(Invitation-only for ITSMA Members)

ITSMA Marketing Roundtable:
Building Successful Thought Leadership Programs

Hosted by Microsoft, Soho, London
5 May 2005
09:00 - 12:00 London Time

Overview

The new buyer reality for IT services and solutions puts a tremendous premium on thought leadership. Amid all the information clutter, buyers are looking for providers that can help them understand the most important business and technology issues affecting their future success. Marketers that can develop and deliver true thought leadership in their chosen segments have a tremendous advantage in building awareness, interest, and credibility.

This ITSMA roundtable, hosted by Microsoft, will explore the most important elements in developing an effective thought leadership program. Specifically, the roundtable will focus on such issues as program development, objectives, tactics, management, and measurement—with substantial time dedicated to discussing concrete examples and lessons learned from recent and ongoing thought leadership initiatives across the industry.

The roundtable is designed for maximum discussion and peer interaction. Beyond the prepared topics, this roundtable is also designed to facilitate open discussion on other top-of-mind issues facing leading marketing executives focused on these types of services.

There is no charge for participation, but the roundtable is limited to 15 representatives of ITSMA member companies. Lunch is included.

Participation is by invitation only. If you would like to discuss who might be eligible to participate from your company, please contact Christine Poulsen on +44 (0)1892 523060 or at cpoulsen@itsma.com

ITSMA Facilitator	[TOP OF PAGE]

Beverley Burgess
Former Vice President and Managing Director, ITSMA Europe
info@itsma.com

Bev leads all of ITSMA’s membership, research, consulting, training, and event services in Europe, supporting both European companies and the European marketing organizations of other global IT and consulting firms.

Before joining ITSMA, Bev created and implemented a full range of corporate and marketing strategies in Europe, America, and Asia for companies such as Epson, Ericsson, BT, Cable & Wireless, British Gas, United Utilities, Biomni, and Computasoft.

Her most recent experience is as marketing director of electronic procurement specialist, Biomni. There, she managed the company launch in 1999, including developing the corporate and marketing strategy, establishing differentiated positioning through a comprehensive brand strategy, and designing and creating the marketing function, resources, and systems within the company.

Previously, Bev built a marketing function for Computasoft Consulting whilst achieving aggressive revenue growth targets. She was also a senior marketer at technology marketing specialist, Blakes Marketing Practice, and a marketing planning manager (EMEA) with Epson (UK) Ltd. She began her career with British Gas plc on its fast track management development programme, encompassing a number of roles in the central marketing function.

Bev holds an M.B.A in strategic marketing, gained with distinction from Hull University and incorporating an in-depth study of the implications of cultural diversity to perceptions of service quality. She also holds a BSc Honours degree in business and psychology. Bev is a Chartered Marketer and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, gaining her Diploma in 1991 and becoming chairman of the North London Branch in 1996.

Location and Event Information	[TOP OF PAGE]

Event Date:	5 May 2005
Event Time:	09:00 - 12:00 GMT (breakfast included)
Member price:	No Charge
Non-member price:	This event is open to ITSMA member companies only.
Event Location:	Microsoft London Microsoft House10 Great Pulteney Street London W1F 9NB
	Nearest tubes are: Tottenham Court Road: Central and Northern Lines Piccadilly Circus: Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines Oxford Circus: Bakerloo, Central and Victoria Lines
Directions:	For a map of the area please download this document: PDF (97KB)

About ITSMA
ITSMA specializes in helping companies market and sell services and solutions. As a membership organization, we work with the world's leading technology, communications, and professional services firms to generate new business, strengthen customer loyalty, and increase brand differentiation. Through research, consulting, training, and community we provide the insight companies need to improve marketing impact, sales performance, and business results. ITSMA is based in Lexington, Massachusetts, and has offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Learn more at www.itsma.com.