The Marketing Federation of SA (MFSA) is really trying hard to ramp up its image and put behind it all the negative publicity from the previous year. Its Winter School of Marketing Excellence started in Sandton today, with top speakers on Marketing Leadership, and at really affordable rates to attend. Most speakers gave of their time freely, including the international speakers of the calibre of Business in the Community's Sue Adkins and Interbrand's Tom Blackett, so it's a real pity that the industry isn't out in full force to support the MFSA's sterling efforts to create a unified profile of this industry and polish up its image. Those of us who are here are fortunate in being exposed to these excellent speakers and the opportunity to network with such market leaders at the conference over these three days, as well as the associated events at Markex next door (7 - 9 June) and the MFSA's Brand Awards tomorrow (7 June). A big up to Dee Blackie and her team! Have a good one! Louise Marsland, Editor, editor@bizcommunity.com