Branding conference offers international speakers

Taking place on 20-21 October 2009 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, the conference is being touted as the ‘must attend' event of 2009 for anyone involved in branding, image management, public relations, brand and corporate communications, external affairs, marketing communications, advertising and promotions, consumer insights and sustainability.

“The current global financial crisis has combined with social and environmental concerns, prompting a shift in consumer attitudes when it comes to sustainability,” says organiser Ken Preston. “Brands will need to reassess how they will achieve leadership positions in the years ahead.

“The conference will define opportunities and responsibilities for marketers and focus on how business can best respond to the demands of ‘sustainable branding'. It will inspire and assist delegates to place greater emphasis on innovative initiatives and create business success through improved efficiencies, enhanced brand image and relationships with consumers and stakeholders as the country moves out of the recession and into the excitement of 2010.

“Brands & Branding for Good will not dwell on ‘green' issues but rather tie in to the very real concept of sustainability. Consumers are quick to point out that ‘green is a very different idea - about the environment, not people. They are more interested in the sustainable economy than the green economy', and it is this concept that the conference will explore in detail, amongst other topical branding issues.

The speakers are:

• Seth Farbman - senior partner and worldwide managing director, Ogilvy & Mather New York
  
• Leslie Pascaud - director, responsible marketing practice, Added Value, Paris
  
• Justine Hollis - senior brand communications manager (EMEA) BlackBerry, Canada
  
• Andrew Welch - executive director Landor Associates, London
  
• Prakash Patel, who recently joined Draftfcb South Africa from London as head of digital and interactive
  
• Gail Klintworth - chairman Unilever SA
  
• Dave Varty, conservationist - Londolozi
  
• Owen Dean - IP attorney, Spoor & Fisher, advises FIFA on trademark and other IP matters
  
• Jeunesse Park - founder and CEO Food & Trees for Africa
  
• Mike Schalit - group creative officer BBDO SA
  
• Laurika du Bois - head of marketing & communications, WWF South Africa
  
• Kay Nash - chief executive officer, Yellowood Future Architects
  
• Derek Carstens, marketing and commercial chief officer, 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee

One speaker is still to be confirmed.

Bookings for the conference are via and further information is on the website www.brandsandbrandingconference.co.za.