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October 2009, Vol. 2, Edition 8
In This Issue
Message from the President
EMEA Meeting in Malta
Financial Update
Agency Pitchmistakes
Agency Whitepaper - Mike Carlton, Carlton Associates
Agency News
Agency News - Asia/Pacific
Agency News - Europe/Middle East/Africa
Agency News - North America
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Executive Director Memo

Historic Malta in the Mediterranean was the site of the last month's Europe/Middle East/Africa Regional meeting. Switch Brand Communications welcomed 32 members from 20 agencies in 19 countries and 7 companions to their unique market. We also had two former ICOM members participate, Oleg Povarov and Anthony Smee. Both attended to say good bye to the group.

Gary Burandt photo

ICOM President, Rino Ferrari of Rino, Sao Paulo, Brazil opened the meeting on Thursday evening with a speech about the value of network cooperation in these difficult economic times.

The meeting began Friday morning with the introduction of five new members in the region: Quai des Orfevres, Paris; Avalon, Helsinki; edividual, Amsterdam; IMA-Press, Moscow and golleySlater, London.

Following we had a presentation of how Microsoft is using social media in their marketing activities by JeanetteLiendo, Global Director, WW CMG from Paris.

The afternoon continued the digital theme as Karen Seaman from Cramer-Krasselt, Chicago shared with the group how that agency has integrated digital into their agencies service offering. Peter Krivkovich, CEO
of Cramer-Kraselt followed Karen with an extraordinary presentation of the strategic thinking and creative work for the new Porsche Panamera launch in North America.

Former Pan-European client, Jorg Borgwardt, ended the business day with a presentation of proven techniques for marketing in a recession.

Switch hosted a warm reception and tour at their offices and then the group enjoyed a typical Maltese meal at the Medina restaurant.

Saturday morning was devoted to a new business workshop lead by Robb High from New York. Robb has also been well received by the North American and Latin American groups of ICOM.

The afternoon focused on reorganizing and recharging the EEIG effort amongst the ICOM members in the European Union countries. New officers were elected and a new strategy of being very selective in what the group pitches for was adopted.

The late afternoon was devoted to exploring this ancient and fascinating island via open-top bus. And, naturally, the farewell dinner was held in a Brazilian restaurant.

Next year the EMEA group willbe hosted by Kraft & Werk in Slovenia

Pictures from the this meeting have been posted on the ICOM Facebook page

Gary Burandt
ICOM Executive Director
burandt@icomagencies.com