Emirates Post, the official postal authority of the UAE, is set to sponsor Direct Marketing 2005, the region's first dedicated conference for the direct marketing industry that will be held from June 11-15, 2005 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Dubai.
Emirates Post is one of the most dynamic and successful federal organisations in the UAE. Double-digit increases annually over the last three years saw profits surpass AED 125 million in 2004 and the 2005 projections are for another record year. The company has grown due to its aggressive business strategy to expand their portfolio of services and to enhance and upgrade its corporate services, through alliances with local regional and international organisations.
Abdullah Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post, said, "We are committed to raising the standards of direct marketing throughout the region and events such as this are integral to our business strategy. It is through conferences of this nature that key industry figures can gather to discuss the burning issues facing the profession today. This conference marks the coming-of-age of the direct marketing industry in Middle East."
Egypt headquartered ProAct World one of the most progressive direct marketing companies in the region is another key sponsor of the event. They have an enviable portfolio of international blue chip clients such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson Wax, ExxonMobil, Gillette and Master Foods.
Shehab Helmy, General Manager of ProAct World said, "We continuously update our client portfolio with cutting edge technology and the latest international industry trends. Our endorsement of Direct Marketing 2005 reflects our commitment to help develop the regional industry and strengthen our presence throughout the Middle East."
“We have been overwhelmed with sponsorship requests”, stated Steven Jones Conference Director for event organisers IIR, “This level of support reaffirms industry views that the Middle East is poised for a dramatic surge in direct marketing activity and the international industry associations will be perfectly positioned to provide expert advice and opinion ” he added.
Other key sponsors signed up include, international direct marketing specialists Arc Worldwide, Ogilvy One Worldwide and Air Miles as well as corporate super brands Xerox and Audi AG.
Direct Marketing 2005, which will be opened by HE Sultan Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Communications, is a comprehensive examination of international best practices, covering B2B marketing, B2C marketing, CRM, database marketing, direct mail, e-marketing, tele-services and multi-channel marketing, and will focus on the Internet and mobile phones as media with huge potential for the industry. The conference is also complemented by an exhibition that will bring together major industry players at both the regional and international levels.
International keynote addresses will be made by industry heavyweights, Paul Gostick, International Chairman of the world's largest professional body for marketing –the Chartered Institute for Marketing (CIM), Charles Prescott, Vice President International Business and Government Affairs, of the New York based Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and Alastair Tempest, Director General of the Brussels based Federation of European Direct and Interactive Marketing (FEDMA).
Al Bawaba