The Marketing Strategy Forum 2007 promises to be an essential date on the industry calendar

Among the speakers will be Paul Gostick, International Chairman for The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Steve Anastasiadis, Managing Director from top creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi, Bassam Barberi, Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) Manager at Nestle, David Bennet, Director Cards Marketing at Emirates Bank Group, Stephanie Price Whittle, Marketing and Communications Manager at Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd, and Dave Battison, CEO of the hugely successful Air Miles loyalty programme.

Topics will include how to attract, create and retain key customer relationships, creative targeting and key segmentation strategies, a long-term view of a future beyond brands, integrating mobile phone technology with traditional marketing methods, youth targeted marketing strategies and marketing to women.

"This has always been a highly dynamic and fast changing industry," says Jennie Bishop, Conference Manager at IIR Middle East. "But never more so than now, with the number of top international brands entering the Middle East market, plus the rapid development of so many local brands - not forgetting the massive opportunities that the internet and mobile phone technology now present."

Delegates can also attend three interactive workshops on 'Sharpening Your Strategic Thinking and Marketing Skills', a 'Digital Marketing Masterclass' on search engine optimisation, and 'How to Effectively Analyse Your Marketing ROI and Maximise Your Bottom Line'.

"This will be the premier Middle East marketing event of 2007," continues Jennie. "Professionals within the industry cannot afford to miss it."