Philip Kotler to speak live in Jo'burg

"As corporations move into price wars, globalisation and logistical challenges, selling a relationship and a product will make the difference between success and failure. Marketing is no longer a business tool: it is at its very foundation," says Tina Schneidermann, president of thought-leader event organisers, Global Leaders.

"Philip Kotler is the author of the most authoritative textbook on marketing, and executives and students have followed his work closely for a generation. But his presentation will contain developments for the future and fresh trend predictions, as well as lessons learned from the past."

At the Johannesburg event, Dr Kotler will present a timely and meticulous health check on marketing strategy for today and in the future. His focus will be on a new lateral approach to marketing - the Holistic Relationship Marketing Framework - as well as latest tools for promoting and building brands, and technology-enabled marketing (TEM).

Dr Kotler will inform the audience how to replace Old Marketing with New Marketing that is holistic, technology-enabled and strategic, enabling companies to capture their target customers' activities, lifestyle, and social space more effectively.

Answers to pressing issues

Delegates will get answers to some of today's most pressing marketing issues, such as reducing costs, improving the customer experience, remaining innovative, establishing niche markets, and creating award-winning brands.

Schneidermann continues: "It is vital for African companies to concentrate on developing their long-term business through focusing on strategic marketing. For too long, the market has almost disregarded local names as being inconsequential: we believe that, in many cases, local knowledge means these brands are well placed to conquer the market.

"There has never been a more critical time to ensure that marketing activities - and organisations - can be swift to adapt to an evolving marketplace. The world can change significantly at any time and marketers need to be flexible to change."

Full details are available on www.globalleadersevents.com/kotler. For all other enquiries, call +27 (0)11 881 5438

Dr Kotler is the S.C. Johnson & Son Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at the Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management in Chicago.