Digital News South Africa

Conference on digital opportunities in the face of a recession

The Next Step - Advancing Web 2.0 for Traditional Media conference takes place in Cape Town, 11 - 12 February 2009. Endorsed by the Online Publishers Association (OPA) and supported by the Magazine Publishers Association of South Africa (MPASA), the conference will feature insights and case studies about the challenges faced by traditional media companies as they grapple with the realities of a digital (and sluggish) economy.

As part of the two-day dummying down of what Web 2.0 entails, World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck will reveal the results of his 2008 online media survey. Other speakers will include Matthew Buckland, Chris Roper and JP Farinha (all from 24.com), Stafford Masie (Google SA), Vincent Maher (Vodacom), Colin Daniels (The Times Online) and Sue Disler (Draftfcb).

According to Adrian Hewlett, chairman of the OPA, MD of Habari Media and conference speaker, “without a digital strategy for their marketing or advertising campaigns, South African organisations are missing out on a world wide web of opportunities.”

Taking place at the Pavilion Conference Centre in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, The Next Step - Advancing Web 2.0 for Traditional Media will examine relevant trends and how to effectively monetise an online media business. Other topics that will be covered include:

  • The difference between an online community and traditional readers;
  • Citizen journalism, syndication and online intellectual property; and
  • The growth and potential of mobile social media.

“For media planners and strategists in particular, it's a chance to get up-to-speed on how Web 2.0 is changing the way organisations can monitor, measure and influence how consumers interact with their brand,” added 24.com's Matthew Buckland.

“The conference will be a rare opportunity for those in the broadcast, media and advertising sectors to get more bang for their buck and network with some of the top innovators in social media.”

For more information and to book tickets, go to www.classicevents.co.za or contact either Nigel or Sarah at Classic Events on tel +27 (0)11 673 7366/87.

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