Discussions underway at seventh annual Brand Summit in Dubai

Week-long forum welcomes professionals from across the region to discuss “Staying Alive” in light of today’s evolving consumer trends

Panel discussions began today for one of the largest marketing communications conferences of the year, Brand Summit 2009.  Produced by IIR Middle East and in association with Dubai Media City, the annual event is advertised as the most powerful platform for the industry to reveal new insights, discuss collective challenges, and clarify standards across the global branding community.  Now in its seventh year, “Staying Alive” is the theme for Brand Summit 2009, which saw over 150 participants attend last year.  It is being held from November 8-12 at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel in Dubai.

There were a number of notable highlights from the first day, including speeches from individuals such as Mohammed Salama, Head of Marketing for Sony Ericsson Middle East and North Africa; Nermin Habib, Creative Strategist for O2 Branding; and Sean Costello, Director of Marketing and Business Development Middle East for PricewaterhouseCoopers.  Participants considered a wide range of topics on the first day, spotlighting the diversity of the Dubai marketplace and how multi-national companies need to create ‘Living Brands’ that are relevant to evolving—and increasingly fragmented—audiences.
Ms. Nermin Habib, Creative Strategist for O2 Branding—the Headline Sponsor of Brand Summit 2009—said:
“It’s amazing that whether you work in pharmaceuticals or telecommunications, there are similar challenges across the board.  Sharing those experiences is extremely rewarding from a professional perspective, and I am looking forward to coming back for tomorrow’s agenda. ”

In addition to executive-led discussions, this year’s Brand Summit will also organize one-on-one meetings between conference participants, and will offer half-day intensive clinics conducted by renowned industry experts.  Still on the agenda are talks from individuals such as Mazan Nahawl, Managing Director at Media Watch, and Samer Costantini, PR Manager for Global Operations at Cisco Systems.

About IIR Middle East
IIR Middle East is the provider of up-to-the-minute information in a practical, highly interactive environment through training seminars and conferences. Covering every aspect of business from manufacturing to logistics, strategic planning to health and safety, information technology to marketing and sales, conferences are compiled using in-depth industry analysis. Participants will learn and network with a host of regional and international experts through case studies, round table discussions, panel debates and academic sessions. Attending IIR Middle East’s highly educational events gives consumers the opportunity not only to learn, but to question, reason and discuss industry trends and best practices. Visit www.iirme.com for detailed information on specific training programmes and conferences.

About O2 Network
The O2 Network is an award-winning, research-oriented agency that has been established to fill the gap in the Middle East’s communications industry.  Founded in Dubai in 2005, the O2 Network consists of four agencies: O2 Marketing Communications (O2MC), O2 Public Relations (O2PR), O2 Interactive (O2i), and O2 Branding (O2B).

The O2 Network is renowned for its innovative communications strategies rooted in extensive market research.  Through its unique approach “KNOW YOUR MARKET FIRST”™, O2 aims to put businesses, consumers, and the market at the core of all strategic planning.  This research methodology enables O2 to develop successful campaigns that effectively engage the consumer through multiple channels.  O2 Network prides itself on its high-profile client base, which has included partners like Al Ain Dairy, aswaaq, Dubai Municipality, Durrat Marina, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Tameer Holding Investment LLC, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. O2’s vision is to be the first independent, UAE-based regional marketing communications network to compete on the international stage.
To learn more about this unique concept, please visit the O2 website at www.o2mc.net.