Media Business

Marcus Evans to launch 2nd Annual Social Media Marketing Conference 2012

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:37:56 -0800

Marcus Evans launches the 2nd Annual Social Media Marketing Conference in Dubai on the 13th and 14th of May 2012. A buzz from the first annual and large turnout, this conference will be bringing together top experts in the field internationally and regionally from the Middle East to share best practises for companies in the Middle East region to maximise each penny spent on social media besides gaining the maximum impact strived for.

The goal of Social Media Marketing Conference is to grasp the understanding that the social media platforms work on the faith of people. It utilises the existing fan brand and making them the brand army to viral on the effects. According to the Marcus Evans Conference Director of the Middle East division, Mr. Joachim Soon, “Question here is: How do we know if it is effective or how do we measure the effectiveness? This conference will focus on the creation of good local contents and defining the effectiveness of the social media platforms. Does hitting 50 000 hits on your YouTube video means you have succeeded? Is it translating to sales? Keep this in thought. “

Speakers to present at this conference include Sonia Carter, Head of Digital Kraft Food, Europe, Vanda Chan, Interactive Media Executive of Nestle, Malaysia, Claudius Boller, Business Development Director from Universal Music, UAE, Sandipan Ghoosh , Head of Marketing of Tiffany Foods, UAE, Bruce Li, Channel Manager, Digital and Social Media of Standard Chartered UAE, Akvile Pareigyte , Digital Marketing Manager of Jumeirah Group UAE, Noaman Al Saleh, Media Relations and CSR Manager of Emirates National Oil Company UAE and Timothy McDonald, Digital Marketing Manager of Nokia UAE.

Featuring a half-day workshop by Mr. Stephen Jio who is the Global Mobility and Vostro Merchandising Manager of Dell, Ireland on total customer experience in the social media way, participants would also be at the forefront of revolutionizing social media platforms to lure more traffics to organisation’s communication platforms and supercharging social media platforms through coordination between all platforms with the organisations marketing campaign.

For more information, check the event listing here.

Prince Alwaleed meets Twitter management in New York

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:28:47 -0800

HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), met with Mr. Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter, Mr. Ali Rowghani, CFO of Twitter and Mr. Suhail Rizvi at The Plaza Hotel in New York on Monday 6th February 2012 during His Royal Highness's trip to the U.S. Prince Alwaleed was accompanied by Mr. Jamal Khashoggi, General Manager of Alarab news channel and Ms. Heba Fatani, Senior Executive Manager, Corporate Communications Department, KHC.

During the meeting, Mr. Costolo thanked the Prince for giving him the opportunity to meet with him. Moreover, the two discussed the collaboration between Prince Alwaleed and Kingdom Holding's combined investment of $300 Million in Twitter that was announced in December 2011. KHC's investment in Twitter was the result of several months of negotiations and a comprehensive due diligence represent a strategic stake in Twitter.

Twitter, the communication platform that instantly connects people everywhere to what's most meaningful to them, has over 250 million Tweets per day and more than 100 million active users. There is something for everyone on Twitter, no matter what you're interested in or where you are in the world. Twitter can be accessed on the web, on smartphones and on the simplest of feature phones.

Prince Alwaleed has a strong presence and influence in media through his investments in media and entertainment in the Arab world, and beyond like the Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG), in which Kingdom Holding holds a 29.9% stake. The publications that fall under SRMG include Asharq Al Awsat, Al Eqtisadiah, Arab News, Hia magazine, Al Majalla magazine, Arrajol magazine and Sayidati magazine. Furthermore, other entities that fall under SRMG are Al Khaleejiya for Publicity Advertising and Public Relations and Al Madina Printing and Publishing Company. Furthermore, KHC is owner of approximately 7 percent of News Corporation's Class B Common Stock.

In February 2010, Rotana Group chaired by Prince Alwaleed announced that Newscorp. has reached an agreement to buy a 9.09 percent stake in Rotana Group, to further develop its postion in the media sector in the Middle East and expand it horizon. Under the terms of the agreement, News Corporation will acquire newly-issued shares in Rotana for $70M. News Corp. has an option to increase its stake to %18.18 in the 18 months following completion.

In addition, Prince Alwaleed recently announced his plans to launch his privately owned Alarab news channel, the news channel will be managed by Mr. Jamal Khashoggi.

Banks allocating larger share of their marketing spent on digital channels says MoneyGulf.com

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:22:24 -0800

Much before Facebook's IPO filing valuing it at US$ 94 billion last week, everyone including the banks have gone back to the drawing board, trying to evaluate the ways and means to find and retain customers online.

Banks are trying to understand this new young segment which spends a lot of time on the social media, make friends online, network online, find jobs online, educate/train themselves online, watch movies online, entertain themselves online. Banks have started believing that this is the future and they expect not only to respond to customers through the use of social media but also use the digital channel to acquire clients online.

Banks that have tried out this channel are already finding this an extremely useful and low cost option to acquire clients. For example, if you search for "Personal Loan" on www.google.ae, you would be surprised to find banks like HSBC and Citibank advertising on google apart from online personal finance players like moneycamel.com, imudir.com and moneygulf.com.

Based upon MoneyGulf's survey of banks in the UAE, International banks are expected to be allocating 10-20% of their total marketing budget towards digital channels. This trends seems to be catching up with local banks too where mandates are given to advertising agencies to prepare a digital marketing strategy.

The online space offers a level playing field where time and content is of essence. In the online space, banks not only compete with other banks but also with online personal finance aggregators like MoneyGulf.com and IMudir.com who might be able to innovate/change strategy/deliver in a much faster way compared to large structured banks with multiple levels of hierarchy and red tape. Such sites also offer services to apply for multiple banks so that the customer gets a choice and gets to choose the best possible option.

Globally, MoneySuperMarket.com in the UK and LendingTree.com in the US have had significant impact in the way personal finance industry functions in their respective markets. Google buying beatthatquote.com in the UK and starting GoogleAdvisor in the US confirms the potential of Personal Finance customer acquisition through the online strategy.

Will it be a similar story in the UAE where internet penetration is growing and the mobile penetration is about 200%? The early trend seems to suggest that we are indeed moving towards an online personal finance world here in the UAE. In the case of MoneyGulf.com, the site traffic has grown by 300% in the last 2 months with leads growing at a faster pace. The story is similar with other online aggregators in the market.

The benefit of course would be for the consumer as information on personal finance would be available online and one need not visit multiple banks to get information. According to Mr. Thomas Wilkins a tourism industry professional, he received 3 personal loan offers within 24 hours of applying on MoneyGulf.com as his employer was "listed" with those banks and he chose a bank based upon the lowest interest rate offered.

The future of the world is online and social media. Banks that do not keep pace with the time for using this channel might be left out in the future!

Sky News Arabia moves into its new state-of-the-art studio complex

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:03:45 -0800

Sky News Arabia, the free-to-air 24-hour Arabic rolling news channel, launching in spring 2012, announced the move of its editorial and operational teams into its newly built state-of-the-art studio site in Abu Dhabi city. The new studio and production facilities are considered to be the most advanced in the region.

The channel will deliver breaking news in both HD and SD formats focusing on the Arab world via twelve dedicated bureaus across the region and globally, as well as access to Sky News' international bureau network.

Nart Bouran, Head of Sky News Arabia, said: "The move to the new site is a significant milestone in the Sky News Arabia launch plan, launch plan. We are already carrying out technical rehearsals and will start with full studio rehearsals later this month. Our investment in this high-tech studio complex affirms our commitment to provide fast, fresh live, evolving news across our multiple platforms - television, tablet, mobile and online."

Since April 2011 the technical integration process at the new studio complex, which is now located inside twofour54 the Abu Dhabi media hub, has been supported by Television Systems Limited (TSL), who have worked closely with Sky News Arabia's engineering team on the design.

Last month, TSL handed over the broadcast system including approximately 208 kilometres of cables into the facility, in addition to over 100 tonnes of state-of-the-art broadcast equipment.

Bouran added: "We have appointed a great mix of talented presenters who will be engaged through multimedia platforms in advance of the TV launch. The technical operation we have delivered will allow each presenter to deliver a vibrant and fresh format in news delivery."

Sky News Arabia will broadcast from a single large studio, housing a number of permanent sets dedicated to different programs, providing seamless flow from one area and presenter to another, giving production directors maximum flexibility over their 11 cameras.

A massive 10 meter wide video wall will be employed to visually aid in-depth analysis of stories being covered.

The studio will be technically advanced with HD equipment and tapeless newsroom production facilities, allowing content to be transferred for near-instant availability across Sky News Arabia's regional and international networks.

All these technical specifications at the new studios aim to ensure that Sky News Arabia will deliver fast, breaking news 24-hours a day.

Product Launch Excellence: Combining modern and traditional vehicles in marketing campaigns

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:15:00 -0800

Supported by mediaME.com and organized by Marcus Evans, the Product Launch Excellence conference has been scheduled to be held on the 22nd and 23rd of April 2012 in Dubai, UAE.

Those days when product launches were just a matter of just putting news release over the wires are over. Consumers are no longer depending on cable TV or news prints for information, but on a wide variety of platforms. These product launches need to be integrated with traditional marketing tools with the social and online marketing tools. Product launch that is effortlessly recalled by public had proven that the brand will have a staying power. Globally, there are about 250,000 new product launches, therefore the creation of one that would wow the crowd could be a tough job.

Mr. Nasr Sulaiman who is the Director of Marketing and Business Development of RTC Coca- Cola, Kuwait and also presenting at this conference comments, “With the market expansions within the region there are a lot of new business entities as well as current operating entities trying to seed more products into the market to have or to increase their market share. A huge number of various products is being launched every day with limited success opportunity due to the heavy competition.”

His topic of presentation will be focusing on customising product launch and marketing campaign according to target markets and he goes on to explain, “This situation has created the need to have proper product launch with a unique marketing campaign using the right combination of both traditional and modern media vehicles. Marcus Evans has realized the importance of organizing this event to meet the current needs of the marketing professionals to face the challenge of making their products launches effective and successful within the current aggressive competition environment.

This event is unique and different than other traditional training events, as guest speakers from various fields will share with the delegates their own practical experience and success stories which will represent more valuable information for the delegates to help them develop their marketing strategies and improve their performance towards having future excellent product launches."

The goal of this Product Launch Excellence is to enable companies to find various avenues to promote these launches. Thus with reduced cost in their product / service launch, they are able to invest more into product development and of course in enhancing their marketing plans before and after the launch. Another speaker at this conference, Mr. Ergin Akman who is the Marketing Director of Nestle Waters, Turkey supports this conference advising, “Although most of the innovation and customization projects -- especially the ones that haven’t been based upon strategic insights -- don’t always meet most of the expectations in the marketplace, they are and will continue to be among the most dominant topics of the business world.”

Other speakers included at this conference will be from Universal Music, UAE, Zenith Watches (LVMH Group), UAE, Tiffany Foods, UAE, Unilever, UAE, Samsung Mobile, UAE, Dubai Media Incorporated, UAE and Galadari Ice-cream Co, UAE.

The Product Launch Excellence Conference is part of Marcus Evans’ comprehensive portfolio of the Middle East conferences that offer professionals the unique one-to-one networking opportunities while featuring top speakers of the industry.

For more information, check the event listing here.

Ipsos releases KSA and Egypt Online Panel Data

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:32:35 -0800

Two years after the launching of the Online Audience Measurement project, Ipsos has released KSA and Egypt panel data. Therefore, Ipsos audience software “Gexplorer” now covers online audience data for 8 MENA countries; UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Morocco. The data encompasses 300 regional participating websites and full Panel Data for KSA and Egypt (including participating websites, non-participating websites, multinational and social networks).

“It took us some time to launch the panel data since the recruitment process was challenging. We needed to achieve a representative sample size in both countries. Also, we were validating the data based on internet penetration by demographics collected from monthly offline studies”. Joud Nawar – Ipsos Media Research Manager

In 2012, Ipsos will add UAE, Lebanon, Jordan and Kuwait to its Panel portfolio. Ipsos will also introduce the online planning software by mid-2012. Consequently, media agencies will have a unique online planning system similar to the existing offline Ipsos flagship services.

Download latest numbers from Ipsos here.

Facebook and Twitter struggle with mobile ad challenge

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:35:51 -0800

Facebook’s IPO filing has diverted attention to its lack of mobile advertising, despite the social network boasting a mobile audience of 425 million, which is almost half its total user base. Facebook will now scramble to launch its mobile ad business before going public this spring, while Twitter could find itself in a similar situation if it decides to go public a year from now.

YahLive brings first 24-hour 3D channel to the Middle East

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:51:50 -0800

The US-based 3D entertainment channel 'High TV 3D' is to launch in the Middle East and North Africa, courtesy of UAE satellite broadcaster YahLive. "I am delighted to bring our viewers not only the highest level of HD programming but also the only 3D channel in the Middle East today. The revolution in TV entertainment technology combined with the amazing price drops, has driven consumers to acquire 3D smart TVs at a phenomenal rate. Now millions of viewers in the Middle East and North Africa will be able to enjoy High TV 3D, only on YahLive," said Mohamed Youssif, chief executive, YahLive.

Facebook ads growing at faster pace than search marketing

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:54:13 -0800

According to Kenshoo Social, budgets for advertising on Facebook continue to grow at a faster rate than paid search. Analysis of more than 100 billion ads served on Facebook worldwide through Kenshoo Social found digital marketing agency's clients spent 109% more on Facebook in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with the prior quarter.

However, researchers are left wondering whether budgets for Facebook are growing faster because companies want to join the social media trend, or whether marketers have actually figured out how to calculate ROI from Facebook campaigns.

Promotions reshape Omnicom Media Group’s investment management structure

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:39:43 -0800

Omnicom Media Group MENA, the holding of communications planning networks OMD and PHD, has named its new Regional Executive Director-Investments. Chadi Farhat, currently the General Manager of OMD’s office in Beirut, is taking over from Karim Koraytem.

Farhat has been with the Omnicom Group in the region of more than 10 years and, in that time, has built an impeccable reputation for integrity, trustworthiness and talent management. In the last five years, he has managed the group’s media resources in the Levant area out of Lebanon, leading OMD’s Beirut office to the leadership position it enjoys today. Farhat’s brief is to lead the group’s teams and trading resources across the region to even greater heights. He will start his new role on March 1 and will work closely with his predecessor over the subsequent weeks to ease the transition and ensure the most efficient of handovers.

Wissam Najjar, OMD Lebanon’s Group Director-Investment, has been promoted to the role of General Manager. After several years in OMD UAE and a stint in Canada, he has worked closely with Farhat in Beirut managing their clients’ media investments. His experience in the market and the region has fully prepared him for this progression in his career.

OMD UAE’s Ziad Chalhoub has also been promoted to Executive Director–GCC Investments. He will work closely with Farhat to drive OMD’s investment agenda in the region, paying particular attention to its digital investment function. One of his missions will be to develop a wider network of influential digital media partners.

“Filling Karim’s shoes was always going to be a challenge but we are very fortunate to have talented and experienced professionals like Chadi in our group to step in, not only to ensure continuity but also to build on Karim’s solid foundations,” explained Elie Khouri, CEO of Omnicom Media Group MENA. “With Karim’s guidance and learnings, as well as his own expertise and experience, Chadi is the perfect fit for this pivotal role in our business. I know he will excel in this new challenge.”

“It is hugely exciting to be given this role that Karim has built over the years, it’s also a huge responsibility to carry on in his footsteps,” Chadi Farhat added. “One of the reasons why I chose to make the move is that I know our office in Lebanon is in very safe hands. Wissam has clearly demonstrated his abilities not only as a media professional but also as a leader. His skills, including in talent management, make him the obvious choice for this new role.”

Karim Koraytem, who decided to leave the industry after more than 15 years, will act as a consultant until the end of the year. These promotions are effective March 1, 2012.