Networking programme for IAS agency subscribers finalised

3 Jun 2008

The Independent Agency Search and Selection company (IAS) has finalised the programme of exclusive networking sessions for its subscribing advertising agencies. The first session, on 22 July 2008, at Lowe Bull in Johannesburg, will present the findings of a research exercise undertaken by the AAR Group, IAS's affiliate in UK, entitled “Client/agency relationships, why they break down and tips on how to avoid this.”

“The research is quite comprehensive and every subscriber will leave the session with a clearer understanding about client/agency relationships. We hope that they will use the information provided for the benefit of their own agency/client relationships,” comments Johanna McDowell, MD of IAS.

She continues, "The research was conducted in the UK over a period of five months where 26 clients managing 185 existing agency relationships were interviewed along with 20 agencies across all disciplines.”

She adds that it was first presented at the Ad Forum Summit in April this year in London

The event on 22 July is the first in the series of evenings which will continue throughout the year and will include Cape Town and Durban. Following the AAR's successful format, the informal sessions are hosted at the offices' of agency subscribers and they are only open to paid up IAS subscribers. There is no cost to attend the event and journalists from the marketing media will also be welcome to attend the event, along with industry associations such as the ACA.

McDowell concludes, “Having attended one of these sessions in the UK last year, organised by the AAR, I was struck by the level of informality and openness among the agencies who attended. We think that our industry here will really benefit from the chance to network at this level and the IAS is proud to have initiated this programme.”

Date	Venue	Topic	Description
Tuesday 22 July, 2008	Lowe Bull, Johannesburg	“Client/Agency relationships - why they break down”. And some tips on avoiding this!	The IAS will present some of the original research conducted by the AAR and relevant to our market. IAS will also show some of the latest showreels from the UK.
Wednesday 13 August, 2008	Cape Town	“Client/Agency relationships - why they break down”. And some tips on avoiding this!	The IAS will present some of the original research conducted by the AAR and relevant to our market. IAS will also show some of the latest showreels from the UK.
Wednesday 8 October, 2008	Saatchi & Saatchi, Johannesburg	“Putting a pitch team together”	Executive coach and experienced marketer, Lovelle Henderson, will provide tips on the pitch team process, team management and coaching. IAS will present latest news following the AdForum WorldSummit in New York City in September.
October, 2008	Durban	“Client/Agency relationships - why they break down”. And some tips on avoiding this!	The IAS will present some of the original research conducted by the AAR and relevant to our market. IAS will present latest news following the AdForum WorldSummit in New York City in September.