Chartered Institute of Marketing set to raise Mid East marketing standards

The structure for the new entity will be launched at Direct Marketing 2006, the region's only dedicated conference for the direct marketing industry, to be held from June 24 to 28, 2006, at the Dusit Hotel in Dubai.

Paul Gostick, International Chairman, CIM, stated,

"The Middle East's marketing industry has grown dramatically, especially over the last five years, but marketing practices have not matured at the same rate and direct marketing is a classic example. Currently up to 90 per cent of regional marketing budgets are still spent on conventional advertising, organisations and marketing professionals need to understand the value of a balanced marketing mix. In that sense it is highly appropriate that our new regional set-up should be launched during Direct Marketing 2006."

Members of CIM, have immediate access to the most comprehensive archive of marketing intelligence available, complied by specialist research teams. In addition, membership offers online access to over 4,000 journals and 10,000 company profiles. This provides an invaluable source of information, to help marketing professionals become more effective by making better informed decisions.

Through their award-winning CIM magazine, members receive relevant marketing information on a regular basis which helps to maintain the highest industry standards. They also promote CIM professional marketing standards to organisations helping them to employ and develop skilled marketers.

"Quite apart from being the largest, what sets us apart from all other marketing bodies is that we are the only organisation that offers members the chance to become individually chartered. We offer a whole range of specific courses and qualifications designed to prepare marketing professionals for today's business demands on a practical level", added Gostick.

The CIM already has branches worldwide, with dedicated offices in the UK, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kenya and Singapore. Dubai will be there first overseas branch office in the Middle East. Indeed, the head of Education Networks for the CIM will be visiting the UAE later this year to support and strengthen the education portfolio in the region.

Gostick concluded, "With a physical presence in Dubai, we are confident that we can attract both corporate and individual memberships and offer regional marketers real support, raising the standard and profile of marketing throughout the Middle East."

Direct Marketing 2006 has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry such as, Xerox International, ICLP, Wunderman, Promoseven, Nestle and OgilvyOne. Apart from CIM key notes will be delivered by Charles Prescott, Vice President, International Business Development & Government Affairs, Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and Alastair Tempest, Director General, Federation of European Direct & Interactive Marketing Association (FEDMA). Other speakers of note include David Bennett, Director of Cards Marketing for Emirates Bank Group, Scott Dunn, General Manager of DHL and Dave Battiston, CEO of Air Miles.

Jennie Bishop, Conference Manager, Direct Marketing 2006 said, "The fact that an icon such as the CIM has decided to launch their Dubai branch during our event speaks volumes for the stature of Direct Marketing 2006. The market conditions are ideal for direct marketing to grow substantially throughout the region and with the support of the CIM, improved standards and working practices will help direct marketers to achieve that growth."

Direct Marketing 2006 is being organised by the Institute for International Research (IIR) and is sponsored by key industry specialists such as Xerox, AIG MEMSA and Air Miles.