[2013 trends] The year ahead for experiential marketing

[Mike Silver] It's that time of the year where agencies are asked to haul out the old crystal ball and provide pearls of thumb-sucking wisdom. Before we do so, it would be wise to see how history might repeat itself. Reflecting briefly, for experiential marketing, 2012 was quite a year locally and abroad. Oh, and mazeltov on surviving the Mayan apocalypse - it was touch-and-go for a second there. 29 Jan 2013 11:18

[2013 trends] Malls set to 'mobilise' consumers like never before

[Doug Mayne] All early indicators seem to confirm that December 2012 was a relatively good year for the mall environment. Certainly not a 'shoot the lights out' result but stable, single digit growth nonetheless. The point now is what 2013 holds in store for us. Here are a few key trends which I think are relevant... 28 Jan 2013 11:56

[2013 trends] How to metamorphasise mobile marketing this year

[Kevin Bassett] "Content, context and customer proclivity" will be the mantra that drives this year's marketing metamorphosis in the arena of mobile technology. I believe that we will see a year of repositioning - of un-automate, de-campaign and game-play - but also of tighten, regulate and measure. In short, 2013 will see the 'mobile moth' turn into a butterfly. 28 Jan 2013 10:52

[2013 trends] It's not trends that matter; it's the traits marketers need!

[Thomas Oosthuizen] I like the number 13. Like with most other things, it is what we do with it that matters. Great companies never use the excuse of prevailing trends as a reason for them not to perform. They just leverage the circumstances better than their rivals. So, while economists will contemplate economic and social conditions in 2013, it is what we as marketers do that matters. 28 Jan 2013 10:05

[2013 trends] A virtuous cycle - appscriptions, augmented, apocalypses and other apt trends

[Gisele Wertheim Aymes] The world is more interdependent and interconnected than ever before. Technology is ensuring the free flow of ideas, information and energy; creative co-operation and influence; and is bringing change across the globe that is happening at an unprecedented and accelerated rate. 25 Jan 2013 12:59

International event selects local PR consultancy

marcusbrewster has been appointed to promote the South African Success Summit 2013 on behalf of UK-based Global Success Summits. In line with the PR firm's new positioning as a managed communication services provider, it is partnering with event agency The Little Black Book to deliver a holistic marketing solution including sponsorship, social media, speaker coordination and media liaison. 24 Jan 2013 08:34

[2013 trends] Mobile - more of the same? Probably not

[Petros Kondos] A fistful of mobile companies have come and gone during 2012. The next generation of startups is ready to hit the mobile industry with a host of new services of which most will, at best, either slither into mediocrity or just plain fail due to a lack of funding and media agency support. Breaking new ground is not easy; breaking new media ground that translates into profit is even more difficult. 23 Jan 2013 11:27

The big in-house vs agency communication quandary

[Marion Scher] A question I'm constantly being asked, possibly as a result of shrinking budgets, is whether organisations should take communications totally in-house or use one or more agencies. 23 Jan 2013 07:05

[2013 trends] 'Goodvertising' - the key to brand leadership

[Thomas Kolster] There's a transformational shift happening and it's picking up pace in the New Year. Business and its far-reaching (some might say overreaching) arm, advertising, are becoming more responsible, more caring and more sustainable. 22 Jan 2013 10:53

Rosey Sekese on 'special leave'

Communications director general Rosey Sekese has been put on special leave, the department said on Monday (21 January). 22 Jan 2013 10:39

[2013 trends] Seven youth-influencer outreach insights

[Mongezi Mtati] In 2012, brands asked some pertinent and challenging questions pertaining to influencer outreach and seeding their products. Insights gained both as a delegate and a speaker at a number of enlightening conferences over the past year have led me to the following observations about what brands want and how Africa's youth prefer to be communicated with - from a marketing and advertising perspective. 21 Jan 2013 11:49

Janine Lazarus Media Consultancy

You can't snow the snowman

[Janine Lazarus, Issued by Janine Lazarus Media Consultancy] Count me among the few lost souls who had very little interest in watching doping Tour de France cyclist Lance Armstrong being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. 21 Jan 2013 09:57

PRISM Awards announces 2013 judges

The PRISM Awards have announced the 32-judge panel for the 2013 awards, which close for entry on 25 January 2013. 21 Jan 2013 08:32

[2013 trends] Eyes front and centre

[Abey Mokgwatsane] How does your brand break through the clutter? If you're in the business of understanding and catering to the evolution of consumer needs, desires and expectations, look front and centre. Here are my predictions for 2013... 18 Jan 2013 12:05