Briefly… Getaway to postpone conference; Thobela FM gets programme revamp; Starcom MediaVest, ZenithOptimedia claim top three in 2010 global billings; Shape magazine runs for charity; HelloComputer looking good for Loeries; About auditing media budget performance
Getaway to postpone conference
In response to appeals from delegates, Getaway has decided to postpone its Travel & Tourism Conference till the end of August. The new dates, August 31 and 1 September 1, dovetail with the Getaway Show and will allow conference delegates and show exhibitors to attend both events.
“While the response to the conference was good, we had considerable feedback that it would be easier from a travel and accommodation perspective if we combined the two events,” explained Getaway publisher Jacqueline Lahoud. “Show exhibitors in particular expressed an interest in attending the conference and requested that we run them concurrently, and we’re happy we’ve been able to reschedule our speakers to accommodate everyone.”
The two-day conference aims to address the single most pressing issue faced by the tourism industry right now: how to increase real tourism to South.
Keynote speakers are Simon Gregory, Director of Markets: Tourism Ireland, and Thandiwe January-Mclean, outgoing CEO, SA Tourism. Other industry leaders offering their perspectives include Simon Gear, Environmental Specialist, Kijani Green Energy; Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, CEO, Cape Town Tourism; William Price, SA Tourism’s e-Marketing Global Manager; and Branko Brkic, editor of The Daily Maverick.
The Getaway Show takes place at the Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, from 2 – 4 September. The full programme is available at www.getawayconference.co.za.
Starcom MediaVest, ZenithOptimedia get the global billings
The Starcom MediaVest Group has moved up into first position (second in 2009), while ZenithOptimedia takes third place (fourth in 2009) in the annual global media agency billings data by Research Company Evaluating the Media Industry (RECMA), that is based on global billings for overall activity in 2010.
RECMA presents media billing data across 58 countries, and accounts for traditional media buying as well as diversified services. Rankings are calculated across media network groups and media networks.
“It is important to be able to share ideas, get alternative input and different perspectives on local conditions. As much as people like to think that South Africa and South Africans are different, we are still part of a bigger global community and we all need to recognise that. Being part of such a dynamic network allows us to gain insights and learnings from the best of breed, enabling us to provide media solutions in line with international best practice,” said Gordon Patterson, SMG’s Group.
The Starcom MediaVest Group took first spot in the ‘global overall activity billings in 2010’ after being placed second in 2009. A 14.2% growth rate year on year reflects overall pitches won and additional clients gained in 2010. The top 12 media billing countries – USA, Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, India, China and Australia – account for 80% of the total global media spend. Starcom MediaVest and ZenithOptimedia combined make up 22.3% of the entire global share of market.
Thobela FM get’s programme revamp
SABC Limpopo radio station Thobela FM has announced that it is revamping its line-up with new presenters effective August 1, 2011, barely three months after the unveiling of its 2011 line-up earlier in May. This line-up sees the comeback of one-time station manager and household brand of the 80s and the 90’s Mr. Thamagana Maxwell Mojapelo, as well as the famous and revered radio and TV personality Penny Lebyane.
Max Mojapelo, popularly known as “Max the Mixerboy” will be hosting the Monday to Friday midday show, Di Sa Fisha from 12:00-14:00. He is versatile, having presented a wide range of programmes from National Top 30, Jazz, Reggae as well as gospel and pop shows.
This new line-up also sees another iconic woman in broadcasting Penny Lebyane, joining Thobela FM. Ms. Penny Lebyane will be hosting Madiboga a Gauta on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00-13:00, a show that will focus on South African showbiz stars, captains of industries and business leaders, a show also aimed at inspiring the youth to participate in securing their future.
Thobela FM station manager, Leuba Ramakgolo, said the introduction of the two popular presenters is in line with a need to drive Popular PBS Programming approach of infotainment and edutainment. “We are looking forward to interactive radio that will cement our mark as the number one radio station of choice in Limpopo province and a key role player in the country’s radio industry”.
Shape magazine runs for charity
SHAPE is calling on women throughout the media and marketing fraternity to participate in the upcoming Totalsports Ladies Race that take place in Durban on Sunday, July 31 and in Cape Town and Johannesburg this Women’s Day, August 9.
SHAPE editor Tracy Melass is encouraging as many women as possible to sign up for the run as proceeds from each event will go to charities in the respective cities, namely the Jess Foord Foundation in Durban, which supports victims of rape and abuse; Elana Meyer’s JAG Foundation in Cape Town, which is committed to making a difference to young people’s lives through community-based sporting and educational programmes and Nanga Vhutshilo, a non-profit HIV/AIDS community-based children and youth programme situated in Soweto.
In addition to the race proceeds that will go to the various charities, spectators and participants are also encouraged to bring along specific items that have been requested by the various charities to the SHAPE magazine stand on the day. SHAPE magazine will collect the items on the day and ensure they are given to the charities. For a full list of what the various charities require, log onto www.shapemag.co.za <https://www.shapemag.co.za>
HelloComputer looking good for Loeries
HelloComputer, currently ranked as South Africa’s number one independent creative digital agency, has reaped 20 finalists across digital categories in the 2011 Loerie Awards. The agency leads the finalist count.
“I am elated that our application and craft has been recognized. We have an extraordinarily talented team at HelloComputer who are dedicated to serving our clients and producing work that excites, delights, is on brand and meets the financial objectives defined by client. “,says Executive Creative Director, Mark Tomlinson.
HelloComputer’s esteemed clients include Vodacom, Sanlam and BP South Africa as well as frequently collaborating with global agencies, Mother New York and Crisper Porter + Bogusky, on their client accounts. HelloComputer continues to be applauded on the international stage winning three FWA awards.
About auditing media budget performance
The Independent Agency Search & Selection company (IAS) has partnered with UK- based international independent media auditing firm, Fairbrother Lenz Eley (FLE) in order to be able to conduct media audits.
The performance analyses provided through this partnership will be custom made to the needs of the client but will include analysing the media process, media planning and buying, contract and remuneration advice and competitive insights.
“Since the amount of money the clients spends on media exceeds most other expenses, advertisers will benefit from independent media performance analysis to improve the value of their media buy. The performance input also assists and motivates the media agency,” said Johanna McDowell, IAS managing director.
FLE, a leading independent media auditor with a database consisting of €18bn worth of media spend across 77 countries, has been auditing and consulting for 19 years and works across all major media. The company has 10 years of experience working in the South African market and already works with some of the major advertisers in the country.
“We chose to partner with the IAS because we believe that their marketing programme will help us increase our market penetration in South Africa and ultimately into the rest of Africa,” said Ian Fairbrother, CEO FLE Holdings Limited.
