[2012 trends] An amateur audience

[Stacey Rumble] In the last few years we've seen an increase in online consumer conversation as more and more South Africans gain access to the Internet, mostly via mobile. While this increase has been on the cards for some time, this year we're seeing proof of a much larger local online community. 2012 will be the year that industries better grasp how to reach us all. 25 Jan 2012 13:48

Intl students essay competition for meetings industry

As part of the ten year celebration of IMEX, the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry trade show, the organisers, together with research partners, Fast Future Research, are inviting students from all over the world to enter an essay competition as part of its new 'Power of 10' research study. 25 Jan 2012 10:22

[2012 trends] Brand purpose to take lead in brand strategy

[Travis Spence] A critical juncture in brand marketing has arrived. It is led by the internet and the technology changes this brings, along with consumers - who, as we all know, have changed forever. The brand now needs not only to represent its product but the people behind the product and why they do what they do for that product's success. 24 Jan 2012 12:26

[2012 trends] Strong and continued growth for social media

[John Beale & Heike Meyburgh] With 2011 in the rearview mirror, we expect a strong and continued growth on various social media platforms in 2012. The increased online penetration and a strong drive from mobile operators to connect more people to the internet through smartphones or dongles will undoubtedly lead to more people joining social networks. 23 Jan 2012 12:26

Analytix BI

Social networking a dominant force among young adults

Internet usage among South Africa's 18-25 year-olds significantly outweighs their adult counterparts, as a recent report by Analytix BI illustrates. The report highlights a clustering of activities around social networking that dictates the general Internet usage of this consumer segment. 23 Jan 2012 12:15

[2012 trends] Whoosh! The year in which nothing happens

[Walter Pike] In 2012, things will stay the same. Everyone still believes that marketing has not changed and that social is a channel. Yes they are starting to understand how important channel is but they have not and will not grasp just how much. 20 Jan 2012 14:18

[2012 trends] The new frontiers of market research

[Leanne Freeman] I think 2012 will be a fascinating year for market research in South Africa, as more specialist tools and techniques are increasingly absorbed into mainstream methodologies. New technology will be a key driver, but this will be carefully balanced by efforts to really understand consumer behaviour by directly engaging respondents. 20 Jan 2012 12:08

[2012 trends] Your friend is literally the trend

[Anice Hassim] 2012 will bring fundamental tectonic shifts to the balance of power in technology choices. Many of these will be driven by the people and for the people - in 2012 the trend, literally, is your friend. Smart enterprise will embrace this change but big business will very quickly have to learn to shut up and listen to what the consumer wants. 19 Jan 2012 15:18

[2012 trends] Is life the new start-up?

[Gisele Wertheim Aymes] Our fast-changing and über-connected world impacts the way in which we work and live and, to stomach the harsh realities of life in 2012, we will all need to learn how to live! 19 Jan 2012 13:55

Launch of newsletter from Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan has launched its growth, innovation and leadership community newsletter to provide subscribers with industry news, market insights, best practices intelligence, identification of companies recognised by its analysts as best in class and a listing of live and virtual events. 19 Jan 2012 12:33

NAB responds to 'funding crisis' letter circulated by MASA

In response to an open letter addressed to media owner associations and other interested stakeholders by the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) in December 2011, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has in turn written an open letter to industry. 19 Jan 2012 09:58

[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] It's not about trends, it's about a reality check

[Dustin Chick] There are no trends in the communications industry this year. There are realities. Fundamental, yet often simple, factors which then influence how communicators can bring value to the organisations they work within. 17 Jan 2012 15:31

[2012 trends] Exciting period for marketing research in SA

[Craig Kolb] We are in the middle of an exciting period in the marketing research industry, with a number of major shifts taking place that affect how research is done. The web in particular has led to multiple developments which threaten to topple the cherished technologies and techniques that have dominated the last two decades. 17 Jan 2012 14:29