Andy Rice to open 2012 SAMRA Conference

As one of South Africa’s respected advertising and branding experts, esteemed public speaker and regular contributor to leading branding and marketing annuals and publications, Andy Rice is sure to captivate delegates with his opening keynote address at the annual SAMRA (Southern African Marketing Research Association) conference on 16 and 17 August at the Rosebank Crowne Plaza.

With years of experience as a professional brand and marketing strategist and consultant and more lately as co-host, along with Jennifer Crwys-Williams, of Talk Radio 702’s popular “AdFeature with Andy Rice”, Rice’s keynote presentation is sure to inspire, stimulate new thinking and provide ample food for thought.

Besides regularly delivering presentations on the future of  brand communications (with his views on social media paramount), on the increasingly important role of the corporate brand and even a 90-minute crash course on the essentials of  brand strategy and communication, Rice also excels as a Master of Ceremonies at conferences, launches and other similar functions.

Says conference chair Kim Larsen: “Four keynote speakers, 16 research presentations and 11 Q&A sessions are sure to provide two jampacked days of learning and knowledge sharing, while the glittering gala and awards evening on Friday, 17 August, will once again be the highlight of the conference.

“We’re particularly excited about the four keynote speakers – of whom Andy Rice is one – who will add depth and colour to the conference. The keynote addresses will be specifically tailored to the conference to cover topical and relevant market and industry issues.”

Themed “Reflection and progress – from the present into the future”, the 2012 SAMRA conference will cover a wide array of topics ranging from focus group research, the researcher’s adventures in Big Data Land and employee brand engagement, to brand health measurement, social media research and search engine optimisation.

As in previous years, keynote presentations will be held at plenary sessions, while the breakaway sessions will run concurrently, offering a wide selection of topical paper presentations. “As we’re anticipating significant attendance growth this year – due the centrally located conference venue in the heart of Rosebank – we’re planning to host some of the breakaway sessions, as well as the gala dinner and awards event, in a stylish marquee close to the main plenary room,” says Larsen.

Besides the award for the best first-time speaker, best overall paper and the Telkom best-user award, the Research International award for the best contribution to research standards for Africa, will continue in the form of the TNS Africa Award.

• Conference bookings can be made online under the conference tab on the SAMRA website at www.samra.co.za