Overview

ITSMA’s European Forum brings together the region’s top marketing practicioners and thought leaders every year to discuss where the profession is and where it is going. 2008 is no different, but with big changes in the European and World economy, new opportunities and challenges exist for everyone. This year’s Forum will focus on challenging the status quo and embracing change. Those companies that respond quickly and decisively will be the winners!

With the global “credit crunch” and “mortgage crisis,” business and government leaders are thinking, acting, and investing differently. As a result there has never been a better time for marketers to “sharpen the sword” and ensure that our marketing and sales activities are laser focused, relevant and extremely targeted.

With this year’s event focused on change, and how leading organizations are shifting their behavior and adopting new approaches, you’ll hear from marketing leaders with BT, Google, HP, and IBM, along with Professor Malcolm McDonald from the Cranfield School of Management, Richard Lewis from Richard Lewis Communications, Des Lee from Executive Change, and ITSMA’s own Richard Seymour and David Munn, among others.

Some of the 2008 Forum themes that will be explored include:

• Marketing and the Share Price Mindset
• The CIO’s Changing Agenda
• Digital Media and How it is Changing B2B Marketing
• The Expanding “Spheres” of Influence
• Marketing and the Cultural Dimension
• The Explosion of Key Account Marketing
• Brand Migration and the Role of Reputation Management
• Offshore Marketing and Global Sourcing

One of the spotlight presentations will include a discussion on managing and developing offshore marketing talent. Many of our members have now embarqued on offshore development programmes, with key resources based offshore. Hewlett-Packard is one such company who has embraced change and is now running a high impact marketing activity offshore. Chris Cottam, Marketing Director, Consulting and Integration EMEA, will be outlining HPs recent activities in this area.

Another spotlight presentation, will discuss the changing world of solutions marketing and how we develop new markets. George Miller - Director of Marketing for BT Global Services will describe BT’s approach to “ Industry Value Networks”, and how this could potentially change the way BT develop its business in the future.

After these spotlight presentations, there will also be group workshops tailored specifically to reflect the strategic or operational issues you face within your marketing environment. Richard Lewis will use the cultural profile of attendees to go deeper into issues of cross-border collaboration, diverse notions of trust and marketing across cultures. Building cross-cultural due diligence into your strategy, and managing interaction across borders can give you a vital edge. Attendees should complete their CultureActive profile on the web by the end of 2nd October .

Go-to-Market strategic development is a key component in the marketers handbook. Developing a sound market map, a strong value proposition and the right channels to market are part of the key components. Jean Christophe Bodhuin is managing director of PAC, an ITSMA strategic partner who will lead this workgroup on GTM practices.

ITSMA have developed numerous tools to enable professional marketers be more efficient, and develop best practice methodologies. The operational workshops pick just two subjects, Account Based Marketing, and Digital Marketing and will help attendees understand how these areas are used in major global organisations to improve their operational approaches.

Event Location and Logistics	[TOP OF PAGE]

Event Date:	8-9 October 2008 Pre-conference dinner on the evening of 8th October, 18:30pm for those arriving the night before. Forum start on 9th October, 9:00am
Member price:	£850
Non-member price:	£1250
	Fees include Forum materials, continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and special event meals.
Group Discount:	Save 5% for 3 or more, and 10% for 4 or more attendees.
	Please note: If payment is not received by the start of the event, a credit card or other form of payment will be required for admittance.
Venue:	Beaumont House Burfield Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire, England
	Venue web: http://principal-hayley.com/windsor/beaumont-house Location: http://principal-hayley.com/windsor/beaumont-house
	ITSMA will be booking all accommodations. A block of rooms have been reserved for ITSMA Forum attendees at a discounted rate of £135.12 (inclusive of VAT and breakfast).
	To take advantage of this discounted rate, complete the appropriate section of the Registration Form, The discounted rate will be available until 8 August 2008. After this date, accommodations will be subject to availability. We encourage you to make arrangements as soon as possible to ensure room availability.
	Please note that these rates are not available if booking directly with the Beaumont House.
Special Requests:	If there is anything we can do to make your participation in this event easier, please complete the appropriate space on the Registration Form or contact Katie Doughty on +44 (0)1628 603130 or at kdoughty@itsma.com.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Any cancellations or substitutions must be in writing. Send any notices to ITSMA, Grenville Court, Britwell Road, Burnham, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8DF UK or via email to Katie Doughty at kdoughty@itsma.com.

You may cancel your enrollment up to 30 days before the start of the event and receive a full refund. Cancellations received less than 30 days before the event are subject to a €350 administrative charge. Cancellations received less than 15 days are subject to a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the event fee or €350, whichever is greater. Cancellation fees above the administrative charge can be applied toward a future event.

Satisfaction Guarantee

ITSMA guarantees your complete satisfaction with this event. If you are not satisfied, we will provide you with a full refund of your money or provide a credit towards another offering.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Doughty on +44 (0)1628 603130 or at kdoughty@itsma.com.

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.