KEY SPEAKERS
Najla Semaan Mazboudi With 27 years of experience in Media, Marketing and Event management, Najla Semaan Mazboudi continues her career as a Managing Director/Owner of SPOTON Media Services and Events which was launched in 2005 and has developed strong credentials in media and event management through several successful projects.
Najla’s professional strengths emanate from the extensive experience that she earned through her work across different companies and business sectors. Her success in each job she took on board provided her with the ability to plan for establishing her own business.
Najla’s career in media was developed through her work at:
• Showtime 1995-1996: Personnel and administration Manager handling the customer service Department. In addition handled the marketing of Showtime in all U.A.E Hotels, whereby succeeded to replace the encrypted competitors channels by Showtime.
• Ara Media Services 1996-1998: Senior Sales Manager. Handled advertising on MBC TV in terms of sales, reaching $10-15m target by the end of each year. In addition handled the planning and execution of events done by AMS for their media partners and clients.
• Arab Reach Media Services 1998-2004: General Manager, handling advertising sales for U.A.E and overlooking the sales of Cairo and Riyadh branches. Liaising ART TV channels with the office of Sheikh Saleh Kamel on all marketing activities.
Najla’s entrance into the Media world followed her work at:
• Dubai Trade Center
• Chalhoub Group
• Kodak Near East
• Middle East Bank
• TRIZAC/AMIP
Najla’s professional strengths emanate from the extensive experience that she earned through her work across different companies and business sectors. Her success in each job she took on board provided her with the ability to plan for establishing her own business.
Najla’s career in media was developed through her work at:
• Showtime 1995-1996: Personnel and administration Manager handling the customer service Department. In addition handled the marketing of Showtime in all U.A.E Hotels, whereby succeeded to replace the encrypted competitors channels by Showtime.
• Ara Media Services 1996-1998: Senior Sales Manager. Handled advertising on MBC TV in terms of sales, reaching $10-15m target by the end of each year. In addition handled the planning and execution of events done by AMS for their media partners and clients.
• Arab Reach Media Services 1998-2004: General Manager, handling advertising sales for U.A.E and overlooking the sales of Cairo and Riyadh branches. Liaising ART TV channels with the office of Sheikh Saleh Kamel on all marketing activities.
Najla’s entrance into the Media world followed her work at:
• Dubai Trade Center
• Chalhoub Group
• Kodak Near East
• Middle East Bank
• TRIZAC/AMIP
Abim Onasanya is a media measurement and advertising transaction practitioner, with a keen eye for consumer media trends & advertising ROI. At MBC, he is responsible for providing insights and revenue-enhancing research to the expanding digital businesses across the MENA region. Prior to MBC, he was European media director at Donovan Data Systems, responsible for the strategic development of global agency systems to enhance advertising efficiency and media agency profitability – as well as B2B sales & new business development. Onasanya has a deep understanding of the broadcast, Online and media agency industries, including consumer media technology and media consumption trends. Recognising the challenges faced by advertisers and media agencies in a digital age, he’s worked closely with Advertisers’ category management divisions; technology partners and digital media transaction platforms; media owners; research and data providers; as well as media agencies.
Ajit Jaokar (Moderator) The founder of the London based publishing and research company FutureText focused on emerging Web and Mobile technologies. In 2009-2010, Ajit was nominated as part of the Global Agenda Council on the Future of the Internet by the world economic forum. Ajit chairs Oxford University’s Next generation mobile applications panel and conducts a course on Web 2.0, Social networking, Mobile Web 2.0 and LTE services at Oxford University.
His consulting activities include working with companies to define value propositions across the device, network, Web and Social networking stack spanning both technology and strategy. He has worked with a range of commercial and government organizations globally including The European Union, Telecoms Operators, Device manufacturers, social networking companies and security companies in various strategic and visionary roles.
| Topic: "Strategies for 'mobile first' world" |
Today, in all economies we are seeing the phenomenal growth of mobile devices. In many cases, mobile devices outnumber other platforms for access to the Internet. Thus, while we live in a ‘mobile first’ world – but many designers ignore this fact. Specifically, the combined synergies between the Mobile, Cloud, Social media and Sensors (ex: sensors on the iPhone and other devices) is disruptive.
This talk will explore the design implications for a ‘mobile first’ world for the Web, mobile and TV platforms. It will offer specific strategies in designing these services for media, brands and governments when the mobile device becomes the primary avenue to access services. The talk will focus on the interplay/interconnection between the platforms.
This talk will explore the design implications for a ‘mobile first’ world for the Web, mobile and TV platforms. It will offer specific strategies in designing these services for media, brands and governments when the mobile device becomes the primary avenue to access services. The talk will focus on the interplay/interconnection between the platforms.
Alan Devereux Alan Devereux has a background in market research for large blue chip companies, has worked Public Affairs for the likes of GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Abbott Laboratories, and Astrazeneca. He also has experience with public relations for airlines, banks, private equity firms, and Dubai-boom construction companies. Alan produced Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast radio show for nearly four years and helped create the Business Tonight, now known as Tonight with Richard Dean. He has lectured in Ethics in Public Relations and Radio Journalism, and has delivered talks for Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Village.
Alan is now Communications Officer for the British Business Group Dubai & Northern Emirates. In this role he is responsible for communications policies for the group (which has nearly 2500 members), as well as everything you would expect from a communications professional. His work is heavily slanted toward Social Media and has generated revenue for the company using such sites. He also trains BBG members on Twitter and LinkedIn usage as well as Facebook Fan-Page customisation.
Twitter: @BBGOnline.
Alan is now Communications Officer for the British Business Group Dubai & Northern Emirates. In this role he is responsible for communications policies for the group (which has nearly 2500 members), as well as everything you would expect from a communications professional. His work is heavily slanted toward Social Media and has generated revenue for the company using such sites. He also trains BBG members on Twitter and LinkedIn usage as well as Facebook Fan-Page customisation.
Twitter: @BBGOnline.
Ali Ajouz Ali is currently an independent media advisor specializing in Marketing, Research and Distribution of TV content in the Middle East and North Africa.
Ali holds a Masters Degree in Political Economy from Boston University. In the past twenty years Ali has worked across all aspects of media including Advertising Sales, Customer Services management, Program Acquisition and Syndication, Subscriber Management Systems, Marketing and Public Relations, multiplatform on-line presence, content delivery applications, development of e-commerce solutions and roll out of Sales and Distribution networks.
In 1991 he joined MBC in London as marketing and sales manager, then moved to china to take up the position of Vice President of Marketing and Sales with Asia Media Group in 1994. In January 1996 Ali was recruited as Marketing Director for the Middle East & North Africa as part of the start up team to launch Showtime in the Middle East. In 2003, Ali was recruited by Orbit as Vice President of Marketing & Distribution for Orbit Communications Company (OCC), based in Bahrain, covering the Middle East and North Africa. In 2007, Ali was selected as a key member of the team that negotiated the merger between Orbit and Showtime to form Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) for which he then worked as SVP Marketing and PR.
Ali holds a Masters Degree in Political Economy from Boston University. In the past twenty years Ali has worked across all aspects of media including Advertising Sales, Customer Services management, Program Acquisition and Syndication, Subscriber Management Systems, Marketing and Public Relations, multiplatform on-line presence, content delivery applications, development of e-commerce solutions and roll out of Sales and Distribution networks.
In 1991 he joined MBC in London as marketing and sales manager, then moved to china to take up the position of Vice President of Marketing and Sales with Asia Media Group in 1994. In January 1996 Ali was recruited as Marketing Director for the Middle East & North Africa as part of the start up team to launch Showtime in the Middle East. In 2003, Ali was recruited by Orbit as Vice President of Marketing & Distribution for Orbit Communications Company (OCC), based in Bahrain, covering the Middle East and North Africa. In 2007, Ali was selected as a key member of the team that negotiated the merger between Orbit and Showtime to form Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) for which he then worked as SVP Marketing and PR.
Ali Sinaei born in Tehran, Iran, 1977. His family moved to London, United Kingdom in 1979, and that is where Ali was brought up and educated, and also where he started his career. After graduating with an Honours degree in Mathematics, Ali chose to work in Banking for the first 3 years of his career. Having always been interested in the world of Media, Ali was constantly looking for ways to hone the analytical experience he had gained, and when the opportunity arose to take up a position as an analyst at Propertyfinder.com, he jumped at the chance. Having gained some experience working for a “dot.com”, he next moved to AOL UK where he headed Strategic Planning for their Online Advertising division.
In April 2007, Ali could not turn down the opportunity to move to Dubai permanently to establish and head the Ad Sales division at Bayt.com, the Middle East’s Number 1 Job Site.
4 years in, Bayt can now boast some of the most successful global and regional companies as its clients.
| Topic: "The Road Map To Digital Advertising" |
-Just as you thought it was safe to adopt a digital advertising strategy, a new option comes up that forces you to rethink your plans.
-Too many strategies to adopt and too many coming up and only few work.
. What’s working and what’s not?
. What are the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for all stake holders.
. How will the advent of smart phones & touchpads change advertising opportunities.
-Too many strategies to adopt and too many coming up and only few work.
. What’s working and what’s not?
. What are the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for all stake holders.
. How will the advent of smart phones & touchpads change advertising opportunities.
Andre Popov Andre Popov is a Partner with Peppers & Rogers Telecommunications & Media practice. He has over 15 years of both strategy consulting and hands-on industry experience, having developed and implemented business and M&A strategies for Global 2000, Private Equity and start-up companies in the USA, Europe and the Middle East.
Most recently, Andre has been focusing on Digital and Convergence, advising Media and Telecommunications companies on how to (1) take advantage of digital channels to engage, acquire and retain customers and (2) build their digital service portfolios and ecosystems in the areas of fixed and mobile data, social networking, content and applications, CRM, IP TV, OTT, digital advertising, etc.
Andre received his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude) from Babson College.
Most recently, Andre has been focusing on Digital and Convergence, advising Media and Telecommunications companies on how to (1) take advantage of digital channels to engage, acquire and retain customers and (2) build their digital service portfolios and ecosystems in the areas of fixed and mobile data, social networking, content and applications, CRM, IP TV, OTT, digital advertising, etc.
Andre received his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude) from Babson College.
Ben Flanagan - Moderator s the media and telecoms correspondent at The National newspaper in Abu Dhabi.
He covers the mobile industry, publishing, broadcast, advertising and new media. In addition to writing for the paper, Ben also edits Plugged In, The National’s blog on media, telecoms and technology.
Ben has been writing about Middle East business issues since moving to Dubai in 2006 and his previous roles in the UAE include managing editor at Kipp Report, editor of Media Week Middle East magazine, and launch editor of the news websites ArabianBusiness.com and Business24-7.ae. He has also written for Yahoo! Maktoob.
In his hometown of London, Ben worked for The Observer, part of the Guardian Media Group, where he specialised in business, property and personal finance. He studied English Literature at Sheffield University in the UK.
Ben has been writing about Middle East business issues since moving to Dubai in 2006 and his previous roles in the UAE include managing editor at Kipp Report, editor of Media Week Middle East magazine, and launch editor of the news websites ArabianBusiness.com and Business24-7.ae. He has also written for Yahoo! Maktoob.
In his hometown of London, Ben worked for The Observer, part of the Guardian Media Group, where he specialised in business, property and personal finance. He studied English Literature at Sheffield University in the UK.
| Topic: "The Future Of The News" |
As consumers started having more options of entertainment in media, this has led to a major drop in print newspaper readership among the young generation.
- Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
- What can newspapers do to survive?
- What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
- Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
- What can newspapers do to survive?
- What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
Caroline Ernst is a seasoned e-retail marketing executive with over a decade of digital experience as a strategic, “big picture” thinker. She has led departments with millions in annual revenues during periods of explosive growth, as well as through periods of consolidation. She has a track record of pioneering and launching innovative, integrated marketing and advertising programs that provided e-retailers with a competitive advantage, produced additional revenue streams, and delivered measurable return on investment for clients. She has managed e-retail businesses for Wirefly, FootSmart and FamilyEducation Network as well as working with digital advertising agency, 360i and clients such as Saks Fifth Avenue, NBC, Levenger, AutoTrader, and H& R Block. Caroline is currently a Principle Consultant at Starcom Mediavest Group
| Topic: "E-Commerce: What are the opportunities" |
Ecommerce is fast becoming the key to long term growth and sustainability of a business.
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises? What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises? What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
Dan Chapman Working in digital since ‘99, Dan has a comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape, born from tenures as a publisher, head of digital at a media agency and digital director client side.
With experience in implementing the foundations of a digital publishing company to building social media strategies and launching mobile phone applications, Dan’s expertise provides UM and its portfolio of clients with access to digital best practice and directional digital product development.
With experience in implementing the foundations of a digital publishing company to building social media strategies and launching mobile phone applications, Dan’s expertise provides UM and its portfolio of clients with access to digital best practice and directional digital product development.
Dan Stuart In October 2011, Dan became the Managing Director of Living Social Middle East following the acquisition of his company GoNabit – the first group buying website in the Middle East. Dan Stuart co-founded GoNabit in June 2010 and served as CEO until October 2011.
As Managing Director of LivingSocial in the Middle East, Dan is responsible for the overall strategy, operation, development and expansion of LivingSocial in the Middle East region.
Dan is a Canadian national who has lived in the Middle East for the last 11 years. Before founding GoNabit.com with his business partner Sohrab Jahanbani, Dan was the Chief Possibility Officer at Bayt.com and also the Director of Intilaq - Bayt's corporate venture capital. In his dual role at Bayt.com, Dan oversaw strategy, product development, user experience design and new initiatives, as well as strategic and emerging business development both within and outside the scope of Bayt as a job site. It was here that Dan discovered his passion for entrepreneurship and e-commerce.
Before joining Bayt.com, Dan worked as an English teacher in both Canada and Kuwait. He holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Theory and Learning from the University of Toronto in Canada. He also has an English Literature & History Degree.
Dan is a Canadian national who has lived in the Middle East for the last 11 years. Before founding GoNabit.com with his business partner Sohrab Jahanbani, Dan was the Chief Possibility Officer at Bayt.com and also the Director of Intilaq - Bayt's corporate venture capital. In his dual role at Bayt.com, Dan oversaw strategy, product development, user experience design and new initiatives, as well as strategic and emerging business development both within and outside the scope of Bayt as a job site. It was here that Dan discovered his passion for entrepreneurship and e-commerce.
Before joining Bayt.com, Dan worked as an English teacher in both Canada and Kuwait. He holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Theory and Learning from the University of Toronto in Canada. He also has an English Literature & History Degree.
| Topic: "E-Commerce: What Are The Opportunities" |
Ecommerce is fast becoming the key to long term growth and sustainability of a business.
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises?
What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises?
What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
Dana Adhami Dana currently holds the position of Digital Director for the Dubai office and champions all things digital for Mindshare. Dana has over 7 years in digital marketing and new media, specializing in web, social, mobile, e-commerce & online content.
Majoring in Marketing & Business Planning with a minor in Women Studies, Dana graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Canberra, Australia. After moving to Dubai she continued her education and earned a Graduate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Majoring in Marketing & Business Planning with a minor in Women Studies, Dana graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Canberra, Australia. After moving to Dubai she continued her education and earned a Graduate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
| Topic: "Top Digital Media Trends" |
The current state of digital media in the MENA region.
- Digital Media Road Map.
- Consumer behavior & attitudes;
- Emerging Business Models
- KPI Statistics
- Digital Media Road Map.
- Consumer behavior & attitudes;
- Emerging Business Models
- KPI Statistics
Dr. Fawzi Baroud Fawzi Baroud has earned his Ph.D. in eLearning development in higher education from Sheffield Hallam University,UK. Dr. Baroud is the Director of Computing Services, eLearning Center and the Division of Continuing Education at Notre Dame University, Lebanon. Dr. Baroud has participated in a number of international, regional, and local conferences on technology and eLearning and coauthored the Informatics national curriculum for schools in Lebanon. Moreover, he conducted a number of fieldwork studies on ICT use in education and offered his expertise to a number of organizations including the European Training Foundation. His research interests fall in the scope of the use, integration and evaluation of Information and Communication Technologies and e-learning implementation in higher educational contexts.
Education
Ph.D. in Educational Technology/ eLearning, Sheffield Hallam University, U.K.
M.Sc. in Systems Management, Florida Institute of Technology, U.S.A.
B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, Mo, U.S.A.
BA. In Mathematics, Monmouth College, Melbourne, Illinois, U.S.A.
| Topic: "Blended Learning: A Case Study" |
This presentation will showcase a number of implementations of technology in education at different levels across the Gulf and Levant Regions, highlighting the points of strengths and weakness as well as learned lessons. Special attention is given to the educational model and the role of technology in reshaping the educational landscape in the region. Blended Learning is shown as a needed transition model given the technological and cultural conditions in the region.
Finally, a new model will be presented, Social Online Learning, currently developed in collaboration with Facebook and other international partners, to be launched in Lebanon by end of 2011, and in the region during 2012.
Finally, a new model will be presented, Social Online Learning, currently developed in collaboration with Facebook and other international partners, to be launched in Lebanon by end of 2011, and in the region during 2012.
Dr. Milad Sebaaly is the founder and CEO of several leading Educational Technology start-ups and investment companies in the Middle East, Dr. Milad Fares Sebaaly has played a key role in shaping the face of virtual education as we know it today in the Arab world. He is a founding member at MIT of MIT-LINC: Learning International Networks Foundation.
He was one of the youngest recipients of the AUB-FEA Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2009, "in recognition for his significant contributions to the field of Education and E-Learning".
| Topic: "Blended Learning: A Case Study" |
This presentation will showcase a number of implementations of technology in education at different levels across the Gulf and Levant Regions, highlighting the points of strengths and weakness as well as learned lessons. Special attention is given to the educational model and the role of technology in reshaping the educational landscape in the region. Blended Learning is shown as a needed transition model given the technological and cultural conditions in the region.
Finally, a new model will be presented, Social Online Learning, currently developed in collaboration with Facebook and other international partners, to be launched in Lebanon by end of 2011, and in the region during 2012.
Finally, a new model will be presented, Social Online Learning, currently developed in collaboration with Facebook and other international partners, to be launched in Lebanon by end of 2011, and in the region during 2012.
Fadi Salem Is the director of the Governance and Innovation Program, and Fellow, at the Dubai School of Government (DSG); Fellow with the I+I Policy Research Centre, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (LKYSPP); and, a former Associate with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). His areas of expertise include new models of governance and citizen engagement, and their impact on social development, including ICT and reform, e-government, social media and citizen participation in the Arab region.
Fadi has over ten years of multidisciplinary working experience in public sector, media and research fields. He has been involved in numerous projects with government and private sector entities in the Arab region, as well as with international organizations, including the OECD, United Nations, WEF, World Bank and the European Commission. Prior to joining DSG, he worked in The Executive Office, where he advised senior government leaders in Dubai. He also previously worked as an editor of two pan-Arab publications.
Fadi is a graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the School of Engineering, Aleppo University. He is the author of numerous publications in peer-reviewed publications and media, and co-author of several proceedings and books, including the Arab Social Media Report series and the recently published “From Electronic Government to Information Government” book in Arabic. Fadi is a frequent speaker in international conferences, and comments in the media regularly on governance, technology and current Arab affairs.
Twitter: twitter.com/FadiSalem
Twitter: twitter.com/FadiSalem
| Topic: "Top Digital Media Trends" |
- The current state of digital media in the MENA region
- Digital Media Road Map.
- Consumer behavior & attitudes;
- Emerging Business Models
- KPI Statistics
- Digital Media Road Map.
- Consumer behavior & attitudes;
- Emerging Business Models
- KPI Statistics
Fayez Abu Awad is a pioneer of mobile marketing and advertising in MEA. Having sold his first Internet banner campaign early in 1996, in what is arguably the first such sale in MEA, Fayez came back to pioneer the sale of media on mobile Internet property as well as mobile campaign design and planning. He is a telecoms veteran who took charge of building the mobile advertising market for Nokia in the Middle East and Africa.
He currently leads Boost Communications operations in the Middle East & Africa. Fayez is very passionate about the success of Arabic language in the digital world and is also an entrepreneur currently developing solutions to enable equal participation in Web 3.0.
Fayez is an Oxford MBA and he holds a master of engineering degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
| Topic: "Mobile advertising" |
Mobile marketers are, more now than ever, anticipating 2012 to be "the year of mobile marketing". Fayez will present the case for 2012's prospects siting relevant regional developments starting with the highlights of the digital advantage of mobile advertising, looking back at lessons learned and what could have been done differently in 2011 and, presenting his view on how 2012 is going to be different.
Gareth Deere A key member of Ipsos MediaCT's global team. Based in London, he is responsible for making sure Ipsos MediaCT's key international custom clients get the most out of Ipsos' extensive resources and expertise worldwide. As part of this remit, Gareth co-ordinates Ipsos MediaCT's innovation and development initiatives. He has developed a particular focus on the application of behavioural data collection methods as they apply to emerging devices. Including smartphones, tablets and connected TVs. He has more than 16 years agency side research experience, and is an associate member of the Market Research Society.
| Topic: "Digital Research" |
Gareth will present some innovative case studies around the usage of new techniques for collecting behavioural insights from the mobile and digital space. The case studies will focus on digital insights that can help publishers monetise content. On the mobile platform, including smartphones and tablets, the paper will discuss the application of new on device metering technology, that provides a 360 degree view of behaviours, placing media consumption of publishers' own apps and content in context. In the digital space, Gareth will also share some interesting insights and approaches to social media evaluation tailored to media brands and their needs.
Giovanni Galluci Giovanni is a recovering .NET programmer turned online brand strategist and internet journeyman. Giovanni develops strategy for online marketing and audience development for forward-thinking clients in music, tv/film, sports, fashion, and causes interested in breaking new ground online. On the other hand, he is a professional photographer who focuses on music, fashion, sports, events, causes, and editorial candids. He's currently working on Troubadour, TX, a docu-reality TV series airing in 140 U.S. markets to approximately 40 million households, among other projects.
He also teaches how social media and SEO aligns with offline marketing and PR strategies at bootcamps and private workshops across the great state of Texas and around the world. His speaking style is vibrant, frank, humorous, energetic, and personal.
Past and present work includes top-tier clients like 41 Entertainment, American Airlines, The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, AMS Pictures, BMC Software, Brinker International, Bristol Hotels, Corel Software, CRM Studios, Discovery Networks, Gateway Computers, Hilton Hotels, London Broadcasting, Microsoft, Moroch Public Relations, NASCAR, Nortel, Sabre, Samsung, and The Travel Channel.
| Topic: "Media: A Game Changer For Film, Television & Music" |
Most film, video, and music today is produced by semi-pros and enthusiasts on a tight budget. Since social media tools like Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter are free, it makes sense for content producers of all stripes to take advantage of them to build their fan base, develop an audience, and drive sales. But that doesn’t mean that just anyone should be doing the outreach. You cannot be effective in the social media space by sitting down once a day and blasting out nonsense. This approach is only effective at creating content of little to no relevance. Social media tools work best when the people behind them have a genuine passion for what they’re sharing. An online presence is something filmmakers, musicians, and tv producers will always take as seriously as most people on their marketing/promotions team. During this presentation Giovanni will teach media producers how to effectively use social media for outreach, funding, finding projects, connecting with other creatives, making the most of festivals & conferences, and connecting with journalists/press outlets to promote their work and advance their careers.
The presentation will answer the following questions:
1. What are the 5 basic social media tactics a media content producer needs to know?
2. How can a media content producer use YouTube to promote and optimize their work?
3. How can a filmmaker/musician/producer use social media to raise funds for their next project?
4. Is twitter a waste of time? Really? Is it all hype or can it actually be an effective tool to promote your work?
5. How does an entertainment industry professional use social media to meet industry peers and make better use of their time at seminars, festivals and conferences?
The presentation will answer the following questions:
1. What are the 5 basic social media tactics a media content producer needs to know?
2. How can a media content producer use YouTube to promote and optimize their work?
3. How can a filmmaker/musician/producer use social media to raise funds for their next project?
4. Is twitter a waste of time? Really? Is it all hype or can it actually be an effective tool to promote your work?
5. How does an entertainment industry professional use social media to meet industry peers and make better use of their time at seminars, festivals and conferences?
Hossein Jalali s the Head of Online at Al Aan TV. He has earned a BS degree in Computer Engineering and an MBA from AUS.
During his role at Al Aan, he has restructured the digital outlook of the company, making it one of the most successful online media platforms in the Arab world. He also pioneered Al Aan as one of the first companies to use social media services for its growth, currently having over 2 million fans on Facebook, and over 125 million video views on YouTube.
For-seeing the future of web moving towards social media, he assembled and headed a team to create a video sharing social network for the Middle East; Kalam.tv. Making it the largest user generated video hub targeting the region with over 150,000 users, in just two years.
Hossein's significant contributions helped establish a one of its kind inews to web system, which allowed automated capture, segregation, and storage of TV content to a website in real-time. Under his leadership, Al Aan pursued to create many multi-platform mobile apps for its viewers, some with over 40,000 downloads in less than 3 months.
Hossein's intuitive roles in succeeding the online business makes him well known for his early adaptations and introductions of the latest web technology and online trends in the region.
During his role at Al Aan, he has restructured the digital outlook of the company, making it one of the most successful online media platforms in the Arab world. He also pioneered Al Aan as one of the first companies to use social media services for its growth, currently having over 2 million fans on Facebook, and over 125 million video views on YouTube.
For-seeing the future of web moving towards social media, he assembled and headed a team to create a video sharing social network for the Middle East; Kalam.tv. Making it the largest user generated video hub targeting the region with over 150,000 users, in just two years.
Hossein's significant contributions helped establish a one of its kind inews to web system, which allowed automated capture, segregation, and storage of TV content to a website in real-time. Under his leadership, Al Aan pursued to create many multi-platform mobile apps for its viewers, some with over 40,000 downloads in less than 3 months.
Hossein's intuitive roles in succeeding the online business makes him well known for his early adaptations and introductions of the latest web technology and online trends in the region.
| Topic: "TV Anytime" |
Latest media technologies, be it smart-phones or I-Pads, have given consumers the opportunity to access TV content at their convenience. This has led media owners to rethink
their content development strategies and the different means to get this content to consumers without losing advertising budgets..
- How are TV traditional networks reacting to this fast growing trends and developments?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for TV?
- What strategies should TV networks adopt to ride the new media technologies development?
their content development strategies and the different means to get this content to consumers without losing advertising budgets..
- How are TV traditional networks reacting to this fast growing trends and developments?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for TV?
- What strategies should TV networks adopt to ride the new media technologies development?
Hussein Hallak Hussein Hallak is the co-founder of TheContentPeople, a strategic content development firm. He is also an associate of Ideas Group, a global learning and human capital development firm specializing in leadership and team development. In addition to that, Hussein is the Regional Director of BNI, which provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. Hussein Hallak helps people inspire the world through his different areas of expertise as a Coach, Entrepreneur, Writer, Speaker, TV Presenter, Blogger.
Hussein Freijeh was appointed to the position of Head of Sales for Yahoo! Maktoob when Yahoo! acquired Maktoob in August of 2009. Today he is Commercial Director, and in this capacity, Hussein leads a team of online sales specialists covering markets across the Middle East and North Africa.
During his tenure at Maktoob, Hussein was instrumental in establishing the startup’s renowned sales portfolio by building strong relationships with agencies and private businesses alike to grow the Maktoob Sales Operations into the forefront of media companies in advertising spend and market share.
At Yahoo! Maktoob, Hussein has been a driving force behind the company’s market leadership in display advertising and the introduction of innovative products that bring the best in digital technology, creativity, and measurement to advertisers in the Middle East. Hussein is one of the key industry players driving the shift to digital and contributing to the growth of Internet advertising market across the region.
With over 10 years of sales and media experience, Hussein is a frequent speaker and panelist, and has participated in more than 30 industry events. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from the Lebanese American University.
During his tenure at Maktoob, Hussein was instrumental in establishing the startup’s renowned sales portfolio by building strong relationships with agencies and private businesses alike to grow the Maktoob Sales Operations into the forefront of media companies in advertising spend and market share.
At Yahoo! Maktoob, Hussein has been a driving force behind the company’s market leadership in display advertising and the introduction of innovative products that bring the best in digital technology, creativity, and measurement to advertisers in the Middle East. Hussein is one of the key industry players driving the shift to digital and contributing to the growth of Internet advertising market across the region.
With over 10 years of sales and media experience, Hussein is a frequent speaker and panelist, and has participated in more than 30 industry events. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from the Lebanese American University.
| Topic: "Top Digital Media Trends" |
- The current state of digital media in the MENA region
- Digital Media Road Map.
- Consumer behavior & attitudes;
- Emerging Business Models
- KPI Statistics
- Digital Media Road Map.
- Consumer behavior & attitudes;
- Emerging Business Models
- KPI Statistics
Ibrahim Ahmed Elbadawi is a member of the team leading the electronic transformation at the federal government sector in the UAE. One of his recent achievements was leading a government-wide task force to develop policy guidelines for using social media by the government entities. The policy won the Social Media Initiative of the Year award from the Digital Government Forum in Dubai, 2011. Prior to his current position, he worked at the strategic planning division at Dubai e-Government where he initiated and managed a number of key initiatives.
In 2009, Mr. Elbadawi was awarded a scholarship from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Dubai School of Government (DSG) where he graduated with the Top Student Award. He also holds a M.Sc. In Computer Information Systems.
In addition to his professional career, Mr. Elbadawi is an active researcher and has published a number of papers in various topics. He also participates frequently as a speaker in different conferences and events.
In 2009, Mr. Elbadawi was awarded a scholarship from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Dubai School of Government (DSG) where he graduated with the Top Student Award. He also holds a M.Sc. In Computer Information Systems.
In addition to his professional career, Mr. Elbadawi is an active researcher and has published a number of papers in various topics. He also participates frequently as a speaker in different conferences and events.
| Topic: "Digital Media Regulations" |
-In digital media, privacy and respect of others’ reputation should be the industry’s number one priority. What should the good practice principles be and where do we draw the line between freedom of expression and others’ right to privacy?
-What is a suitable regulatory environment that will sustain long term growth for online business.
-Ministry of information and Ministry of Justice, MSN
-What is a suitable regulatory environment that will sustain long term growth for online business.
-Ministry of information and Ministry of Justice, MSN
Jad Hindy Jad is the co-founder of Netizency, as well as, the Head of Content and Media Marketing for Qatar Telecom. During the last 15 years, Jad has helped several telecom operators build their brands and become more customer focused. Naming a few, he left his touches on brands like Saudi Telecom (STC), Emirates Integrated Telecom Company (du), Virgin Mobile Qatar, and Qatar Telecom (Qtel). He also helped advertising agency Leo Burnett build a solid track record at servicing telecom brands in the Middle East. A pioneer in social communication, he believes that social engagement and live activation play a pivotal role in strengthening the bond between brands and customers. It is that belief that mainly pushed him to join hands with Fadi Khater in creating Netizency, an agency that help brands become more social.
| Topic: "The Road Map Of Digital Advertising" |
- Just as you thought it was safe to adopt a digital advertising strategy, a new option comes up that forces you to rethink your plans.
- Too many strategies to adopt and too many coming up and only few work.
. What’s working and what’s not?
. What are the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for all stake holders.
. How will the advent of smart phones & touchpads change advertising opportunities.
- Too many strategies to adopt and too many coming up and only few work.
. What’s working and what’s not?
. What are the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for all stake holders.
. How will the advent of smart phones & touchpads change advertising opportunities.
Jassim Ali Jassim Ali is the regional director digital development for Omnicom Media Group. He leads the social media, performance marketing, mobile marketing and the emerging media practice at group level, providing management and thought-leadership. He has been in digital marketing for more than 7 years, working in MENA as well as in Asia on leading brands such as Pepsi, Microsoft, du, Virgin Atlantic, Avaya, Tata Indicom etc. He has been with the Omnicom Media Group for the past five years.
| Topic: "Mobile Applications" |
The continuous emergence of new phone technologies, latest being smart phones, leads to development of more and more mobile applications.
- Do these application haveopportunities for success?.
- How do these mobile applications fit into the e-commerce, socialnetworking?
- What’s next?
- Do these application haveopportunities for success?.
- How do these mobile applications fit into the e-commerce, socialnetworking?
- What’s next?
Jayant Bhargava is a Principal with Booz & Company based in Dubai, with over 12 years of consulting experience. He is a member of the Global Media practice and has led a wide variety of assignments covering strategy, organization, operations and restructuring in the Middle East, US, Europe and Asia. He specializes in digital media and advises companies on entry and growth strategies in the New Media domain. Prior to joining Booz & Company, Mr. Bhargava was a senior manager in the Risk and Business Solutions practice at Ernst & Young (previously Andersen) in the United States and India. Mr. Bhargava is a national ranked Chartered Accountant from India and holds a Bachelors degree in Economics, from the University of Delhi.
| Topic: "Future Monetization Opportunities in the Digital Media" |
Digital media market in the region is experiencing exponential growth. Broadband proliferation is resulting in rapid shift of media consumption from traditional channels towards mobile and online. . Non-linear channels, social media and user generated content are increasingly gaining prominence. Growth in mobile and online platforms in the Middle East is driving soaring demand for technology and service convergence. These shifts are having a profound impact on the operations of traditional and digital media players. On one end, traditional media players are quickly facing cannibalization of audiences and media consumption on their traditional platforms and are required to embrace new distribution technologies and business models. Whereas on the other end, telecom operators are facing the challenge of investing increasingly to support the soaring need for bandwidth caused by proliferation of video and data traffic over mobile and fixed line networks without a justifiable return on investment. Current digital content and internet business models are not sustainable to drive investments into professional content creation and required infrastructure. Nevertheless, digital media represents a unique opportunity for media, communications and technology players for future growth. Effective distribution strategies and innovative business models are essential to tap into new revenue streams and sustain growth of digital media value pools.
Jim Griffin Managing Director of OneHouse LLC, dedicated to the future of music and entertainment delivery, and works as a consultant to absorb uncertainty about the digital delivery of entertainment content. In addition to work with entertainment, his expertise includes wireless work in Europe, including at Nokia's Research Center in Helsinki, Finland, and with numerous companies in Finland and throughout Europe. He's moderated numerous panels on wireless and given speeches on wireless issues around the world, ranging from music conferences to parliament meetings in Europe. He is a regular speaker at entertainment industry events and corporate and association meetings.
| Topic: "Monetization Opportunities" |
Jim will speak about the issues raised by the digital delivery of art and media with a focus on monetization. I will invite attendees to look in the rear-view mirror of history to examine the arc of media technology and absorb their uncertainty about its path. I offer unique ways to link with other digital media professionals, artists, executives, students and lawyers in the field. Most of all, I bring passion, experience and energy towards the future of media technology. In particular, I will speak to the need to register and enumerate digital art such that it can be licensed and paid, essential to commerce.
Jordi Ferrer Global Head of TNS Digital and member of the WPP Digital Advisory Board. Jordi lectures in several programmes at IESE Business School and has lectured at the London Business School.
TNS is the largest Custom Research company globally operating in more than 70 countries with approximate revenues of $2b. WPP is the largest Marketing and Communications Group.
TNS Digital advice advertisers how to integrate and maximize digital channels in their marketing and communication strategies. Recently launched TNS Digital Life, the largest study of the global digital consumer ever, covering 60 countries.
Prior to that Jordi was Director of Strategy and M& A at TNS, transitioning the company to a leader in the digital space and completing more than 15 acquisitions in the marketing research, analytics and digital media measurement spaces.
He holds an MBA at IESE Business School, a degree in Business & Economics at Barcelona University and management education at the London Business School.
TNS is the largest Custom Research company globally operating in more than 70 countries with approximate revenues of $2b. WPP is the largest Marketing and Communications Group.
TNS Digital advice advertisers how to integrate and maximize digital channels in their marketing and communication strategies. Recently launched TNS Digital Life, the largest study of the global digital consumer ever, covering 60 countries.
Prior to that Jordi was Director of Strategy and M& A at TNS, transitioning the company to a leader in the digital space and completing more than 15 acquisitions in the marketing research, analytics and digital media measurement spaces.
He holds an MBA at IESE Business School, a degree in Business & Economics at Barcelona University and management education at the London Business School.
| Topic: "Taking Research Digital" |
More than 2 billion people around the globe connect; share and co create on a daily basis. These connections are increasingly Mobile, Social and Local, making Digital even more transformational for consumers, the way they make decisions and live their lives. The explosion of Digital has had a definitive impact on Marketing and Research. Companies cannot keep talking about Digital Marketing or Research, they should talk about Marketing and Research in a Digital Age. They have to integrate the Digital channels and platforms into the core of their business strategies and processes.
In this session we will specifically look at how all this has transformed the Research environment, opening a whole range of opportunities to observe and listen consumers on real time, co-create with them, and engage with the right segments, in their right context, with the right content and even in the right moment and location. We will see how the ‘research paradigm’ has shifted from Quality to Speed and real-time, from Human Reports to Dashboards, from Paid to ‘Fremium’ and from Data collection to data connection.
In this session we will specifically look at how all this has transformed the Research environment, opening a whole range of opportunities to observe and listen consumers on real time, co-create with them, and engage with the right segments, in their right context, with the right content and even in the right moment and location. We will see how the ‘research paradigm’ has shifted from Quality to Speed and real-time, from Human Reports to Dashboards, from Paid to ‘Fremium’ and from Data collection to data connection.
Joseph Ghossoub Joseph Ghossoub is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MENA Communications Group (MENACOM), parent company of the Team/Y& R, Intermarkets and Classic Partnership advertising agencies, public relations consultancies ASDA’A Burson Marsteller, Polaris and Raee, media buying firms mediaedge:cia & MC2, direct marketing specialists Wunderman and Tattoo Interactive. One of the Middle East communications industry’s most prominent spokespersons, he has been involved in managing regional and global agencies for nearly three decades. Under his leadership, MENACOM Group (part of WPP and Y& R Brands) has grown into one of the most successful Middle East communications groups, with 57 offices in 18 countries throughout the Arabian Gulf, the Levant and North Africa.
Recent accolades:
- Business Leadership
In December 2008, Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Vice Chairman of the UAE Central Bank, presented Joseph with the Arabian Business Achievement Award for Business Leadership, in recognition of his exemplary leadership of MENACOM Group and his stewardship of the region’s marketing communications industry.
Until 2008, Joseph served as Chairman and World President of the International Advertising Association (IAA), the world’s largest partnership of marketing communications disciplines and practitioners. His vision is for an IAA that is more relevant to its stakeholders, an open forum for communication and closer cooperation across the marketing disciplines.
Recent accolades:
- Business Leadership
In December 2008, Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Vice Chairman of the UAE Central Bank, presented Joseph with the Arabian Business Achievement Award for Business Leadership, in recognition of his exemplary leadership of MENACOM Group and his stewardship of the region’s marketing communications industry.
Until 2008, Joseph served as Chairman and World President of the International Advertising Association (IAA), the world’s largest partnership of marketing communications disciplines and practitioners. His vision is for an IAA that is more relevant to its stakeholders, an open forum for communication and closer cooperation across the marketing disciplines.
Khalifa Al Shamsi Khalifa Al Shamsi is the Senior Vice President of Technology Strategy for the Etisalat Group where he supports Etisalat’s 18 operations covering the Middle East, Asia and Africa. He is an influential member of the Etisalat Group’s management team and has been actively involved in many of the company’s strategic initiatives. Most recently, Khalifa has been focusing on the Etisalat Group’s Digital Services Strategy with a special focus on telecom, media and ICT.
Khalifa has held many senior management, technical and commercial roles during his career and has successfully led the design, development and deployment of many important projects and a wide range of products and services.
Specifically, Khalifa was behind the success story of Etisalat in the UAE where he was responsible for the deployment of mobile services, fiber-based broadband and advanced data services for Smart Phones.
He has been with Etisalat since 1993 and was head of marketing in the UAE overlooking marketing, sales and customer care functions before moving to his new position in February 2011.
Khalifa is also a Member of the Board of Directors at Etisalat Afghanistan andE-vision – the UAE-based TV, content and multimedia company.
Mr. Al Shamsi graduated from the University of Kentucky-USA in 1993 with a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. He has more than 19 years of experience in the telecom and ICT industry.
Khalifa has held many senior management, technical and commercial roles during his career and has successfully led the design, development and deployment of many important projects and a wide range of products and services.
Specifically, Khalifa was behind the success story of Etisalat in the UAE where he was responsible for the deployment of mobile services, fiber-based broadband and advanced data services for Smart Phones.
He has been with Etisalat since 1993 and was head of marketing in the UAE overlooking marketing, sales and customer care functions before moving to his new position in February 2011.
Khalifa is also a Member of the Board of Directors at Etisalat Afghanistan andE-vision – the UAE-based TV, content and multimedia company.
Mr. Al Shamsi graduated from the University of Kentucky-USA in 1993 with a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. He has more than 19 years of experience in the telecom and ICT industry.
Leena Khalil Currently based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cambridge University Graduate Leena worked in London for Robertson Stephens International a leading technology investment banking boutique and a pioneer in equity transactions in the technology sector. Worked on a long list of technology and bio-tech startup IPOs and Private equity transactions. In 1999 Leena moved to Salomon Smith Barney (SSB) as part of the Transaction Execution team where she helped expand her IPO experience into leading Telecom and internet companies, at the start of the internet boom in Europe (Flag Telecom - Ant factory - boo.com ). Her last role in SSB was in Financial Services M&A.
In 2001 Leena left SSB (now Citibank) and joined Liberate a leading BPO (business process outsources) where she worked on introducing new technology and expertise through acquisition and partnerships to improve the overall performance of government and private sector BPO contracts (improve productivity, boost customer satisfaction, control costs).
| Topic: "E-Commerce: What Are The Opportunities" |
Ecommerce is fast becoming the key to long term growth and sustainability of a business.
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises?
What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises?
What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
Mahdi Hashemi has been with Al Aan TV, online team since the initiation of the online activities of the company. Currently in charge of sales and marketing of Al Aan TV network (online) and Kalam TV, he is in charge creating marketing plans, implementation plans and the delivery of the marketing goals. His other marketing duties involve managing media plans and responsible for developing and launching advertising and media campaigns.
He developed the sales structure of online department which includes creating a sales strategy and implementation plan. His expertise also extends to creating sales forecast plans and new revenue models for websites.
He developed the sales structure of online department which includes creating a sales strategy and implementation plan. His expertise also extends to creating sales forecast plans and new revenue models for websites.
| Topic: "Digital ads in a nutshell; practical methods to make money from a website" |
The presentation will include the following points and will answer the following questions:
-Understanding the business; who are the clients and how do they buy?
-The role of intermediaries and consultants; media agencies, digital selling networks, buyers
-Define your website/product (What line of business are you in?): your visitors, advertising options and the traffic
-How important is the traffic on your website to be able to sell?
-Know the game: Who are the other similar websites? What are they offering? Who are their clients?
-Pricing strategies and the rate card
-Who to approach to start selling
-Optimizing the sales efforts
-Understanding the business; who are the clients and how do they buy?
-The role of intermediaries and consultants; media agencies, digital selling networks, buyers
-Define your website/product (What line of business are you in?): your visitors, advertising options and the traffic
-How important is the traffic on your website to be able to sell?
-Know the game: Who are the other similar websites? What are they offering? Who are their clients?
-Pricing strategies and the rate card
-Who to approach to start selling
-Optimizing the sales efforts
Mikki Jang is a charismatic visionary who has a firm grasp of the significant and disruptive trends which are currently reshaping our world. Through her previous experience and learning at CNN, CNBC, Fremantle Media, MTV, Mobile Monday and the World Bank , she’s been trying to make sense of our non-linearly evolving world, and interprets these complexities into their simple heuristics, taking views from various disciplines and decoding the previously disconnected relationship between them. With her unique insight, Mikki enables organisations and companies to address the challenges we now face to develop transformational and winning ways for ‘what next’ essentially looks like.
She is the co-founder of the innovation consultancy firm Advatec LLC: in which she explores the significant implications for business and organisations of living in a wired-up, networked world, helping transform fear to prudence, pain to information, mistake to initiation and desire to new undertaking.
She is the co-founder of the innovation consultancy firm Advatec LLC: in which she explores the significant implications for business and organisations of living in a wired-up, networked world, helping transform fear to prudence, pain to information, mistake to initiation and desire to new undertaking.
| Topic: "The Future Of The News" |
As consumers started having more options of entertainment in media, this has led to a major drop in print newspaper readership among the young generation.
- Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
- What can newspapers do to survive?
- What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
- Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
- What can newspapers do to survive?
- What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
Mitch Neff With over a decade in digital, Mitch's experience comes from roles in agency side strategy, client side Business Development, and major event consultanting. He has done work with organizations such as EpicThanks, HP, Symantec, IZOD Indycar Series, and is currently consulting for Cisco Systems. He has a passion for integrated digital strategies that mesh with and measurably impact real business goals.
He regularly consults with tech start-ups and actively works with StartupBus developing the StartupBusTV concept. His next project is the forthcoming ROBOTSUPERHERO.COM.
He regularly consults with tech start-ups and actively works with StartupBus developing the StartupBusTV concept. His next project is the forthcoming ROBOTSUPERHERO.COM.
| Topic: "Social Network Marketing: 5 Aspects That Can Make or Break a Campaign" |
In this session, Mitch Neff will discuss five factors of social network marketing that can take a social campaign to the next level or doom it to failure. This session is designed to give you actionable information that you can put to use in current or upcoming social network marketing activities. The five aspects covered include: Resources, Targeting and Network Selection, Transparency, Call-to-Action, and Analysis. Be prepared to take away information that is easy-to-apply for all levels of social network marketers.
Nick Whetham Nick Whetham is a seasoned Digital Communications Professional – having worked in the region over the past five years and previously in Asia Pacific and Australia for a range or blue chip multinational agencies and now with Havas Digital one of the top five digital creative agencies globally.
Nick has over 13 years experience in Digital and CRM, covering everything from online demand generation to mobile marketing solutions on blue chip brands including Sephora, Faces, Lacoste, Loccitane, Coty, McDonald's, Dominos, Showtime, Air Miles, HP, Dell, IBM, Telstra, Air New Zealand and Jaguar.
| Topic: "E-Commerce: What are the opportunities" |
Ecommerce is fast becoming the key to long term growth and sustainability of a business.
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises? What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
To what extent would this growth be sustained in the future and during economic crises? What are the key success stories in ecommerce and what were the pillars of their success?
Does e-commerce replace or back up conventional retail?
Osman Sultan , the CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, du, has a wealth of experience having worked in telecommunications and information technology in several countries in Europe, North America and the Middle East.
The holder of a Degree in Engineering, Mr. Sultan was the Chairman of the Arab Working Group for the Private Sector in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) from 2003 to 2005. He began his professional career with the France Telecom Group in 1983, going on to receive the award for The Best Web Site-Legal Product from the American Information Association in 1996. He later received the Man of the Year award (1996) from the Professional Electronic Information Services Community in France. Mr. Sultan comes to du having completed an eight year stint at the helm of the Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (MobiNil), a company he helped set up in 1998 to operate a GSM license in Egypt.
Patrick Leddy Leading expert, keynote speaker and thinker in the field of Mobile at many Digital events. As a Founder and CEO of Dublin based Furious Tribe, Patrick consults with leading international brands such as Citibank, Royal and Sun Alliance, O2 on their mobile strategy
| Topic: "Mobile Applications" |
Patrick offers a refreshing look at international mobile strategy for top brands. Learn how to create a compelling integrated mobile strategy for your organization. In a fast paced, energetic presentation style Patrick Leddy explains how some brands have succeeded, and why others fail. Practical case studies and examples that you can apply to your own business and how they can be used in the real world.
Peter Einstein A senior media executive with strong leadership, communication and entrepreneurial skills. He has achieved this success in multicultural/multilanguage situations providing both vision and leadership to companies in these environments. Currently Mr. Einstein is the founder and managing partner of Einstein Media Capital Partners (EMCP) a UK and Dubai, UAE based private equity firm specializing in advisory and investment in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) sector. Mr. Einstein has recently started 2 new companies in the region. These include ECLIPSE DIGITAL which specializes in ownership/licensing and conversion of archival films, TV tape, books, photographs and works of Art to digital files fully restored and ready for global distribution. The other is ADLER GLOBAL personalized business gifts which caters to the affluent “gift giving” culture in the Middle East.
| Topic: "TV Anytime Anywhere" |
Peter will focus on the most efficient "end to end" delivery platform system to any device as well as examples of content that can be delivered after being digitally converted from "old form" media.
Philippe Brodeur The director AerTV at Magnet Network. He has been a guest speaker at Entertainment Master Calss and is the principal at Hot Air media. Before that, Phillippe was the COO of Eighty Twenty Interactive, Member at UCD Taskforce on Film, Television and New Media and Head of Online at TV3 Television Network.
| Topic: "The Revolution Will be Televised" |
There is a revolution going on. The advent of social media and an interactive web means that the process of broadcasting – sending a message from one point to another without providing for feedback or discussion – is defunct. Now that the consumer has been empowered with the tools to engage, television broadcasters have to reinvent their distribution model. There are plenty of newcomers entering the market. Google, Apple and a host of other media behemoths are already nibbling at the global television advertising pie worth almost $200 billion.
Programming is all to play for. New models are only beginning to emerge. And good linear content – drama, entertainment, sport – is difficult to produce which is why broadcasters have the advantage: they understand what people want. The question they are asking is: how long until Google or Facebook start making TV or buying up the rights? And what rights does the brand own in a world of branded entertainment?
Social TV is emerging as genuine format. Known as two screen or three screen TV, this format allows programmers to engage viewers in real time online while they are watching TV. It’s all about interacting on a laptop or a phone while watching your favourite programme. We used to do it around the watercooler at work the following day – but now we can do it in real time.
With dozens of platforms and niche businesses challenging for audience, broadcasters have to play to their strength – content creation – and start competing for share on all platforms. They need to think of programming as a process rather than once-off transmissions. When that happens, broadcasters will be well positioned to maintain or even develop their share of the advertising pie. But they need to take notice of how consumer behaviour is changing – remember, Youtube is just 6 years old.
Programming is all to play for. New models are only beginning to emerge. And good linear content – drama, entertainment, sport – is difficult to produce which is why broadcasters have the advantage: they understand what people want. The question they are asking is: how long until Google or Facebook start making TV or buying up the rights? And what rights does the brand own in a world of branded entertainment?
Social TV is emerging as genuine format. Known as two screen or three screen TV, this format allows programmers to engage viewers in real time online while they are watching TV. It’s all about interacting on a laptop or a phone while watching your favourite programme. We used to do it around the watercooler at work the following day – but now we can do it in real time.
With dozens of platforms and niche businesses challenging for audience, broadcasters have to play to their strength – content creation – and start competing for share on all platforms. They need to think of programming as a process rather than once-off transmissions. When that happens, broadcasters will be well positioned to maintain or even develop their share of the advertising pie. But they need to take notice of how consumer behaviour is changing – remember, Youtube is just 6 years old.
Racha Makarem Racha is a consultant with 11 years of research experience. As a General Manager for Business Compass (the research arm for Vivaki) she is responsible for conceptualizing needs and developing research product solutions to help make more informed decisions, and contribute towards driving the industry forward.
Twitter: @Rachacmakarem
Twitter: @Rachacmakarem
Raja Trad The CEO of Leo Burnett Group MENA, an integrated communications network (brand agency Leo Burnett, digital agency Leo Burnett/Arc and public relations agency Manning Selvage & Lee (MS& L)) headquartered in Dubai with offices in Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Qatar, Beirut, Amman, Cairo and Casablanca.
He joined H& C Leo Burnett Beirut in 1981 as an account director.
Trad is a member of the Leo Burnett Worldwide Global Leadership Council (GLC).
He was the recipient of the Lebanese Order of the Cedar (Knight) from the Lebanese President of Republic in 2004.
Trad served as a trustee to the American University of Beirut (AUB) for three years, and as a board member of Dubai Media Incorporated.
He joined H& C Leo Burnett Beirut in 1981 as an account director.
Trad is a member of the Leo Burnett Worldwide Global Leadership Council (GLC).
He was the recipient of the Lebanese Order of the Cedar (Knight) from the Lebanese President of Republic in 2004.
Trad served as a trustee to the American University of Beirut (AUB) for three years, and as a board member of Dubai Media Incorporated.
Rayan Karaky Rayan Karaky has spent 10 years working for the Vivaki handling diverse clients from luxury to automotive, travel and FMCG clients. He’s been responsible for majority of awards won by the group in the past 6 years.
Karaky launched StarcomIP in 2006 that propelled to become the number 1 digital agency in the region.
In his history with Vivaki, Rayan has worked on the most complex accounts that require very high attention to details as well as vision to navigate the future of the media environment. Accounts such as Nakheel, Emirates, Showtime, GM enjoy a huge portfolio of brands with majority having quick turnaround campaigns with a lot of instantaneous decision making. In parallel I had to keep an eye on the future and launched the digital discipline within the group including the Vivaki Nerve Center responsible for guiding the agency brands into tomorrow.
Karaky launched StarcomIP in 2006 that propelled to become the number 1 digital agency in the region.
In his history with Vivaki, Rayan has worked on the most complex accounts that require very high attention to details as well as vision to navigate the future of the media environment. Accounts such as Nakheel, Emirates, Showtime, GM enjoy a huge portfolio of brands with majority having quick turnaround campaigns with a lot of instantaneous decision making. In parallel I had to keep an eye on the future and launched the digital discipline within the group including the Vivaki Nerve Center responsible for guiding the agency brands into tomorrow.
Reed Stevenson has been Gulf bureau chief since 2010, leading a team of reporters covering politics and general news, equities, treasury and commodities. Since joining Reuters News in 1996, Reed has reported from Tokyo, Seattle and Amsterdam, covering natural disasters, business, technology, sports and politics.
| Topic: "The Future Of The News" |
As consumers started having more options of entertainment in media, this has led to a major drop in print newspaper readership among the young generation.
- Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
- What can newspapers do to survive?
- What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
- Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
- What can newspapers do to survive?
- What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
Richard Windsor Qualification: CFA; PhD; BSc (Hon)
Provenance: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority-UAE,Williams de Broë plc
Sector specialisation: Communications equipment, wireless and wireline
Companies: Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, Psion, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Nortel Networks
From running a large technology fund for ADIA in the Middle East, Richard picked up coverage of the Nomura communications equipment sector in May 2001. Through close co-operation with analysts in other offices, Nomura’s reputation in the wireless equipment sector has grew top be considered by the industry as one of the leading research houses in next generation mobile terminal software and platforms. Richard moved into sales and trading in November in 2008 as the Global technology Specialist before returning to research in November 2010 to take responsibility for co-ordination, marketing and branding of Nomura’s Global Technology research.
Provenance: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority-UAE,Williams de Broë plc
Sector specialisation: Communications equipment, wireless and wireline
Companies: Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, Psion, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Nortel Networks
From running a large technology fund for ADIA in the Middle East, Richard picked up coverage of the Nomura communications equipment sector in May 2001. Through close co-operation with analysts in other offices, Nomura’s reputation in the wireless equipment sector has grew top be considered by the industry as one of the leading research houses in next generation mobile terminal software and platforms. Richard moved into sales and trading in November in 2008 as the Global technology Specialist before returning to research in November 2010 to take responsibility for co-ordination, marketing and branding of Nomura’s Global Technology research.
| Topic: "Mobile Applications" |
The continuous emergence of new phone technologies, latest being smart phones, leads to development of more and more mobile applications.
- Do these application haveopportunities for success?.
- How do these mobile applications fit into the e-commerce, social networking?
- What’s next?
- Do these application haveopportunities for success?.
- How do these mobile applications fit into the e-commerce, social networking?
- What’s next?
Sharad Agarwal is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Cyber Gear, an award winning e-Business and digital marketing agency based in Dubai. The company has registered substantial growth in the last 16 years and is today considered to be one of the most reputed e-business organisations in the Middle East.
Sharad is a master in helping business owners explode their online business. He currently is the consultant to a large number of multinational and regional organisations such as Burger King Middle East, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont, Toshiba, Emaar, Union Properties, Gems Education and Mubadala Healthcare.
More at www.sharadagarwal.com
Sharad is a master in helping business owners explode their online business. He currently is the consultant to a large number of multinational and regional organisations such as Burger King Middle East, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont, Toshiba, Emaar, Union Properties, Gems Education and Mubadala Healthcare.
More at www.sharadagarwal.com
| Topic: "The Internet Landscape in the Middle East" |
The Internet Landscape in the Middle East
Sultan Abdulhalim Batawi With an IT background study and passion for visual effect and graphics he started work for Al Arabiya News channel as an IT reporter and producer for technology segment, later on he headed Al Arabiya Social Media Unit.
| Topic: "The Future Of The News" |
As consumers started having more options of entertainment in media, this has led to a major drop in print newspaper readership among the young generation.
* Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
* What can newspapers do to survive?
* What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
* Does the online version retain the reader base among the young generation?
* What can newspapers do to survive?
* What kind of innovations do newspapers need to dwell into to avoid disappearing?
Tarek Daouk - Moderator is the Chief Innovation & Integration Officer of SMG and sits on the board of its Global Management Group. He leads the overall business growth and diversification strategy. His job includes designing product solutions that leverage technology and content to create effective ways for brands to connect with their customers. He's also responsible for forming strategic alliances with developers and content creators to help design their product and monetize their services. Tarek joined Starcom Mediavest Group first in Beirut in 1999, led its UAE operation as Managing Director, and then held the role of Regional EVP to develop its multinational and local business.
| Topic: "TV Anytime" |
Latest media technologies, be it smart-phones or I-Pads, have given consumers the opportunity to access TV content at their convenience. This has led media owners to rethink
their content development strategies and the different means to get this content to consumers without losing advertising budgets..
-How are TV traditional networks reacting to this fast growing trends and developments?
-What are the challenges and opportunities for TV?
-What strategies should TV networks adopt to ride the new media technologies development?
their content development strategies and the different means to get this content to consumers without losing advertising budgets..
-How are TV traditional networks reacting to this fast growing trends and developments?
-What are the challenges and opportunities for TV?
-What strategies should TV networks adopt to ride the new media technologies development?
Wael Hattar
| Topic: "TV Wherever And Whenever, Via Any Device" |
Latest media technologies, be it smart-phones or I-Pads, have given consumers the opportunity to access TV content at their convenience. This has led media owners to rethink
their content development strategies and the different means to get this content to consumers without losing advertising budgets..
- How are TV traditional networks reacting to this fast growing trends and developments?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for TV?
- What strategies should TV networks adopt to ride the new media technologies development?
their content development strategies and the different means to get this content to consumers without losing advertising budgets..
- How are TV traditional networks reacting to this fast growing trends and developments?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for TV?
- What strategies should TV networks adopt to ride the new media technologies development?
Zafer Younis is a marketing specialist who is paving new ways for companies to connect with their consumers in the digital space. He is the co-founder and CEO of The Online Project where his team develops and executes social media strategies for Fortune 500 companies and high profile organizations operating in the Middle East and North Africa. Zafer co-founded his first company: Modern Media, LTD, a Jordanian media house that owns and operates two popular radio stations, including the award winning radio station Play 99.6, which received recognition from the US-based National Association for Broadcasters in 2007. Modern Media offers consulting services to regional radio stations, and designs direct marketing promotions for advertisers.
| Topic: "What do you need to do for social success?" |
If the primary function of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin is connecting people with each other. Friends, Coworkers, Followers, etc... Is there a place for companies on social networks? And if so, how should companies behave for social success?
Looking at key factors of personal social success, Zafer Younis recommends ways to improve your personal and corporate social networking.
Looking at key factors of personal social success, Zafer Younis recommends ways to improve your personal and corporate social networking.
