Seeking direct marketing solutions in the US

These include the state of bottlenecked townships where poorer people of colour were relegated by the government of the day. Nameless roads, street addresses with no numbers and the lack of postal facilities were a few of the numerous challenges the industry has had to cope with over the years. Today, things are changing for the better!

Seeking solutions, Vikesh Roopchand, Primedia@Home's GM of Business Development, recently attended the Direct Marketing Association's conference and exhibition in Chicago, USA. "This global event encompassed six days of workshops concurrently with a two-day exhibition of products from companies around the world," says Roopchand.

He explored new business opportunities for the company, while at the same time establishing the industry's best practices on a global level. "The USA is the leader in the direct marketing arena," he explains. Over 150 workshops covered a wide variety of topics by 500 prominent speakers. Topics ranged from the basics of direct marketing to creative strategies, database management, new emerging channels, online marketing, e-mail marketing and mobile communication. "The DMA was also host to 550 exhibitors showcasing the latest available technology, systems and opportunities available for the direct marketing industry," he says.

An exciting development for the company within the enormous and dynamic Primedia Group stable of media owners, is the opportunity to go digital. "We are about to forge relationships with an American e-commerce company that will enable us to raise the bar with digital promotions and execute e-mail and mobile marketing campaigns with the latest cutting edge technology," Roopchand adds.