[2012 trends] Email marketing trends shaping the year ahead

[Warren Moss] Despite what the doomsday predictions say, email will not become irrelevant due to the rise of social media. As one of the most cost-effective and efficient eMarketing service offerings, email marketing is expected to continue to be a crucial part of the digital marketing mix in 2012. 20 Jan 2012 13:52

[2012 trends] GFC's impact on media-marketing arena

[Karen Phelan] There are a number of trends forecast for 2012 that will have an impact on all facets of the media-marketing arena. 18 Jan 2012 15:59

[2012 trends] Strategically solving the conundrums of marketing complexity

[Darren Woolley] The world is sitting in a now familiar state of uncertainty, with debit crisis, stagnant established markets and emerging growth markets and continued pressure to deliver increasing returns. In the face of this uncertainty and continuing increase in fragmentation and complexity, marketers will need to strategically develop more flexibly responses to deal with a range of conundrums. 18 Jan 2012 14:47

[2012 trends] The cheese has moved for brands and youth

[Banele Rewo] From a marketer's perspective, we miss the mark from the moment we fail to understand the uniqueness of the South African youth market. The cheese keeps moving while we are wielding text books and strategies from 1996, 2010 or even September 2011, which may be off the mark and off the streets by June 2012. 18 Jan 2012 13:31

[2012 trends] Print - the new 'cool' in 2012

[Lyn Davis] Smart printing, that fulfils a particular need or niche, will survive the digital shift into 2012 and beyond. I like to think that print will never disappear. With many people spending their entire working day in front of a screen or glued to their smartphone, easing the commute with a newspaper on the Gautrain or relaxing in the bath with a book after a long day are some of life's great luxuries. 18 Jan 2012 12:26

[2012 trends] The metaphor of the Age of Aquarius

[Gillian Rightford] Whether this year actually brings the end of the world as we know it or not, 2012 is an interesting year from an astrological point of view. So what does this mean for our world, as we know it? Let's take a peek in the crystal ball. 16 Jan 2012 15:35

[2012 trends] The Write Stuff for 2012

[Lindsay Grubb] In talking to a fellow writer recently, we got onto the topic of client trends that came out of 2011. One of the most noticeable for us was that clients are on the lookout for something different from their agency/writer/creative, as they need to stand out from the clutter and general advertising methods aren't cutting it anymore. 13 Jan 2012 12:59

Cannes Lions 2012 delegate registration open

CANNES, FRANCE: From today, the 59th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is open for delegate registration. Taking place from 17 - 23 June in Cannes, France, delegates wishing to attend can now register online at www.canneslions.com. 13 Jan 2012 09:07

[2012 trends] Ad industry to continue defining, redefining itself

[Odette van der Haar] 2012 promises to be just as eventful as ever, as the advertising profession continues define and redefine its operations and creativity. I expect to see the following 12 trends and industry issues emerging in 2012. [multimedia] 12 Jan 2012 13:57

[2012 trends] Been there, done that, now let's get really smart!

[Karen Ashwin] Thanks to our preference for face-to-face interpersonal communications, meetings, events and marketing activations enjoy pride of place as fabulous marketing tools. However, we also know that great events cost. The heat is on to ensure that events deliver serious marketing and financial results - and that clients are assured of their incomparable experiential value, especially when paired with the latest trends and technology! 12 Jan 2012 12:24

[2012 trends] Degrees of separation, stupidity and success in social media

[William Smook] The Mayans prophesied long ago that 2012 will see social media playing a crucial role in business communication. Why is it then, that this exciting communications channel sees otherwise good, beloved brands making avoidable mistakes? Here are a few trends, suggestions and case studies that should help you work both hard and smart in the coming months. 12 Jan 2012 11:29

[2012 trends] 12 words we'll see more in 2012

[Tiffany Markman] Wait. That's a bit of a fib. Sorry. Every year, my Biz Trends contribution is a wish list of stuff I'd like to see happen in marketing, communication or writing. I'm often right. But this year I want to be right. 11 Jan 2012 12:09

[2012 trends] Getting published in 2012

[Allison Cooper] While 2012 will bring another hard year for some brands and their consumers, there are others which will continue to perform really well. In 2012, marketers must seek out trends that not only enable a brand to engage with consumers, but also ensure that they are constantly breaking through the media's gatekeeping role to ensure newsworthy publicity opportunities. 10 Jan 2012 15:15

[2012 trends] With apologies to Cindy Lauper: boys and girls just wanna have fun

[Mike Abel] It's been a trying time aboard the good ship GFC (Global Financial Crisis). But like all sailors on the sea of life, if rough becomes the new normal, the seasickness begins to ebb and we can start moving away from being "bent-double" over the side of the boat and assume steadier footing through these turbulent waters. 10 Jan 2012 13:27