Regional marketing conference attracts over 30 leading industry experts

Dubai, April 21st 2008: Marketing professionals and leaders from across the region, convened at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel for MARKETING 08, a regional conference from the creators of Leaders in Dubai. The event, titled “Creativity in Experimental Times,” featured interactive sessions, panel session debates, a choice of three tailor-made afternoon breakout sessions and social networking.

Speaking about MARKETING 08, Anthony Lawrence, Group Director of Marketing, Jumeirah, said: “We are delighted to be attending the inaugural MARKETING 08 event. As Jumeirah goes ahead with its ambitious expansion plans, we welcome this opportunity to forge new business contacts in a forum where we can meet and hear from likeminded business leaders from around the globe.”

As the first in the series, MARKETING 08 is endorsed by the leading international professional marketing body the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and includes a number of top international speakers from Malcolm Gladwell to Paul Gostick.
The first day of the conference began at 9:15am on Monday April 21st with a keynote presentation by Malcolm Gladwell. By applying research in psychology, sociology and neurology to modern business Malcolm was named one of the top 100 most influential people in 2005 by Times Magazine and is the renowned author of two New York Times#1 bestsellers, 'The Tipping Point' and 'Blink'.

Other keynote speakers attending, moderating and participating at MARKETING 08 included, Former International Chairman of CIM, Paul Gostick, Anthony Lawrence, Group Director of Marketing for the Jumeirah Group, Patrick Jephson, Former Private Secretary to HRH The Princess of Wales, and Patrick Crane, Vice President Marketing LinkedIN, USA.
When asked about why LinkedIn, attended the MARKETING 08 event in Dubai, Patrick Crane from LinkedIN, said: “LinkedIN executives are asked to speak to lots of distinguished audiences all over the world, but to see leaders in the Middle East wanting to learn more about LinkedIN as the only professional network. Well, that was worth getting on a plane for.”
MARKETING 08 topics include, how to maximise your marketing innovation, going green, the future of mobile marketing and global marketing strategies to name a few. A post-conference masterclass will follow on Wednesday April 23rd. This will consist of two sessions. Session A will focus on strategic social marketing and tapping into the online social community and session B will bring the MARKETING 08 conference to an end with an advanced market research masterclass.

Commenting on social networking sites, Nassim Ghrayeb, Co-founder and CEO of YouGovSiraj, said: “The gap in terms of internet use between this region and more developed nations is fast disappearing. The uptake of social networking sites is symbolic of that. Regional brands need to move much faster if they are to capitalise on this trend, otherwise they risk being left behind.