Not only is Super Bowl XLVI a showcase for great football—it’s a showcase for some of the most creative advertising spots from around the country. Some in the advertising/marketing world even call it the biggest media event of the year.

As such, Portland and Seattle advertising associations will be hosting Super Bowl ad discussions for their respective markets. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their thoughts as a panel of experts reviews, debates, and rates the ads of the 2012 telecast.

In Portland, the “Ad Explosion” is being hosted by the Portland Ad Federation (PAF). Panelists include Jerry Ketel of Leopold Ketel & Partners and Andy Askren of Grady Britton, with more to be announced. The event will take place Thursday, February 9, at 5:30pm. Location TBD. For more info and to register, click here.

As for the Seattle event, dubbed “Chalk Talk,” it is being co-presented by the Puget Sound American Marketing Association (PSAMA) and the American Advertising Federation Seattle (Ad Club Seattle). Panelists include: Eric Baumgartner (CCO, Wunderman), Ian Cohen (owner/creative director, Wexley School for Girls), Doug Johns (VP of sales & marketing, Precor), Michael Barden (director of solutions and R&D, Microsoft Advertising), and Patrick McKay (freelance copywriter). The “referee” for the event is Brock Huard, ESPN radio host and former NFL and UW quarterback.

Chalk Talk will be held Wednesday, February 8, at 5:30pm at the Hawk’s Nest in Seattle. Click here to register.