + video). GMCVB Media Relations Assists Australian Freelancer GMCVB Media Relations Team assisted Australian Freelance Journalist Karen Halabi, June 25 – July 2, 2016. Karen was in Miami doing research for feature stories forTheLuxeTraveller.com, a luxury travel advisory website. She will also be doing a Miami story forTravel2Next, a popular online B2B travel site.   Sports Tourism Dirt Devils Mountain Bike Festival July 9-10, 2016 The City of Miami's Historic Virginia Key Park will host the upcoming Dirt Devils Mountain Bike Festival July 9-10, 2016 for riders of all ages! 2016 FISU World University Netball Championships - Miami - July 13-17, 2016 Miami will be the proud host of the Fédération Internationale du sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Netball Championships to be played on the campus of St. Thomas University on July 13-17, 2016. Netball America Inc. is hosting the prestigious event along with FISU and USA International University Sports Federation.     Travel Industry Sales Promote your business domestically and abroad! Sign up now for GMCVB Travel Industry Sales Missions. Spots are quickly filling for the following opportunities:Northeast Sales Mission New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut and New York City September 6-9, 2016. Canada Sales Mission Toronto and Montreal October 3-7, 2016.   GMCVB Partnership Events & Opportunities June Partner Networking Mixer On June 23, 2016, The Vagabond Hotel hosted GMCVB’s June Partnership Networking Mixer at their chic, recently renovated property located at 7301 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami.GMCVB Partner Networking Luncheon Wednesday, July 6, 2016 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Verde @ Pérez Art Museum Miami 1103 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL, 33132 USA   Global Network News GMCVB representatives domestically and all around the globe promote Greater Miami as the premier destination for leisure and business. Read their updates here. • Caribbean • Europe • Latin America • U.S. & Canada    CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 7/1-8/31   Miami Spa Month 7/4 Independence Day Celebrations in Greater Miami and the Beaches 7/8 Black Violin 7/9 International Mango Festival 7/9-7/10 Dirt Devils Mountain Bike Festival 7/12-7/17 FISU World University Netball Championships 7/14-7/17 FUNKSHION SWIM: Fashion Week Miami Beach Swim 7/14-7/18 Miami Beach Bruthaz 7/15 Bowling for Rhinos 7/16-7/19 SwimShow 7/23 6th Annual Overtown Music and Arts Festival 7/27 Miami Short Film Festival: Focus on Argentina 7/28 New Times Iron Fork Miami Spice 2016 Kickoff Event  MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS Meetings & Conventions Meeting Date Venue Attend.   VP Productions Travel, LLC - Miami Takeover LLC 7/7-7/10 Loews Miami Beach Hotel 400   American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese - 2016 Annual Conference 7/7-7/11 Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay 262   International Netball Federation - 2nd World University Netball Championship 7/9-7/18 DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean Point Resort & Spa 500

Spanish authorities raid Google offices over tax

Officials who were conducting a tax probe at one of Google's Madrid offices leave the premises in Madrid, Spain, June 30, 2016.

Spanish officials raided Google's Madrid offices on Thursday in a tax probe, authorities said, barely a month after the internet company had its headquarters in France searched on suspicion of tax evasion.

A spokeswoman for Google said in a statement the company complied with fiscal legislation in Spain just as it did in all countries where it operated. The company was working with authorities to answer all questions, the spokeswoman added.

Google is under pressure across Europe from politicians and the public upset at how multinationals exploit their presence around the world to minimize their tax bills.

Thursday's raid was approved by a court in the capital and followed a request by the Spanish tax authorities, according to a brief statement by the Madrid High Court.

Google, part of Alphabet Inc, pays little tax in most of Europe because it reports almost all sales in Ireland. This is possible thanks to a loophole in international tax law and hinges on staff in Dublin concluding all sales contracts.

The Paris raid aimed to establish whether Google Ireland has a permanent base there, and whether the firm was meeting its tax obligations. It was part of a probe into aggravated tax fraud and organized laundering of the proceeds.

FTC efforts to stop Fraud

FTC Testifies on Efforts to Stop Fraud Affecting Older Americans Before Senate Judiciary Committee The Federal Trade Commission highlighted to Congress its multi-faceted approach to protecting older Americans from fraud in testimony today before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Testifying on behalf of the Commission, Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the FTC’s Division of Marketing Practices, described the FTC’s law enforcement efforts that have halted scams that included older Americans among their targets, such as imposter scams, computer technical support and health care-related frauds, as well as sweepstakes and prize scams. The testimony noted that in 2015, consumers age 60 and over primarily complained about government imposter scams, which was one of the FTC’s top complaint categories in 2015.  According to the testimony, all consumers are potential fraud targets, and except in connection with prize promotion and lottery schemes, seniors are not more affected by fraud than younger consumers. A lot of the scams affecting both seniors and younger Americans involve criminal conduct and are based overseas, so the FTC has worked closely with criminal law enforcement agencies and international authorities. The testimony described how the FTC worked with the U.S. Department of Justice on recent cases involving alleged sweepstakes scammers based in Jamaica and the Netherlands, and has provided training for law enforcers in India where many frauds originate. In addition, the testimony described the agency’s education and outreach programs that reach tens of millions of people each year through its website, news media, and partner organizations that provide consumer information on the FTC’s behalf.  The testimony also explained that the FTC has developed an outreach program specifically for active older adults, called Pass It On where consumers can find videos, articles and blogs about scams and how to avoid becoming a victim. The Commission vote approving the testimony and its inclusion in the formal record was 3-0. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers.  You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources. Contact Information MEDIA CONTACT: Frank Dorman Office of Public Affairs 202-326-2674 This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

FREE Miami-Dade Transit Monthly Bus/Metrorail Pass

 

Miami-Dade Transit Department is offering FREE Monthly Bus/Metrorail Passes to Miami-Dade County Residents who qualify.

Qualifications are:

•        Unemployed
•        Income up to $17, 822.00 a year.
•        Must present last year’s W-2 or the last (2) Two (Bi-Weekly) Paycheck stubs or (4) Four Paycheck stubs.
•        Must present Temporary Aide to Needy Families (TANF) proof, if receiving it.
•        Must present a valid Florida ID and Social Security card

To receive a FREE Miami-Dade Transit Monthly Bus/Metrorail pass Go To:

Stephen P. Clark Center

111 NW First Street (111 Bldg.)

Golden Passport Office (Lobby Floor)

Miami, Florida 33128

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Call 3-1-1 for additional Information

FTC: New limits on telemarketers

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

CONSUMER INFORMATION

ESPAÑOL

Search form

Search

• MONEY &
  CREDIT
• HOMES &
  MORTGAGES
• HEALTH &
  FITNESS
• JOBS &
  MAKING MONEY
• PRIVACY, IDENTITY &
  ONLINE SECURITY

• BLOG
• VIDEO &
  MEDIA

• SCAM ALERTS

New limits on telemarketers

June 27, 2016

by 

Bridget Small

Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Scammers want your money, but they don’t want to get caught taking it. That’s why fraudulent telemarketers ask people to pay with systems that deliver a quick, anonymous cash payout like cash-to-cash transfers or cash reload card PINs. However, it’s now illegalfor telemarketers to ask for payment by:

• cash-to-cash money transfers — like those from MoneyGram and Western Union
• PINs from cash reload cards like MoneyPak and Vanilla Reload

The FTC amended the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) to ban these practices starting June 13, 2016. If a telemarketer asks you to use one of these payment methods, he’s breaking the law.

The amended Rule also bans telemarketers from calling to ask for your bank account information and using it to create a ‘remotely created check’ that you never see, or sign. If a telemarketer you haven’t done business with calls to ask for your bank account number for any purpose, say ‘No’ and hang up.

You have other protections under the Rule, including:

• limits on when telemarketers can call and what they must tell you
• limits on “hang-up” calls and rules about transmitting caller ID
• limits on robocalls
• the National Do Not Call Registry

If you hear from telemarketers who don’t follow the rules, hang up and report them to the FTC.

Tips para viajar seguros

Si está preparándose para viajar, compartimos con usted algunas recomendaciones para que sus vacaciones sean más seguras. Infórmese sobre... Las alertas y noticias sobre salud (en inglés) de las áreas que planea visitar Las novedades sobre el virus del Zika Las vacunas que podría necesitar antes de viajar Las reglas para ingresar medicamentos a EE. UU. Las medidas para reducir el riesgo de coágulos sanguíneos mientras viaja Las formas de protegerse de las chinches durante y después de su viaje

USAGov   1800 F Street, NW    Washington,  DC   20405   USA Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con nosotros.

Hollywood just can't sell bad movies anymore

CANNES, France — Will Smith remembers when he was obsessed with winning. "I found myself promoting something because I wanted to win, versus promoting something because I believed it was helpful," he commented on stage at Cannes Lions. It was this era — around the time of "Men in Black" and "Wild Wild West" — that he got caught in the whirlwind of success. "I started to taste global blood. My focus shifted from artistry to winning."

What he discovered (and what Hollywood and marketers everywhere still are) is that the winning-is-the-only-thing strategy doesn't really work anymore.

"Back in the '80s and '90s, you put out a trailer with all the explosions, and it took until Wednesday before people realized your movie was shit," said Smith. In today's rapid-fire social world, however, the response to products, films, and brands is instantaneous: "You're going to know right away if your product is meeting its promises."

Smith thinks this is a good thing. "It's like a new idea that we have to make good movies," he says. For marketing and sales, it means a deeper connection to your audience. "If people don't want it, you're not going to be able to sell it."

Smith made the point by revealing that even his daughter was now immune to his charms. During the international tour for "Whip My Hair" (remember that earworm?), Willow told her dad she was ready to go home — and to make her point, she shaved her head. "[The tour] wasn't what she wanted. There was no sales pitch I could make to her because she didn't want it."

This was something of an epiphany for the actor, who made a mental shift "from product to people." He explained: "It was so explosive in my mind that selling, marketing, creating cannot be about me." The lesson for marketers is clear: If you're not listening to your audience, your promotions will fall on deaf ears. (And to employers: Good luck telling your team to do something they don't believe in just because you've mandated it.)

Smith wasn't the only one to underscore this new reality for the world of advertising. In a panel yesterday on ad blocking, R/GA's Jess Greenwood said the biggest challenge with native advertising is "shifting the mindset away from the idea that you can buy your way into people's lives." Mobile banner ads, for example, are creating what Greenwood calls "an absolute emergency": 66% of users find them useless or annoying. 60% of mobile banner ad clicks are mistakes.

"We're moving from a world where advertising can work on the basis of captive attention to a world where advertising has to capture attention," said Mark Thompson, president and CEO of the New York Times Company. Advertising that doesn't compel consumers won't stand out from the rest of the digital noise. And, even worse, people can shut you out for good: "If we're destroying this one opportunity we have to get good reach," Greenwood warned, "we're in trouble as an industry."

For Will Smith and Mark Thompson, it all comes back to telling a great story. The New York Times is on track to generate $60 million in native advertising revenue this year, and Thompson said success in this burgeoning field requires content that's creative and truly journalistic. For Smith, storytelling is "the universally relatable emotion." It turns out that the "power of the story," which drew him to acting, is also the key to a great brand. 

LikeWill Smith's epiphany: Hollywood just can't sell bad movies anymore