News Articles

PRGN elects Mark Paterson, a Fellow of the PRIA, as President

Wed, May 16 2012

Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), one of the world’s top four international networks of leading independent public relations agencies, announced the election of Mark Paterson of Currie Communications in Australia and a Fellow of the PRIA as president at its international, 20th anniversary meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. Paterson will lead the worldwide network of 45 independently-owned public relations agencies on six continents. He succeeds Francine Robbens of the Brussels based company PRP – Public Relations Partners.

Mark Paterson provides counsel on influencer marketing, community engagement, media strategy, corporate reputation, and crisis management to senior executives at private and public sector clients, including the World Bank, Australia Post and the Global Change Institute. His contribution to public relations in Australia has been recognized with the title of “Fellow” by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. He is principal of Currie Communications of Melbourne, Australia, an independent public relations firm which assists leading private and public sector organizations to effectively engage influential corporate, government, media and community stakeholders.

“It is a privilege to both lead and partner with this esteemed group of companies,” stated Paterson. “With our recent expansion of agencies in Eastern Canada and Dubai, PRGN has augmented its international foothold and ability to effectively address the diverse markets and needs of the global client.”

Public Relations Global Network:
Connected Thinking. Globally.
More than 1,000 clients across six continents depend on the combined resources of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) to deliver targeted public relations campaigns in more than 80 markets around the world. With revenues of more than $110 million (U.S.D.), PRGN is among the world’s top four international public relations networks. PRGN harnesses the resources of 41 independent public relations firms, 65 offices and more than 900 communications professionals to connect international companies and organizations with individual and culturally diverse markets globally. Visit PRGN online at www.prgn.com.

This article has been published by Stevens Strategic Communications, Inc on Cisionwire on 14 May 2012.

Holmes Report Identifies Best PR Workplaces In EMEA

Wed, May 09 2012

The Holmes Report has named the winners of its annual Best Consultancy to Work For awards, which are based on a survey of more than 5,000 employees from PR agencies across the EMEA region. This year, a record 84 firms participated in the survey.

Best Multinational Consultancy to Work For: Porter Novelli

For the second consecutive year, Porter Novelli will take home our award for the Best Multinational Consultancy to Work For in the EMEA region, with employees from around the network of offices in the region praising a “warm and collaborative” culture, “honest and transparent” management, and “strong ethics.”

A team-building exercise for 170 senior staff in Miami last year, regular regional and sub-regional meetings, Christmas parties and summer activities all contribute to strong interoffice cooperation, and a professional development program that includes internal and external trainings, the Porter Novelli University for top performers, as well as a robust exchange program. The firm also offers a variety of flexible options for work-life balance.

Several employees cite the firm’s “Give Something Back” CSR initiative, which allows employees to give a half day of work to volunteer for charities, and encourages local projects such as helping UNICEF draw attention to the East African famine or developing a new platform for the Down’s syndrome foundation in Madrid.

Honorable mentions: GolinHarris, Edelman, Weber Shandwick, Burson-Marsteller

Best Specialist Network to Work For: Hotwire

There have been numerous changes at technology public relations specialist Hotwire in recent years, from the acquisition by troubled Australian holding company Photon to a management restructuring that has seen founder Kristin Syltevik step away from her day-to-day leadership role, but those changes have had no impact on the firm’s work environment, which remains one of the most attractive in the industry. In a recent exercise to identify the values at the heart of Hotwire’s culture, employees identified team spirit, and head of human resources Loveday Langton believes that one reason is the fact that “we are organized into practices, small teams focusing on specific market areas, which gives a sense of belonging to a smaller group within the bigger company.” Says one respondent to our survey: “Hotwire is a truly amazing place to work, with the perfect combination of structure, creativity, leadership, support, and collaboration.”

Honorable mentions: Johnson King, Text 100, Bite Communications, Lewis

Best UK Consultancy to Work For: Pegasus

Consumer health specialist Pegasus believes that the public relations business has at least one thing in common with the real estate business: location is everything. Says managing director Lisa Bradley, “Our location makes us a very attractive place to work. We are nestled just outside Brighton, only 200 yards from the beach. This means we are able to recruit from a highly talented pool of ex London agency staff, tired of the City, but not of communications.” But Bradley and her team don’t rely on location alone, the firm has won Investor In People honours, welcomes new employees with a “buddy” system and makes an impressive investment in professional development through its Pegasus Training Programme. The payoff is comments like this one: “Although the company is expanding quickly… management makes an effort to ensure the teams are supported and happy in their role. We are recognised and rewarded for our hard work, which ensures the moral in the company is high. I feel I have progressed fairly quickly in my career at the company and I feel staff have a good opportunity to move up the development ladder.”

Honorable mentions: Kaizo, Virgo Health, Brands2Life, Focus PR

Best Continental Consultancy to Work For: Hering Schuppener

The Germans and the Dutch have dominated our Best Continental Consultancy to Work For category since the survey began six years ago, and this is the fourth time the award has gone to Germany’s leading corporate and financial communications consultancy. The firm attracts ambitious, hard-working consultants but is remarkably free of politics and ego. It focuses on hard work and client service but provides a good work-life balance. But the thing that comes through most clearly is that its people really value being part of a respected counseling firm, and the consistently interesting and important work: “The continuous flow of challenging mandates is what makes this firm the best in the business and me proud to work here,” says one respondent. “We are mentioned in one breath with bankers and lawyers; we get respect. That is unique in our business.”

Honorable mentions: Lammers Van Toorenburg PR, Inforpress, All Channels Communications, Grupo Albion

This article has been published by The Holmes Report on 6 May 2012.

Maverick brings NY's street artist Craig Costello to Sydney

Wed, May 09 2012

Wednesday, 9th May 2012 - Independent engagement agency Maverick Marketing & Communications executed experiential leverage of Maybelline NY’s inaugural make-up sponsorship of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) 2012, which took place last week, and Sydney Fashion Festival which will take place in August. Maverick PR was tasked with leveraging the KR and Maybelline NY collaboration.

The first phase of the campaign - devised by Maverick and launched at MBFWA last week - breathes creative life into the ongoing partnership with the fashion event stable. New York artist KR debuted his signature splash of ‘dripping’ colour paint aesthetics to the streets of Sydney last week as he treated both delegates and consumers to an ‘in-the-flesh’ New York street-art experience like none other.

Embodying Maybelline NY’s ‘Catwalk to Sidewalk’ mantra, Maverick chose to collaborate with KR who is considered one of the most influential graffiti and modern artists of New York’s colourful cultural history. KR created a series (6) of live 3D art installations, each of which was inspired by Maybelline NY’s current make-up colour trends that was showcased on the runway for Ksubi, Johanna Johnson, Michael Lo Sordo, Lisa Maree, Alice McCall, Sara Phillips and An Ode To No One. Ruby Rose, the face of Maybelline NY Australia was also present supporting the brand at each artistic installation.

Further leveraging the partnership with MBFWA, Maybelline had a live presence at ‘The Hub’ onsite at fashion week, where a makeup touch up service was provided to local and international delegates in between the busy show schedule.

Sophie Speer, Group Brand Manager of Maybelline NY said, “We are thrilled to be working with such a forward-thinking agency. Maverick has worked to develop a creative campaign that epitomises New York style, and the positioning of the Maybelline brand. Together, we have been able to bring the personality, spirit and style of the brand to life.”

Currie celebrates Public Relations Global Network milestone in SA

Tue, May 08 2012

MELBOURNE (May 7, 2012) – Melbourne agency Currie Communications was one of 45 members of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) that gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, last month to celebrate the Network’s 20th anniversary and build a house for an impoverished family.

Partnering with the Niall Mellon Township Trust, PRGN members from around the world met to complete and present “The PRGN House” to a needy family. The build occurred the day before the opening of the Network’s semi-annual business meeting. The Network’s 45 member agencies pledged more than $7,000 and volunteered their “handyman services” for a day in order to present a township family with a new home.

“When we considered how to mark our 20th anniversary, our members were unanimous in wanting to create something of lasting value,” said Mark Paterson FPRIA, managing director of Currie Communications. “What better way to give back than to donate our time and talent in the city in which we have chosen to celebrate our anniversary.”

The Niall Mellon Township Trust is a house-building charity started by Irish philanthropist Niall Mellon. While on a visit to South Africa, he was so moved by the poverty he saw that he used his own funds to establish the charity.

The day after completing the house, Network members opened their three-day business meeting in Cape Town. The Network was addressed by Premier Helen Zille, leader of the opposition party; Chris Bishop, editor of Forbes Africa; and Tim Hughes, managing director of ReadDillon International.

PRGN was formed in 1992 when Edelman Public Relations decided to disband its affiliate network. Some of those affiliates chose to continue their partnership by forming a new organisation. Started in Phoenix, Ariz., the group adopted the name The Phoenix Network, as a nod to its rebirth from the ashes of a disbanded group and the city of its founding.

When the Network reached its 10-year mark in 2002, it began recruiting members internationally and changed its name to the Public Relations Global Network to better reflect the strategic growth of the Network.

Five of the original founding member agencies – HMA Public Relations (Phoenix), Stevens Strategic Communications, Inc. (Cleveland), Buchanan Public Relations (Philadelphia), The Fearey Group (Seattle) and DVL Public Relations & Advertising (Nashville) – still remain active in the organization. The mission of the Network is to serve as a resource to one another, openly sharing knowledge and contacts, in order to promote best practices and to provide global support for clients.

Journos face being outnumbered by merchants of spin

Mon, May 07 2012

The number of public relations professionals in Australia is due to match the number of working journalists by the end of this year and might even outstrip them, according to employment data produced by Economic and Market Development Advisors.

As of the end of February there were approximately 23,000 journalists and writers compared with about 21,500 PR people, according to EMDA. A decade ago there were about 16,000 journalists and writers and 13,000 PR people.

"Based on current growth rates, in a year's time they will certainly be comparable," said EMDA director Michael Emerson. "Whether they will overtake or not is hard to say."

The ranks of journalists thinned by 2.2 per cent in the year to February compared with the previous 12 months, reflecting cost-cutting, while the number of PR professionals increased by 11.3 per cent during the period.

Employment in the advertising and sales industry also strengthened, increasing by 3.5 per cent to about 47,000 jobs.

Overall, the media and marketing sector employed approximately 254,000 people in the year to February, a decline of 1.9 per cent on the previous year.

However, that did represent an increase of 1.8 per cent in the three months to February compared with the previous quarter.

"This sector is one of the most responsive to the state of the economy," said the report, which was prepared for jobs website MyCareer. "After a strong recovery in 2010, the market really softened in 2011, with renewed concerns about the global economy leading firms to shelve marketing expansion plans."

State-by-state, positions in NSW were now stable after a "dismal" 2011 but Victoria was still experiencing a decline in jobs, although the rate had slowed. The WA market was also softening but Queensland was starting to experience a turnaround.

"(Media and marketing) is a fairly cyclical sector," Mr Emerson said. "It rides the good times and then it tends to be cut back fairly quickly when things soften off.

"Around 2010, when the economy was coming out of the (global financial crisis), it picked up very quickly because organisations started to see that things were improving and media and marketing got a big boost.

"Conversely, when things soften off, as they did in the middle of last year, you can see the job numbers started going backwards quite substantially."

However, the forecast is somewhat more positive, with EMDA saying the media and marketing sector was "coming back to life" after a particularly bad period from early to mid last year.

It said the sector would benefit from an improved outlook for the local economy.

"The EMDA model is forecasting that the sector will continue to grow, with jobs increasing over the next six months," it said.

The number of media and marketing jobs was expected to increase to 259,000 in the year to the end of May (up 3.6 per cent on the previous year), 265,000 in the year ending August (up 6.4 per cent) and 271,000 in the year ending November (up 8.6 per cent).

The quarterly growth rate was forecast to slowly build from 1.9 per cent growth in the three months to the end of May to 2.1 per cent in the August quarter and 2.5 per cent in November.

This article has been published by The Australian on 7 May 2012.

Media union: â��self-regulation fundamentalâ��

Mon, May 07 2012

Self-Regulation is fundamental to the preservation of a free and independent news media, says the Australian media union who are “disappointed” by the Finkelstein Inquiry and the Convergence Review missing the opportunity to properly discuss the future of the news industry.

A report by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance examines the factors limiting press freedom in Australia including spin, whistleblower laws, freedom of information, secrecy provisions, and detention centre access.

The number of journalists in Australia is declining while the number of professional media managers or public relations employees is growing.

The report warns of the “chilling effect this has on free speech” and the “danger of the “comment cycle” where opinion is increasingly replacing factual stories”.

Australian journalists are being pressured by courts to reveal the identities of their sources. Protection for whistleblowers is getting “bogged down” in arguments over the definition of “a journalist” and “journalism”, said the report. Australia-wide legislation protects anyone engaged and active in the publication of news, while the legislation in the state of NSW narrows the definition to “a person engaged in the profession or occupation of journalism in connection with the publication of information in a news medium”.

The report suggests “the urgency” of getting whistleblower legislation right to ensure journalists are protected in all states and territories. Commentary is included from those who do not believe the current government has the resolve to deliver on its promises for whistleblower protection.

Freedom of information in Australia was ranked 39 out of 85 countries in a recent international survey. The report highlights the “lack of a constitutional right of access to information” and “widespread exemptions” as contributing factors.

Australia has more than 500 secrecy provisions in 176 pieces of legislation. Journalists may break them; inadvertently or otherwise, in the course of their work and incur fines or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

The report recommends repealing these secrecy provisions and replacing them with a general secrecy offence that is limited to disclosures that clearly harm the public interest.

The report criticises an agreement that journalists are required to sign before visiting detention centres and talking to asylum seekers, released last October by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). It forces journalists to hand over cameras and tape recorders for scrutiny and be accompanied at all times inside detention centres by a DIAC officer who can end their visit at any time.

“The Media Alliance has criticised this deed as overly restrictive and is leading a public campaign to persuade the department to rethink the policy.”

The report, “Kicking at the cornerstone of democracy: The state of press freedom in Australia”, will be released at the annual Press Freedom dinner in Sydney tonight.

It is “required reading for anyone who believes that a strong, independent and diverse news industry is a key guarantor for democracy”, said the union.

This article has been published by The Newspaper Works on 4 May 2012.

Sphere Public Relations Wins Urban Geek

Wed, May 02 2012

Sphere Public Relations, a boutique PR consultancy specialising in the technology, digital and marketing sectors is pleased to welcome Australia’s digital media network for Aussie guys, Urban Geek to its portfolio of clients.

Established for over five years, Urban Geek is 100 per cent dedicated to connecting advertisers with publishers who specifically attract an Australian male online audience through original and engaging content. With a reach of over three million Australian unique browsers per month across 15 male skewed properties covering entertainment, sports, gaming, video and technology, the company provides advertisers a variety of unique marketing opportunities to create influential, results-driven campaigns that actively engage with the typically hard-to-reach Aussie male demographic.

“It’s exciting to be working with a brand which truly knows what its clients’ audiences want, need, like and dislike,” said Louise Roberts, Managing Director of Sphere Public Relations. “It’s this clarity of insight that encourages Urban Geek to continually explore ways to engage with its audience. Digital media is constantly changing and with that change comes innovation – something that we’re equally passionate about.”

Sphere Public Relations and its team of consultants have worked with the digital industry for many years in Australia and the UK, including most recently respected digital agencies Reactive and then Reborn as well as VOLT Media, in the online video space.

Managing Director of Urban Geek, Nathan Ruff said: “With the industry segmenting into niche areas, we don’t let ourselves get lost in the mix. Urban Geek exists purely for one reason – our objective is clear - we ensure our clients get our complete focus, service and implementation to connect them with their male audience. We know that Sphere PR will be equally as committed to delivering to our communication needs.”

Sphere Public Relations’ point of difference is that it does not employ juniors or interns and only engages Public Relations professionals at Account Director level and above, who are able to work directly with clients from day one. The Urban Geek account will be headed up by Louise Roberts, supported by Sydney based consultant, Catherine Hollyman.

About Sphere Public Relations
Sphere Public Relations was established in 2005 by Louise Roberts, who brings over 19 years of public relations experience to the company. Sphere Public Relations operates in Sydney, Melbourne and the UK and specialises in helping clients raise their profile by using original ideas and creative communications techniques. Its portfolio of clients includes many well-known companies in technology, digital and marketing including TANK, Reborn, Arbor Networks, Infinitive and most recently VOLT Media. Its range of services incorporates public relations, internal communications, message development, media training, analyst relations, speaker bureau and crisis communications planning.

Angela Read new Account Director at Hill+Knowlton

Mon, Apr 30 2012

Sydney, 30 April 2012 – Hill+Knowlton Strategies continues to grow its award-winning health practice with the appointment of Angela Read to account director in its Sydney office.

Angela Read joins Hill+Knowlton Strategies bringing with her almost five years ethical health experience in Australia and an additional five years consumer and lifestyle experience from the UK.

Angela will support Melissa Chlad, Health practice director, and other communications specialists on an extensive portfolio of clients and following several new business wins.

Prior to joining H+K Strategies, Read held the position of Senior Account Manager at Fleishman-Hillard’s Sydney office, where she was responsible for developing and implementing communication programs for a number of clients including Cook Medical Australia, Philips Healthcare and Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

Angela’s Australian agency background includes: Reed Weir Communications and Porter Novelli where she worked with some of the major health and pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, Roche, Eli Lilly, Sanofi Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson Medical.

Angela started her PR career at L’Oreal UK Ltd in London where she worked for five years on international beauty brands. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Bournemouth University, UK.

Melissa Chlad, Health practice director said: “Angela’s ethical and consumer health experience, gained in both Sydney and London, brings a strong skill set to H+K’s fast-growing health practice. Her broad health knowledge has been gained working across the pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer health and nutrition sectors. We look forward to continuing to offer our clients the highest level of expertise.”

Donâ��t let interns loose on the media

Mon, Apr 23 2012

One of the myths in PR is that asking a journalist if they’re going to use a media release will improve coverage results.

Every year, journalists around the world write about how dumb and annoying this practice is. And it is. The fact they write about it every year (for the past 20 years at least) also says that many agencies and corporate PR teams still aren’t getting the message.

If you sent a media release:

a) the journalist is going to assume (rightly usually) that all of their competitors were sent pretty much the exact same story. So it’s not really news any more. (There are exceptions of course).

b) unless their or your email was actually down – then they did receive it. So asking them if they got it is pretty silly. We don’t ring anyone else usually to ask if they got the email we just sent them. And asking, ‘Are you going to use it?’ is an equally annoying question.

However, for some reason many companies and agencies do insist on calling the media and asking these two questions.

When you’re talking about business to business communication, first up, if your news is important, ring or email the journalist first and explain the story and what you can specifically offer them in terms of content, spokespeople and supporting resources. Every news outlet is different – so customise what you offer to suit their readership.

If it’s run of the mill content then a media release can work to some extent and may get some coverage.
Anyway – how to manage basic PR processes is not the point of this blog! It’s to draw attention to the fact that many agencies and some company PR teams are using interns to make the ‘Did you get the media release? Are you going to use it?’ calls.

This is bad news on several fronts (apart from the fact that’s it’s a pet hate of the media). Here’s my list.

1. For most companies and agencies, the relationships they have with the media have taken years to develop and are highly valued. Why on earth would you ask the most junior people in an organisation to get on the phone and speak with the media at all – ever?

2. Interns don’t know anything usually about the client, their business strategy or the content in the media release. So if they get asked a tough question by a journalist, they can’t answer it. It might not even be a tough question. It’s annoying to journalists who’s time is wasted and belittling to interns who suddenly realise they’re out of their depth and their own name and reputation, right at the start of their career, is taking a beating. Not a nice place to be for anyone really.

3. Companies are entrusting agencies to represent their brand and build media relationships on their behalf. They must be horrified to learn of agencies that deploy interns – who, through no fault of their own, manage to do the exact opposite of what was intended.

4. Interns can’t pick up on media feedback and adapt their pitch content or come up with fresh ideas to take to the journalists that might make the story fit better with the news agenda of the day. They will follow directions as best as they can – and plough on regardless in many cases.

5. Interns get yelled at, hung up on, receive crushing emails and, unfortunately for the entire PR industry (and probably the media to some extent as well), can emerge from their few months of internship in a state of shock and disappointment. And let’s remember, most Communications courses these days need a near perfect leaving exam mark to get into. So these are some of the brightest people in the country who, thanks to a very ordinary internship experience, swear off the sector all together – and rethink their entire career path.

I can’t tell you how mad this makes me, particularly after conducting many interviews already this year with recent graduates who relayed horror story after horror story about how they told to ‘follow up media releases’ during their internship and got an entirely predictable response from the media.

We have a chronic staff shortage in the PR industry yet too many agencies and companies are tossing interns into terrible situations to get themselves out of a short-term bind (or they honestly think that doing media follow up is ‘good work for an intern’).

As agency owners at least, we owe our future super stars a lot more than this.

To see the originally published article, click here

This copy was authored by Elizabeth Marchant (MPRIA) , Director, Recognition PR / Write Away Communication and Events

Coles to roadblock new campaign tonight

Fri, Apr 20 2012

Coles is roadblocking its new advert featuring comedienne Dawn French at 6pm tonight across all free-to-air networks and pay TV. The retailer is pouring millions of dollars into the relaunch of its flybuys loyalty scheme, including the “unprecedented” move of sending two cards to eight million Aussie homes. Two adverts posted on YouTube feature a slimmed-down French. The first has her running around a supermarket speaking to shoppers to announce the My5 element of the promotion, where shoppers can save 10% on five nominated items when they spend $50. In the other she is cruising the streets in a car completed with PA system informing the world about the new flybuys programme.

Simon McDowell, Coles’ marketing director, told B&T they chose French alongside long-time ambassador Curtis Stone because she “represents the spirit of flybuys and Coles”. Previous Coles adverts including the “No added hormones” with rocker Normie Rowe and the red hands “Down, down, prices are down” have copped flack in the industry for their in-your-face approach. McDowell said of the new spots: “We tend not to do subtle. What we try to do is absolutely capture the moment and the hearts and minds of Aussie families.

“We take our business very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We try to get a feeling of what it’s like to shop at Coles when you’re doing your weekly shop. “When we think we’ve got something worth talking about and interesting for Aussie families we tend to throw out the rule book and have a go.”

He said the revamp was necessary admitting the loyalty scheme had “not been very good and so it absolutely needed a complete facelift”. “We’ve looked around the world at schemes and thrown in other ideas we’ve had, and said how can we take the very best of what’s around the world and blow the doors off.”

This article has been published by B&T (http://www.bandt.com.au/news/advertising/coles-to-roadblock-new-campaign-tonight) on 20 April 2012.

Sphere Public Relations Wins Premium Video and Technology Company, VOL

Wed, Apr 04 2012

Sphere Public Relations - a boutique PR consultancy specialising in the technology, digital and marketing sectors - is pleased to welcome VOLT Media, one of the largest independent video advertising companies in Australia, to its portfolio of clients.

VOLT Media partners with cutting-edge creative, technology and data partners to provide advertisers with the necessary tools to reach, engage and persuade audiences. Working on an exclusive basis with top-tier publishers, it prides itself on brokering targeted placements for clients’ video content across its well-established and carefully selected network of premium local, national and international sites.

“It’s exciting to be working with a brand that will be a significant driving force in the changing face of video advertising,” said Louise Roberts, Managing Director of Sphere Public Relations. “We’ve worked within the digital industry for many years in both Australia and the UK for brands including global digital agency Reactive and one of Australia’s fastest growing digital agencies, Reborn, so we’re looking forward to harnessing this experience in our work with VOLT Media.”

Co-founder and Managing Director of VOLT Media, Tom Rolph said: “Key to VOLT Media’s success is our partnerships with leading technology providers and publishers across the globe enabling us to provide advertisers with the very best video technology products on offer. Equally critical for us was partnering with the best PR agency to help us on our journey to grow the video-advertising industry – that’s why we chose Sphere PR who, in our opinion, is perfectly matched to VOLT Media’s work ethos and partnership-mentality.”

The VOLT Media account will be headed up by Louise Roberts, supported by Sydney based consultant, Catherine Hollyman.

PR agency, IMPACT adds two to its fruit bowl of clients

Wed, Mar 28 2012

IMPACT Communications Australia has won Horticulture Australia’s Chestnuts Australia account to promote chestnuts and signed Custard Apples Australia for the fourth consecutive year, strengthening the company’s fresh produce portfolio.

IMPACT’s campaign will address market research by Chestnuts Australia, that revealed sales of chestnuts were adversely affected because consumers do not know what to do with them. IMPACT has signed Stefano Manfredi, restaurateur and owner of Balla and Manfredi at Bells of Killcare to educate consumers with an exciting ‘three ways with chestnuts’ campaign.

The Custard Apples Industry re-appointed IMPACT to educate consumers on the availability of the fruit in 2012, after the previous year’s crop was negatively affected by bad weather.

IMPACT has signed Adam Liaw, 2010 MasterChef winner, as custard apple ambassador to translate the Asian community’s love affair with custard apples. He will also position the sweet, underused fruit as a dessert.

These new fresh produce accounts see IMPACT increase its FMCG portfolio, which includes; CHUX, Lady Jayne, SAXA and Fountain Sauces.

IMPACT also represents; avocados, lychees, papaya, passionfruit, pears and turf on behalf of Horticulture Australia Limited.

IMPACT’s directors, Allison Lee and Nicole Webb understand aligning fresh produce with celebrity chefs assists to leverage but does not guarantee campaign success.

“Celebrity ambassadors gain consumers attention in the noisy FMCG space, but campaigns must go beyond the celebrity element to tell a new story, evoke emotions and create talkability,” says Lee.
According to IMPACT, key to success in the food sphere is digital outreach, to bloggers and online media.

“Bloggers create new trends and evolve how we perceive food by instantaneously disseminating information and provoking actions. Their raw honesty and emotive writing increasingly makes bloggers exciting and diverse thought-leaders,” Lee says.

IMPACT has developed a ‘Blogger Code of Conduct’ to ensure interaction with bloggers is carried out with integrity and honesty. IMPACT also sponsored the 2011 food blogger conference, Eat.Drink.Blog and is continuing to develop mutual relationships with bloggers.

IMPACT’s philosophy is based on combining strategic research with innovative, creative campaign concepts and a genuine hunger and passion for achieving communication success.

IMPACT is the Australian member affiliate of ECCO. The international PR network is represented in over 40 countries around the world. ECCO member agencies are independently owned and successful in their own country. The network embodies global procedures and individual accountability.

Porter Novelli to deliver Young Carers Festivals

Wed, Mar 28 2012

Porter Novelli Melbourne has been awarded Australian Government funding to deliver FESTofALL, a series of free events for Australia’s young carers.

The FESTofALL concept will be headlined at Sydney’s Luna Park Big Top and rolled out in every state and territory, with the intent to bring together more than 5000 young carers across the country on Sunday, 24 June.

Porter Novelli Managing Director, Peter Kent, said FESTofALL was an opportunity to recognise the roles of more than 380,000 young carers in Australia, and for carers aged up to 25 to build networks and connect with peers.

“There’s a fine balance in appropriately recognising what young carers do,” he said.

“We developed a unique approach; one which won us the work – incorporating partners including Carers Australia, the Foundation for Young Australians, Australian Multicultural Foundation and the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia into our submission.

“This partnership will ensure we’re able to provide young carers a stand-out FESTofALL experience.”

FESTofALL events are free and open to young carers; a young carer is any person aged up to 25 years who provides regular and sustained care, and assistance to another person without payment.

To register attendance, learn more about young carers and resources for young carers, or apply for a FESTofALL grant, visit www.festofall.com.au join the conversation at fb.com/FESTofALL2012 of follow @FESTofALL.

Zing Australia Announces Staff Appointment

Tue, Mar 27 2012

Leading independent PR agency Zing, has appointed Hannah Furness as Account Director, to work on key clients including Allen’s, Nikon and Paramount Home Media Distribution.

Hannah brings a solid six years of agency experience from agencies – Red Agency, Access PR and Momentum Worldwide, where she worked on clients such as Woolworths, Global Shop Direct, Big W, Fairfax Media and Events, Parrot, Lion, MCM Media, Earth Hour, Lebara Mobile, Top Gear Live, Pizza Hut, American Express and more.

With expertise in media relations, communications strategy, project management and creative writing, Hannah’s experience spans a wide range of industries, including events, FMCG, alcohol, technology, the arts, media and entertainment.

On her appointment Hannah says, “I am thrilled to start work with the zealous and dynamic team at Zing. The agency has such a positive reputation for its creative and strategic approach to consumer campaigns. I look forward to contributing to the business and delivering unforgettable campaigns for our clients.”

Preya McMahon, Managing Director and Owner of Zing says, “Hannah is a true Zinger: She will bring passion and enthusiasm to the team and our clients.”

Maaii selects Bite for integrated PR, social and digital launch

Fri, Mar 23 2012

Maaii, a breakthrough new multi-platform mobile application for free calling and messaging, has appointed Bite Communications as its global agency of record. Bite will use insight-driven and integrated communications to help maaii build on its significant early momentum.

An integrated communications application for smartphones, maaii is designed for users to make free calls or send free chat messages to their maaii contacts and social network friends. The already strong maaii user community has praised the app’s reliable call quality together with its seamless integration with social media.

Bite’s work for maaii is being led from Hong Kong with support from a global team spanning Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America. The campaign includes global social media influencer outreach and Facebook marketing as well as traditional media relations, including launches at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and the landmark South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas. To date, the app has seen superb initial traction with consistent top five social networking category rankings in app stores worldwide. The Android version is currently in closed beta and will hit the stores shortly.

Bite earned the business through a multiagency competitive pitch that involves a number of international digital and social marketing firms. According to Chris Lewis, Vice President at maaii, Bite was selected because of its integrated proposal comprising digital, social and public relations communications components.

“We needed a partner with global reach that matches ours, and an insight-driven approach that uses integrated channels to deliver measurable results. Bite was the only agency that fits the bill,” said Lewis.

“Smartphone communications apps are an extremely competitive market with everyone fighting to stand out. Our central task is to articulate maaii’s unique proposition that combines reliable, global reach with seamless social media integration, and an unbeatable “zero” price point,” said Paul Mottram, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific, Bite Communications. “Maaii’s straightforward, results-driven approach matches Bite’s philosophy exactly.”

Tough Crowd to Please

Fri, Mar 23 2012

Companies risk death by ‘Unlike’ if they fail to find inventive ways to engage and excite their Facebook fans, and if they do not strike the optimum balance of communication that is relevant, interesting, and not too frequent a new survey has revealed.

The nationwide poll on Facebook usage found an overwhelming three in four (73%) online Australians aged 18 to 64 actively use the networking giant and more than half (55%) of these users have clicked ‘Like’ on a company and/or brand page in the last three months. However, almost one in five (17%) clicked ‘Unlike’ on an organisation’s page with lack of relevance being the number one reason cited, followed by too many updates causing a cluttered news feed, and boring content.

The results from the latest round of survey series Crossman Insights, initiated by Sydney-based public relations consultancy Crossman Communications using the Newspoll Online Omnibus, showed that 69% of Facebook users were compelled to ‘Like’ a company or brand page to be in the running to win something, and three in five (58%) said they did it to get discounted products or free samples.

Crossman Communications Managing Director, Jackie Crossman, said that with recent evidence suggesting social media is beginning to mature, there has never been a more opportune time for businesses to develop a multi-faceted, creative and sophisticated Facebook strategy that spans outside of ordinary competitions and discounts to keep fans engaged and informed.

“Online Aussies are displaying a high level of curiosity and sincerity when loving up company and brand pages on Facebook, but they also have exacting standards. To avoid being killed off by the dreaded ‘Unlike’ button, businesses need to come up with innovative and clever ways to converse with their fan base – especially once a competition has ended – to drive higher levels of affiliation, trust and recommendation,” Ms Crossman said.

The survey findings highlighted a genuine interest by consumers to interact with their favourite organisations and discover more about them. More than half (55%) said they were fans of company Facebook pages because they wanted to learn about products and services, 53% wanted to gain access to exclusive content, 53% wanted to follow the company’s news, and 51% wanted to share contents of the page with their friends.

Leading the charge in Facebook usage is the 18-34 year olds – almost nine in 10 (85%) are active users of the site and more than half (53%) access it through their smartphone – a staggering 22% higher than the total benchmark (31%). This group are also significantly more likely to interact with a company/brand page and click ‘Like’ on a on a friend’s link, photo, or status update.

Ms Crossman said, “The younger demographic are the biggest and most frequent Facebook users accessing it through various mediums, but they are also the most fickle. They will hit the ‘Unlike’ button if a company or friend’s page is dull, or cluttering their news feed with too many posts.”

“Marketers are now learning about the key benefits and pitfalls of social media through experience. Many companies have moved from interacting with customers on networking sites with a nervous, trial-and-error approach, to recognising that outlets like Facebook are a vital part of the marketing mix,” she said.

Crossman Insights is a survey series designed to capture the thoughts and mood of heartland Australia in relation to a range of national issues. Previous polls have looked at what Aussies were doing for the summer holidays, whether consumers care what country their food comes from, and Australians’ views on advertising and sponsorship by sports betting agencies.

FACEBOOK USAGE – NEWSPOLL SURVEY FEBRUARY 2012

How do you use Facebook nowadays?

73% of Australians use Facebook – highest among the 18-34 age group (85%), followed by 74% of 35-49 year olds, and lowest in older demographic (50-64) at just 55%
67% access Facebook on a laptop or desktop computer, 31% use a smartphone, 12% use a computer tablet
27% of Australians do not use Facebook at all – 45% of those aged 50-64 do not use Facebook.
53% of 18-34 year olds use a smart phone to use Facebook – 22% higher than the average Facebook usage is highest among city folk (74%) – 6 points higher than those that live outside of major Australian cities.

Facebook interaction in the last three months

Around three in four Australians say they interact with Facebook by clicking ‘like’ on a friend’s link, photo, and status update. 18-34 year olds over index in all of these interactions.
Compared to men, women are more likely to click ‘like’ on a friend’s link, photo, status update, and on a company/brand page.
Only 55% of Australians said they clicked ‘like’ on a company/brand page – significantly lower among older demographic at 45%
Interestingly, males were (slightly) more likely to click both ‘like’ and ‘unlike’ on a celebrity page versus women.
Those that live in major capital cities are more likely to click ‘unlike’ on a friend’s link, photo, status update, a company/brand page, and/or celebrity page, compared to those that live outside of the city.

Why did you click ‘Like’ on a company/brand page on Facebook?

69% of Australians said they clicked ‘like’ on a company/brand page to be in the running to win something, followed by 58% saying they did it to receive a discount on a product of get free product samples, and 55% clicked ‘like’ to learn about products and services.
Compared to the total benchmark, 18-34 year olds were significantly more likely to click ‘like’ on a company page to follow its news on their own news feed (63% vs 53% total), and to gain access to exclusive content (62% vs 53% total).’
25% of males said they clicked ‘like’ on a company/brand page to project an image about themselves – compared to 15% of women. 25% of 18-34 year olds said the same thing.
Just over half of all Australians said they clicked ‘like’ on a company/brand page to learn about products or services (55%), and share the content with their friends (51%).
40% of blue collar workers and low income households said they clicked ‘like’ on a company page to communicate with the page owner (vs 36% total benchmark). These groups were also much more likely to share the content with their friends.

Why did you click ‘Unlike’ on a company/brand page on Facebook?

The biggest reason for Aussies clicking ‘unlike’ on a company/brand page was that the content wasn’t as relevant as they would have thought (69%), followed by their Facebook news feed was becoming too cluttered (67%), the page posted updates too frequently (63%), and the content was becoming too boring (62%).

Damage to Brand & Image Retains No 1 Spot in Australasian Risk Survey

Thu, Mar 22 2012

The results of the 2012 Australasian Risk Survey produced by SR7's partners Aon are in.

For the last decade Aon’s Australasian Risk Survey has provided a valuable annual snapshot of how Australasian organisations measure and manage risk.

The findings from Aon's 2011/12 Australasian Risk Survey are based on risk management information from 318 Australian and 32 New Zealand organisations collected in October and November 2011.

Once again, and for the fifth year in a row, damage to brand and image retained the number one spot.

Research from the survey showed, “brand and image has remained the top risk concern for the past five years. Most likely this is due to the fact that other risks often have a knock on effect on brand and image, so it can be seen as an outcome risk that is compounded by increases in the other risks facing organisations. Furthermore,

Despite the global economic crisis and natural disasters, Australian business leaders have recognised that social media is a major ingredient in driving this threat to brand and image.

The survey notes, “We have witnessed how quickly the environments in which we operate can change. These events have highlighted how important it is for all of us to be prepared and have robust risk management strategies in place to mitigate future risks”.

Social media is a critical component when it comes to the management of brand and image.

SR7, through its partnership with Aon, is proud to offer unmatched expertise in mitigating risks and capitalising on opportunities within social media.

The recent spate of social media disasters and social media activism such as the type directed at Channel Ten’s ‘The Circle’ illustrates the arrival of a connected and powerful consumer.

The results of the risk survey make it essential for communications practitioners to ensure that social media risk management is more than a consideration in their planning for clients.

We hope you enjoy this very important piece of research undertaken by Aon Australia.

You can download the survey by clicking here

Aon is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing.

Through more than 61,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions.

For further information:

James Griffin
Co-Founder
SR7 Social Media Intelligence
james.griffin@sr7.com.au
P: 02 9235 1274

Kate Brown Joins Hill+Knowlton Strategies Passport Marketing Team

Wed, Mar 21 2012

Hill+Knowlton Strategies is delighted to announce that Kate Brown has joined its Passport Marketing team as Public Relations and Trade Manager representing Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (ADTCA) and other clients within their portfolio.

Kate brings with her over nine years of experience within the tourism industry, having previous experience representing destinations such as Canadian Tourism Commission, Vanuatu Tourism Office and PromPeru.

In her previous roles, Kate coordinated and implemented various joint marketing programs, ran numerous travel trade road shows, coordinated and escorted travel agent mega familiarisations and developed fun and engaging training programs as well as much more. During her time with the Canadian Tourism Commission Kate assisted with the development of the online Canada Specialist Program successfully implementing it in the Australian market increasing the member database by over 100 per cent.

“We are delighted that Kate is joining the Passport Marketing team, bringing with her such strong travel industry experience. Having previously worked with other destinations such as Canada and Vanuatu, Kate has an in-depth knowledge of the Australian travel market and will play a key role in helping the team to raise awareness of Abu Dhabi amongst trade, media and consumers,” said Peta Sullivan, Director Passport Marketing.

About Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Inc. is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 85 offices in 46 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP, one of the world's largest communications services groups.

About Passport Marketing

Passport Marketing, a division of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Australia, was established in 2008 and since that time has emerged as one of Australia’s leading travel marketing and communications agencies. The team specialise in offering creative marketing and communications-based solutions for national and regional tourism bodies, airlines, hotel chains and other travel related services and products.
For more information, please visit http://www.hkstrategies.com.au

MAVERICK FOR MAYBELLINE NY

Mon, Mar 19 2012

Independent engagement agency Maverick has been awarded the Maybelline NY brand experience and PR business for their sponsorship of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA). The campaign will launch in April 2012 and is designed to bring Maybelline’s inaugural sponsorship of Australian Fashion Week and Sydney Fashion Festival to life.

“Maybelline is a great brand match for Maverick, and this particular job allows us to combine expertise from our experiential, PR and sponsorship departments to create a very unique and inspiring campaign” Todd Marks, Maverick Marketing & Communications Director.

Maybelline NY has long been the premium make-up partner for fashion weeks globally, including New York Fashion Week for the past 5 seasons. The deal signed with IMG Australia signals a move to more closely align the brands expertise in beauty and colour trends with the creative and trend driven world of fashion.

“Maverick has developed a creative campaign that perfectly fits Maybelline’s personality and objectives. It’s exciting to work with an agency that demonstrates such strong creative thinking. Maybelline looks forward to wowing Australia in April when it unveils what is the epitome of New York style and culture, in Sydney.” says Sophie Speer, Group Brand Manager of Maybelline NY.

The L’Oreal owned-brand required a campaign that could excite and engage delegates at Australia Fashion Week and the broader consumer audience, whilst also generating significant media coverage. Maverick and Maverick PR presented a number of creative concepts that illustrate Maybelline’s commitment to the industry and its New York-streets upbringing.

Further information with regards to the campaign will be announced in coming weeks.

Media Contact:
Lisa Hollinshead, Maverick PR. lhollinshead@maverick.com.au. T: 02 9957 9577 / 0402 793 046

About Maybelline NY:
Maybelline NY is available in over 129 countries worldwide. The brand combines technologically advanced formulations with on-trend expertise to create accessible cosmetics with a spirited style.

In addition to the brands presence at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Maybelline NY is developing the platform on a global scale with official Fashion Week cosmetic sponsorships in Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Canada and now Australia. For more information, go to www.maybelline.com.au.

About Maverick:
Maverick has been a pioneer of engagement marketing, across hundreds of campaigns, for scores of Australian and global clients, from strategic and creative development through to execution. Its work includes grass roots campaigns, experiential activations, custom entertainment, cause-related marketing, PR, new digital platforms, and branded content. Maverick’s expertise in devising brand activation strategies is peerless, and the agency’s all-under-one-roof advantage of ATL / BTL experience and PR ensures an integrated approach to all campaigns. Fully independent, our clients have shunned the networks and sought out Maverick as ‘best-in-breed’. Check out Maverick’s case studies at our new website www.maverick.com.au.

BENCH PR wins new client Check Point Software Technologies

Wed, Mar 14 2012

Melbourne, 14th March 2012: BENCH PR has won its first new client for 2012, Check Point Software Technologies. Check Point is a multi-million dollar IT company that specialises in network-security software and services, including firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs) and security management.

Check Point customers include all Fortune and Global 100 companies. In Australia, Check Point is employed by the 5 biggest government departments, the 4 largest banks, and the 3 largest telecom companies.

BENCH PR will drive Check Point’s public relations campaign across Australia and New Zealand, working with customers, partners, media and other influencers to raise the profile of the company with large enterprises, service providers, small and medium sized businesses and consumers.

“Security is becoming an increasingly important issue for businesses driven by the rise of mobile and cloud computing. We look forward to raising awareness of these issues and the various Check Point solutions which can enable businesses to keep their systems and data safe, while supporting more innovative and flexible ways of working,” said Jocelyn Hunter, managing director, BENCH PR.

The BENCH PR team for Check Point includes Jocelyn Hunter, Jessica Sealby and Lisa Banks.
BENCH PR recently announced the appointment of ex IDG journalist Lisa Banks as senior consultant to join its growing team of consultants.

About BENCH PR
BENCH PR is a public relations agency specialising in the business to business and technology markets. The company was established in 2008 by Jocelyn Hunter. The BENCH PR teams boasts over 70 years of experience working for some of the best PR agencies in Australia, UK and the USA. More information about BENCH PR is available at: www.benchpr.com.au

Hill+Knowlton partnerS with Australian wildlife charity WIRES

Mon, Mar 12 2012

Sydney, March 12 2012

Hill+Knowlton Strategies is delighted to announce that it has chosen WIRES (the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc) as its charity partner for 2012.

WIRES is Australia's largest not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping sick, injured and orphaned native animals. WIRES conducts more than 65,000 animal rescues each year and responds to around 100,000 requests for help from NSW's general public, businesses, the RSPCA, zoos, government departments, local councils and the police.

As H+K Strategies charity of the year, WIRES will receive an ongoing program of communications and fundraising support.

Sue Cook, Managing Director of Hill+Knowlton Strategies said, "We are delighted to be working with and raising money to help such an important charity. As the largest organisation in Australia dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals, it is not surprising that our employees were keen to support such a worthy cause."

Leanne Taylor, General Manager of WIRES added, "We are thrilled to be named Hill+Knowlton Strategies chosen charity for 2012. We rely heavily on the goodwill of local businesses and H+K Strategies support will prove invaluable to our organisation."

Rowland Drives Digital Push With New Appointment

Tue, Mar 06 2012

Leading communication consultancy, Rowland, has announced the appointment of digital strategist Adam Nicholson to its Corporate Communication practice as part of its strategy to achieve a leadership position within the digital and social media space.

Digital strategist Adam Nicholson, who assisted former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Minister David Blunkett to webcast press conferences and parliamentary speeches online, has joined Rowland as a Director.

Rowland Chairman Geoff Rodgers said Adam’s appointment reflected market demand for expertise to lead digital and social media strategy across the spectrum of communication channels.

“With a proven track record as a leading Australian communication consultancy, Adam’s appointment marks the next phase of Rowland’s strategy to continue to build a leadership position with its digital and social media offering,” he said.

“During the past 12 months, our Creative practice area has been expanded to include multi-media services and we are well placed to provide our clients with the full suite of digital communication services including strategy development, writing online content, designing and delivering websites and multi-media.

“Digital and social media will be crucial to the success of all companies in the future. Adam’s appointment will assist our clients to enhance their reputations and build their brands, while ensuring the alignment of digital strategy with their overarching corporate objectives.

“Over the past 12 months, Rowland’s digital practice has achieved significant momentum and growth. Our objective is to embed digital into all Rowland practice areas.”

Adam has an extensive background in public affairs, corporate and crisis communication, with a particular focus on online and social media channels.

He specialises in online communication including website delivery, online communities and social media strategies for a range of corporate and government clients.

“In addition to managing web projects for 10 Downing Street, Virgin and the Brisbane City Council, Adam has expertise in crisis communication ranging from pandemic planning, through to first-hand experience in the field,” Mr Rodgers said.

Adam’s senior media relations and public affairs experience spans the challenging portfolios of health, transport and education, in both Australia and the UK. He has played a key role in crisis communication responses for incidents including the Shen Neng oil tanker that ran aground on the Barrier Reef and the Bindeez Beads national product recall.

Brian Shrowder joins Hill+Knowlton Strategies as Director, Crisis + Is

Tue, Mar 06 2012

Hill+Knowlton Strategies announced today that Brian Shrowder has joined the firm in Australia as Director, Crisis + Issues Management, with responsibilities for crisis planning and training, media spokesperson coaching and crisis communications counsel.

Shrowder is returning to Australia from Dubai where he was Director, Crisis & Training for Hill+Knowlton Strategies in the Middle East and Africa. In that role he advised many of the region’s largest companies on their crisis strategies and conducted spokesperson training for hundreds of corporate representatives.

“Brian’s depth of expertise significantly strengthens our crisis capability,” said Sue Cook, Managing Director, Hill+Knowlton Strategies. “Crisis management is a core strength of H+K Strategies globally and we are delighted to be able to offer the full range of crisis services here in Australia.”

According to Shrowder, the need for a structured approach to crisis readiness is greater than ever.

“In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, corporate leaders recognise that crises can hit any industry, any time. They face closer scrutiny and a growing demand for transparency,” he said.

“At the same time, social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter present both opportunities and serious risks for companies facing crises or difficult issues. That’s why Hill+Knowlton Strategies has developed a range of digital tools to help clients navigate the social media landscape and engage the power of public opinion.”

A former Network Ten journalist and news manager, Shrowder first joined Hill+Knowlton Strategies in 2001 as the firm’s Melbourne-based director of crisis and training services.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Adelaide.

Rowland Sharpens Agribusiness Focus with New Appointment

Tue, Mar 06 2012

Leading communication consultancy Rowland has announced the appointment of agribusiness specialist Brendan Egan to the role of Director.

Brendan’s appointment demonstrates Rowland’s commitment to expanding its growing agribusiness practice.

Rowland Chairman Geoff Rodgers said it was an exciting time for Rowland to be involved in the agribusiness sector given the increasingly complex trends and issues facing clients as they focused on maintaining their competitive advantage in an increasingly complex international marketplace.

“Brendan has an extensive agribusiness background having worked as a communication adviser for a national beef industry lobby group, a rural reporter for ABC Radio and as a senior media adviser for three regionally-based federal parliamentarians, including the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, the Hon Tim Fischer MP,” Mr Rodgers said.

“Since its inception 20 years ago, Rowland has been involved in the agribusiness sector and we understand the critically important role of our agribusiness clients in the global economy, given the sector touches on key areas such as government, science, health, nutrition and safety,” he said.

“The agribusiness sector is well positioned for major growth given the increasing global demand for soft commodities required to feed the world. At the same time the sector is facing challenges created by political and social issues, commodity price volatility, and the need to adopt more sustainable practices.

“Rowland’s role is to provide our agribusiness clients with the communication tools required to achieve their corporate objectives in a dynamic global marketplace,” he said.

Brendan holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) and most recently he was Austrade’s National Manager, Agribusiness and Food – the Australian Government’s trade and investment agency.

Rowland is also looking to Brendan’s extensive international trade and investment background to further bolster Rowland’s commitment to positioning the consultancy as a communication leader within the global mining/energy, infrastructure and natural resources sectors.

Brendan is an expert business strategist with expansive international networks within industry and government. He has a long track-record of assisting Australian companies to penetrate and expand in competitive export markets across agribusiness, resources and many other sectors.

Brendan worked in number of different trade development roles for the Australian Trade Commission both in Australia and overseas, and has a sound understanding of Australian trade policy and international business development.

Brendan also holds a Graduate Diploma in Asian Studies and a Masters of International Business.

Hill & Knowlton rebrands as Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Mon, Mar 05 2012

Hill & Knowlton Australia today announced it has rebranded as Hill+Knowlton Strategies in line with its global company direction.

Managing Director Sue Cook said: “Globally the company spent this past year looking to make certain that we're offering the best service possible to our clients, and we are now relaunching our brand to ensure it best represents the strategic communications we offer.

“Here in Australia, we have been committed to ensuring excellence in client service and the delivery of high quality work.

“With the democratisation of information — and the public having access to information and the ability to create their own, 24 hours a day, seven days a week — our clients increasingly acknowledge that there is an element to their business that must continually interact with the public.”

H+K Strategies is increasing investment in research and digital to ensure it has the clearest understanding of the public conversations through monitoring, applying the soundest methodologies and selecting the right channels to reach clients key audiences.

It adds a powerful new partner in Research+Data Insights, a H+K Strategies company, to deliver clients the data analytics and primary research they need to plan for and measure success in this environment. It also provides messaging, communications and reputation research.

In Australia the new brand reflects H+K’s strengths in understanding a company’s public audiences and how best to communicate with them. Clients work with integrated teams of consultants with industry expertise, insights, and strong networks. An example is the food+life fully integrated food and beverage offer, combining communications expertise across consumer lifestyle, public affairs, health, nutrition and digital.

“This approach has seen us build our client base in the food and beverage sector where we have had some recent wins,” Ms Cook said.

H+K Strategies has a depth of industry expertise in consumer health, pharmaceuticals, government, travel and tourism, consumer goods, banking and technology. This is supported by specialist services in public affairs, corporate communications, analyst relations, brand and marketing communications, digital and creative.

“We are well placed to build on the success we had last year with our work recognised in the PRIA State Awards, PRIME Awards and with six finalists in the APAC Sabre Awards,” Ms Cook said.

communikate et al turns over a new leaf, unveiling its new brand

Thu, Feb 09 2012

Marketing communications agency communikate et al has unveiled its new identity, which better reflects its core business of helping businesses to grow, nurture and protect their reputations.

The new branding - the work of Parallax Design - has seen the red replaced with a fresh green logo, complemented by nature - based icons representing service areas, which were commissioned by acclaimed Australian illustrator Ben Goss (www.bengoss.com), whose illustrations feature regularly in The Australian and New York Times and have been used by Qantas and Microsoft.

Managing Director Kate Hannemann, who established the Adelaide-‐based business 17 years ago, said there’s still a lack of understanding in someorganisations around the breadth of services and number of touch points that marketing and communications should have in everyday business.

“The challenge is that our offering is very broad, particularly since we’re integrated across both marketing and communications. But when you strip it back, we exist to help organisations to grow their reputations, both internally and externally - it’s as simple as that,” Kate said.

“It’s a different approach but one that we’re confident will resonate with organisations of all shapes and sizes as we continue on our own path of growth.”

The new look branding marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the consultancy, having already secured a number of new accounts across the wine, professional services, government and property sectors.

“More and more business leaders are understanding how the right reputation in their market is a powerful, competitive edge
that nurtures and protects their brand,” Kate said.

“We’re really excited about the strong results that we’ve been able to achieve working alongside our current clients, from branding and communications strategy to local area marketing, issues management and copywriting, the diversity has been excellent.”

With futuregrowth on the horizon, communikate et al is looking to expand its consulting team and double the size of its office space, with a substantialrefurbishment of its premises to reflect the new branding expected later in the year.

Sentia Media - a newer name for a better, bolder business

Wed, Feb 08 2012

The 8th of February 2012 marks the launch of Sentia Media, the new corporate parent for the group of companies previously operating as part of the Media Monitors Group, and owned by Quadrant Private Equity since July 2010.

Sentia Media CEO John Croll said: “Ours is a company with a long and proud history in media monitoring, with a record of industry leadership, providing ever faster and more accurate media information to our clients.

“Over the last five years, our growth path has become much broader, with the company commencing operations in a number of Asian markets as well as rapidly expanding our media analysis and introducing advisory and online business intelligence services. In all, we now have six industry leading brands providing services to over 6,000 clients across 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

“To put it simply, we are much more than a media monitoring business, we are a group of media services companies that can provide a broad range of information, analysis and advice, with solutions tailored to just about any type of organisation, large or small, single country or international.”

“Sentia, derived from a Latin verb with three primary meanings, 1) I perceive, 2) I understand, 3) I have an opinion, more accurately reflects the comprehensive and customised nature of the company’s services. The new corporate structure will allow each of our service brands to develop their unique service proposition and meet both broad and niche market requirements across the entire region.” Mr Croll said.

Sentia Media now owns: Media Monitors, the leading media information supplier in the Asia-Pacific with 12 offices across Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore; MediaBanc, South East Asia’s largest monitoring company with offices in six countries; Brandtology, one of the world’s leading online business intelligence companies, headquartered in Singapore and experiencing exponential growth; 360m, our advisory and analysis company providing research-based insight and unrivalled experience; China Clippings, the leading provider of monitoring services to communications agencies across China; and Slice Media, Australasia’s most effective and comprehensive budget monitoring solution.

Click here for a video on the Sentia Media story.

Seven PR associations support AMEC study of communications measurement

Tue, Feb 07 2012

By Matthew Miller on Feb 6, 2012, featured on Campaign Asia-Pacific

The aim of the study is to gather baseline data on how both communication agencies and clients in the region view the importance of measuring communication effectiveness, as well as how they measure it, according to John Croll, chairman of AMEC’s new Asia-Pacific chapter, founded in November last year.

Sydney-based Croll, who is also chief executive officer of Media Monitors, said that the study, which is being conducted by Booz Allen Hamilton, will provide insights that will allow AMEC to better plan future events and initiatives aimed at its objective of improving professional standards.

“One of the key issues for us in Asia-Pacific has been the use of AVEs [advertising value equivalents].” Croll told Campaign. “Unfortunately they’re still used quite widely.” The study will ask for specifics about whether agencies use AVEs and whether they use multipliers on those AVEs, with an eye toward education on “more valid” measurements such as reach, Croll said.

“The key point is to change the discussion around this issue, from measuring clips and outputs, toward actually measuring outcomes,” Croll said.

Measurement of social media effectiveness is another area the research will address—and another major focus of AMEC’s future educational efforts.

AMEC will present results of the study at its first Asia-Pacific Summit on Measurement, slated for 29 February and March 1 in Hong Kong. AMEC will also be carrying out similar research in Europe and North America.

The regional associations asking their members to take part in the online survey are the Council of PR Firms of Hong Kong, the China International Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Consultants Association of India, the Public Relations Association of Australia, Public Relations Institute of New Zealand, FIBEP (Fédération Internationale des Bureauxs d'Extraits de Presse), and ICCO (International Communications Consultancy Organisation).

Trust in government and CEOs low in the 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer

Tue, Feb 07 2012

60% of Australians do not trust government leaders to tell the truth
Business, more trusted than government, has the opportunity to move from a license to operate to a license to lead
Technology the most trusted industry sector in Australia, while trust in energy industry is low
Trust in media increases; Social media increasingly trusted as a company information source amongst informed public¹

Throughout the world, people blamed their governments—more than any other institution—for the financial and political crisis they endured in 2011. Globally, government suffered the steepest decline ever recorded in Edelman’s annual Trust Barometer study. This major global survey conducted by Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm, revealed that only one third (33 per cent) of the Australian general population —the first time the Trust Barometer looked at this broader group—trust the institution of government to do what is right.

Looking at government in Australia, a huge gap has opened up between what people see as important and how well they think important tasks are being handled. While 71 per cent of Australians say it is important that the country’s financial affairs are managed effectively, only 18 per cent think this is happening – an ‘underperformance gap’ of 53 points. 71 per cent believe it is important that the government listen and responds to citizen needs and feedback. Only 13 per cent (58 percentage point gap) think this is happening.

“There is a complete misalignment between the public’s expectations of government and what they think is actually being delivered,” says Michelle Hutton, Edelman Australia’s Chief Executive Officer. “60 per cent of Australians do not trust government leaders to tell the truth and the majority (58 per cent) thinks the country is on the wrong track.”

Business, while more trusted than government, still has some hurdles to clear. Reflecting the current debate about the nature of ‘responsible capitalism’, this year’s survey found that to be trusted, business needs to do more than succeed commercially. 74 per cent of respondents say companies should be involved in solving social and environmental problems. The Study also examined various factors that will build trust in a company which reflect this desired role for business. Listening to customer needs (70 per cent) and having ethical business practices (69 per cent) top the list, along with delivering quality products (69 per cent). Australians also expect business to place the customer ahead of profits (68 per cent) and treat its employees well (67 per cent).

“The public expects business to do more than just make money and create jobs. They expect business to improve the world it operates in, act ethically, treat employees well and help local communities,” Hutton adds. “This is the difference between trusted and distrusted companies.”

Strong reputation and trust, built upon both operational and societal performance, is the clear blueprint for optimal business success. Given the growing distrust in government, business has an opportunity to broaden its definition of leadership, own issues which will negate the need for government regulation, and shift from seeking a license to operate to earning the license to lead.

But CEOs face another hurdle in convincing the public that they deserve a hearing. CEOs are viewed by the general public as being among the least credible public spokesperson for a business or organisation (35 per cent of respondents find them credible). Globally, among informed publics, a “person like me” has re-emerged as one of most credible spokespeople, with the biggest increase globally in credibility since 2004. For the Australian general population, a “person like me” (57 per cent) trails only academics (64 per cent) and technical experts (63 per cent) as the most credible spokesperson. Regular employees also scored highly with 54 per cent of Australians agreeing that people who work for an organisation are extremely credible spokespeople for or about that company.

“This is further evidence of the dispersion of authority,” said Ms. Hutton. “Smart businesses will talk to employees first, because people today view one another as more credible than they do established figureheads like government leaders and CEOs.”

“CEOs cannot be silent, but neither should they be centre stage. A CEO’s vision needs to be amplified and illustrated by the voice of employees, “people like me,” academics and NGOs… especially if their enterprise is going to earn the license to lead,” Hutton stated.

Growing Diversification of Media Sources
Despite very low trust in the institution of media to do what is right (33 per cent), Australians do trust traditional media sources for company information. Television (81 per cent), Newspapers (78 per cent), Radio (77 per cent) and Magazines (75 per cent) lead the pack.

Online news aggregators are also highly trusted. Online search engines like Google (78 per cent) and News RSS feeds (71 per cents) are critical.

“The prominent role of search engines in the research process highlights the importance of managing what is said about an organisation online,” said Hutton.

Technology Industry Leads on Trust
Trust in various business industries is up across the board with Australian informed publics. In Australia, Technology remains in the No 1. spot for the fourth straight year. In 2012, a few industries surged ahead in trust—Brewing and Spirits and Consumer Packaged Goods both saw an 18 percentage point gain since 2011.

There is continued distrust of banks and financial services. Despite robust increases (Banks up 17 points since 2011, Financial Services up 14 points) they both remain ranked at the bottom of the list with informed publics. General population rankings are slightly different. High prices for utilities, along with the public debate around the carbon tax, have seemingly affected trust in the Energy industry. At 41 per cent trust, this industry is at the bottom of the list with the general population.

The Global Perspective Aggregate global data points quoted below are based on informed public segment, n=5,600 globally (See methodology on pg 4)

Globally, blame for the financial and political chaos of 2011 landed at the doorstep of government, as trust in that institution fell a record nine points to 43 per cent. In seventeen of the 25 countries surveyed, government is now trusted by less than half to do what is right. In twelve, it trails business, media, and non-governmental organisations as the least trusted institution. France, Spain, Brazil, China, Russia, and Japan, as well as six other countries, saw government trust drop by more than ten points. Government officials are now the least credible spokespeople, with only 29 per cent considering them credible.

“Business is now better placed than government to lead the way out of the trust crisis,” said Richard Edelman, president and CEO, Edelman. “But the balance must change so that business is seen both as a force for good and an engine for profit.”

Overall, trust in business fell from 56 per cent to 53 per cent, with countries like France and Germany, in the heart of the Eurozone economic crisis, experiencing double-digit decreases. Meanwhile, CEO credibility declined 12 points to 38 per cent, its biggest drop in nine years. In South Korea and Japan, it dropped by 34 and 43 points, respectively.

Once again, banks and financial services declined in trust, and were the two least trusted sectors with France, Spain, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea recording the most severe drops. Technology remained the most trusted sector globally.

Media, the one institution to see an increase, saw its global trust level rise above 50 percent. It experienced significant regional upticks in India (20 points), the U.S. (18 points), the UK (15 points), Italy (12 points) and Australia (11 points).

“As the media landscape dimensionalises and delivers a wider range of options, it is becoming more trusted,” said Alan VanderMolen, President and CEO, Global Practices and Diversified Insights Business, Edelman. “The media also did an exceptional job this past year of covering the financial problems throughout the EU.”

In Japan, site of last March’s earthquake and subsequent nuclear disaster, trust fell severely in three of the four institutions including government (down 26 points), media (12 points), and NGOs (21 points) . That loss of trust extended to five industry sectors, including energy (down 46 points), media (21 points), banks (20 points) and financial services (17 points).

“The fragility of trust was never more evident than this past year in Japan, where the government’s lack of leadership and the local utility’s poor transparency revealed huge shortcomings in the command-and-control approach to communications,” said Mr. Edelman.

Traditional media and online search engines are the most trusted sources of information for people searching for general news and information, new product information, news on an environmental crisis, and company announcements. Traditional media, TV, newspapers, and magazines are still the most trusted sources of information, according to the Barometer.

Among 18 – 29 year olds, digital media is the most popular source for general news and information.

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

Trust in government suffers a severe trust breakdown across the globe among informed publics. Only 33% of Australians trust government to do what is right. For Australian informed publics, trust is higher at 47 per cent.
60% of Australians do not trust government leaders to tell the truth.
Business leaders are more trusted than government leaders to tell the truth in 24 of the 25 countries surveyed. In Australia, trust in business as an institution sits at 45%.
Globally, CEO credibility declined 12 points to 38 percent, its biggest drop in nine years amongst informed publics. Only 35% of Australians trust CEOs as a company spokesperson.
“A person like yourself” rises as a credible spokesperson amongst informed publics with an increase of 31 percentage points.
Technology ranks as the most trusted industry sector in Australia and globally.
Trust in various business industries is up amongst Australian informed publics. Even the least trusted industries saw increases (i.e. Banks at a 50% trust level are up 17 percentage points from 2011 amongst informed public)
Trust in the institution of media is up amongst the Australian informed public; an 11 per cent increase to 43%, although this is still the least trusted institution in Australia. Only 33% of the Australian general population trusts the media.
Social media has seen a dramatic surge with a 75 per cent increase globally among informed publics.
Australians are ‘neutral’ in trust. Its trust composite score (average trust in all four institutions) is 53.

1 For the first time in 2012, the Edelman Trust Barometer contrasts the views of the Australian general population (n=1,000 Ages 18+) with the survey’s traditional Trust respondent group of “Informed Publics” (high income, college-educate Australians who read or watch business/news media and follow public policy issues; n=200).

Will Collie appointed Director of Edelman Healthcare practice

Tue, Feb 07 2012

Under Will’s lead, Edelman’s health portfolio will broaden its focus from traditional media relations and issues management to four additional areas: patient engagement, stakeholder planning, social media health strategy, and digital pharmacovigilance.

Will has over ten years experience spanning the health and wellness and consumer marketing sectors and most recently was Senior Manager External Affairs for global pharmaceutical company Sanofi, where his responsibilities included the management of all proactive and reactive public relations, issues management and media activity for the Australian and New Zealand affiliate.

Previously within Australia, Will has held roles at Weber Shandwick and PPR and joins Edelman having been a member of the Medicines Australia Media Working Group for the last three years.

Will has worked in various sectors of health including diabetes, oncology, multiple sclerosis, renal and cardiovascular disease and was awarded Best PR Campaign in 2010 and 2011 for the pharmaceutical industry’s PRIME Awards for his work in vaccines and smoking cessation.

Will presents regularly at industry conferences and in 2011 delivered insights at the inaugural Digital Pharma Conference and the Australian Research Collaboration Service (ARCS) Conference, on the role of public relations practitioners in delivering social media strategy to the Australian pharmaceutical industry.

Will’s return to agency will see him work across a portfolio of current Edelman clients including: Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, Sanofi Pasteur, the Baker IDI, and Reckitt Benckiser while actively growing the division’s footprint. He will be reporting directly into Michelle Hutton, CEO of Edelman Australia.

“We’re delighted to welcome Will to Edelman Australia,” said Michelle Hutton. “We have long been recognised as a leader in healthcare communication here and internationally and under Will’s direction we will continue to refresh and evolve our offer.”

Saunders & Co PR Goes Global

Fri, Feb 03 2012

Global Lifestyle PR network, SERMO signs up Saunders & Co

SERMO, the first ever global lifestyle pr network founded in 2010 by Talk PR (UK), part of the M&C Saatchi group, has today signed leading Australian PR consultancy Saunders & Co.

The SERMO network is made up of independent PR consultancies that are particularly experienced and connected in the fashion, beauty & lifestyle sectors. The networkʼs founding partners, Talk PR (UK), Me & Us (France), Nike Communication (US) & Nota Bene (Spain) were joined by partners in Greece, Brazil, Russia, India and Hong Kong in 2011. The move into Australia and Germany in 2012, takes the number of countries SERMO operates across to 11, spanning five continents with 15 offices worldwide.

The network allows its agencies to deliver a truly global offering to international clients whilst retaining a unique entrepreneurial and boutique approach. SERMO agencies have created stand out international and local PR campaigns and events for clients including Vertu, American Express, Procter & Gamble, Rolls Royce, Swarovski, Tag Heuer, United Colors of Benetton and Yves Saint Laurent.

Jane Boardman, CEO of Talk PR comments “This is a great start to 2012, continuing the forward momentum of SERMOʼs growth. Saunders & Co is a great fit for the network and operate in important markets for global clients. Presence in Australia will increase SERMOʼs exceptional depth of understanding of the global lifestyle sector and will add value to all of the agencies clientʼs businesses.”

Saunders & Co is a privately owned company and founded by respected marketer Gary Saunders. Gary has recently brought in business partner Raffaele DʼAlisa to steer the agency operations. Saunders & Co have produced outstanding brand building PR campaigns for clients including P&G Beauty, SK-II, Pantene, Clairol, Mecca Cosmetica, Essie and Invisalign.

Gary Saunders comments, “SERMO will ensure that our existing clients benefit from the scale and stature of a major international agency, while maintaining the hands-on approach our clients have always known.

This is also a fantastic opportunity for the Saunders & Co team to further develop our offering and explore global opportunities for our clients.”

Fleishman-Hillard Appoints Veteran Brian West to New Asian and Global

Thu, Feb 02 2012

Fleishman-Hillard International Communications today announced the appointment of corporate communications veteran Brian West to the newly created role of managing director and partner, reputation management, Asia Pacific.

Based in Singapore, West will also co-lead the global crisis communications practice and response team for Fleishman-Hillard. With more than 30 years experience in consultancy, corporate and government roles, his appointment is the latest in a series of strategic regional appointments by the firm.

“As one of the world’s top crisis management firms, on any given day our crisis experts are managing dozens of major issues across our global network,” said Fleishman-Hillard President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Senay. “We are becoming the first stop for clients seeking around-the-clock, around-the- world support that’s instantly switched on when they need us. Brian will strengthen our cutting-edge, systematic approach in response to rapidly expanding client needs.”

“Brian brings not only an illustrious record of success for clients everywhere he has worked, but also an astonishingly long list of crises managed, in Australia and across Asia Pacific,” said Fleishman-Hillard Asia Pacific President Lynne Anne Davis. “Brian’s return to on-the-ground consulting in Asia will enhance our firm’s already strong offering in reputation management, thought leadership, corporate citizenship and strategic long-term engagement of key stakeholders. We are thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”

West has advised global and regional corporations spanning many industries, as well as a number of governments, and his expertise includes managing one of the largest corporate mergers in the history of the region. He ran Hill and Knowlton’s Asia Pacific business from 1991 to mid-2005 and sat on the agency’s global board. Brian also managed a number of regional clients and drove many thought leadership initiatives. Returning to Australia for family reasons, he consulted to a number of large financial institutions and then joined Australian Rugby Union as general manager, government and media.

Most recently West ran Burson-Marsteller Australia for more than four years. He resigned from this position November 1, 2011 and commences his new role at Fleishman-Hillard today, reporting to Davis.

Over the years, West has worked with large financial corporations and high-profile government infrastructure departments to establish in-house communication functions or re-orient existing teams, as well as to spearhead major strategic initiatives. He has served as internal public affairs counsel to many clients and as a company spokesperson for companies facing litigation and other issues.

Edelman Australia hires Will Collie to lead new Healthcare portfolio

Thu, Feb 02 2012

Edelman Australia yesterday announced the appointment of Will Collie as Director of its Healthcare practice based in Sydney.

Under Will’s lead, Edelman’s health portfolio will broaden its focus from traditional media relations and issues management to four additional areas: patient engagement, stakeholder planning, social media health strategy, and digital pharmacovigilance.

Will has over ten years experience spanning the health and wellness and consumer marketing sectors and most recently was Senior Manager External Affairs for global pharmaceutical company Sanofi, where his responsibilities included the management of all proactive and reactive public relations, issues management and media activity for the Australian and New Zealand affiliate.

Previously within Australia, Will has held roles at Weber Shandwick and PPR and joins Edelman having been a member of the Medicines Australia Media Working Group for the last three years.

Will has worked in various sectors of health including diabetes, oncology, multiple sclerosis, renal and cardiovascular disease and was awarded Best PR Campaign in 2010 and 2011 for the pharmaceutical industry’s PRIME Awards for his work in vaccines and smoking cessation.

Will presents regularly at industry conferences and in 2011 delivered insights at the inaugural Digital Pharma Conference and the Australian Research Collaboration Service (ARCS) Conference, on the role of public relations practitioners in delivering social media strategy to the Australian pharmaceutical industry.

Will’s return to agency will see him work across a portfolio of current Edelman clients including: Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, Sanofi Pasteur, the Baker IDI, and Reckitt Benckiser while actively growing the division’s footprint. He will be reporting directly into Michelle Hutton, CEO of Edelman Australia.

“We’re delighted to welcome Will to Edelman Australia,” said Michelle Hutton. “We have long been recognised as a leader in healthcare communication here and internationally and under Will’s direction we will continue to refresh and evolve our offer.”

HTC launches Australia's first 4G smartphone

Wed, Jan 25 2012

Yesterday HTC launched Australia’s first 4G smartphone, the HTC Velocity 4G, available exclusively for the Telstra 4G network.

An innovation in mobile phone technology, the unveiling was done in spectacular fashion Monday night, at Maurice Terzini’s latest restaurant, Neild Avenue.

The sleek, and speedy device was reflected through the venue’s dark and uber chic interior, and its very own custom made Velocity cocktail.

For the first 4G device to be launched in Australia, HTC invited Jesinta Campbell to host the event, Dan Single to DJ and a range of celebrities, VIPs, technology, fashion and consumer media to attend.

“We are extremely proud to launch the HTC Velocity 4G as the first ever 4G smartphone in Australia with Telstra," said Ben Hodgson, Country Manager, HTC Australia and New Zealand.

"HTC Velocity 4G really brings to life Telstra's extraordinarily fast 4G network. Just about everything is instantaneous, from website browsing and streaming multimedia to rich email attachments that you no longer have to wait for.”

Guests included Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett from Romance was Born, Adam Goodes and Ted Richards from the Sydney Swans, Kirrily Johnston, Nova 969’s Scott Dooley, Angus McDonald from Sneaky Sound System, Jim Finn from Art vs Science and Channel V VJ, Danny Clayton.

The device was subtly integrated into the event through “real life scenarios”, in which guests could experience the device working to its full potential via video messaging, web browsing and emailing.

Guests enjoyed being amongst the first to experience the HTC Velocity 4G revolution, and heralding in a new era in communication.

Foraco Engages Fleishman-Hillard As Communications Agency Of Record

Wed, Jan 25 2012

Foraco International SA (TSX: FAR) (the “Company” or “Foraco”), a leading global provider of diversified drilling services, announced today it has engaged Fleishman-Hillard, one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, to partner in the development of a communication strategy to communicate relevant company news to key stakeholders.

“Foraco is a company that operates on the founding principles of integrity, innovation, and involvement,” says Daniel Simoncini, Chairman and CEO of Foraco. “We have a long history of high performance, our employees do outstanding work and are an incredibly talented, yet our achievements have not yet been widely shared. This year marks our 50th anniversary; this is the perfect time to share our achievements and celebrate Foraco’s contributions to the drilling industry.”

Foraco was founded in the early 1960’s and has grown both organically and through acquisition by proving itself as an industry leader in drilling for the mining sector.

“We made the decision to engage Fleishman-Hillard not merely to highlight Foraco’s work but to raise awareness of the drilling industry and the intricacies of this business,” says Jean-Pierre Charmensat, Vice-CEO and CFO of Foraco. “The business of drilling is absolutely crucial to a successful mining project, and it’s rewarding work for our employees because they really have the opportunity to demonstrate their highly diverse and sophisticated skill sets.”

Fleishman-Hillard’s mandate will cover Foraco’s key regions and will focus on internal and external communications. The company will be appearing at this year’s Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention March 4th to 7th, 2012 where Mr. Simoncini, Mr. Charmensat, and their team will be sharing company news in more depth.

“From pioneering new technology, to providing fresh water for communities in need, to investing in a strong and stable workforce, Foraco is more than just a drilling company,” says Bill Walker, General Manager of Fleishman-Hillard Toronto. “We are excited to help share the rich history, current projects, as well as communicate Foraco’s plans for the road ahead, and reshape what a drilling company means in the eyes of its stakeholders.”

MAGNUS strengthens senior team with appointment of Ian Pope

Wed, Jan 25 2012

MAGNUS Investor Relations + Corporate Communication has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of senior corporate communication professional, Ian Pope, as a Director.

With more than 11 years’ experience in corporate communication, media relations, reputation management and strategic counsel, Ian joins MAGNUS as co-lead of the company’s Sydney office. He joins John Gardner (founder and Managing Director) and Dudley White as directors of the firm.

During a career spanning the UK and Australia, Ian has developed a strong track record in managing strategic communication programs and providing executive counsel to a range of firms domestically and internationally. His primary experience covers the corporate and financial services sectors, including private equity, insurance, property, investment banking, fund management and financial technology.

Stuart Kelly joins Hill & Knowlton

Wed, Jan 25 2012

Hill & Knowlton is delighted to announce that Stuart Kelly has joined its Corporate & Financial Services team as Associate Director.

Stuart comes to Hill & Knowlton with more than 15 years’ experience in media and in corporate and financial communication, with particular expertise in investor relations working in both in-house and agency roles.

A former financial journalist, Stuart joins Hill & Knowlton from a Sydney-based public relations firm, where he worked on a range of listed and unlisted clients in the financial services, technology, resources, utilities and government sectors. His previous roles included Director, Corporate Affairs for one of the world’s largest listed healthcare technology companies, and more than five years at Bloomberg News, where he drove coverage of Asian investment markets and the Australian financial services industry.

H&K Managing Director, Sue Cook, said: “Stuart will be a great asset to our team. He is a strong hire with a wealth of experience particularly in investor relations, financial services and corporate communication.”

Stuart holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Rhodes University in South Africa and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cape Town.

He will report to Catriona Booth, Strategic Counsel, Corporate & Financial Services.

Hill & Knowlton appointed as Wrigley Pacific communications agency

Wed, Jan 25 2012

Hill & Knowlton today announced its appointment by The Wrigley Company as its communications agency in the Pacific region, following a competitive pitch.

Kristen Young, Wrigley Pacific’s Senior Manager - Corporate Affairs, said: “Following a rigorous pitch process, I am very pleased that Hill & Knowlton will be our communication partners in 2012.

“The H&K team’s demonstrated ability to turn communication activities into measurable business results was a key factor in their appointment. Their passion for, and understanding of, the food industry and our specific business needs were evident in the mix of strategic thought leadership and creative concepts that they presented during the pitch process.”

Ms Sue Cook, Managing Director at Hill & Knowlton, said: “The Wrigley account is a very important client to add to our food portfolio, with an exciting mix of consumer, healthcare, business to business and digital communications opportunities.”

Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, will be serviced by Hill & Knowlton’s food+life team, a multi-disciplinary communications offer that combines consumer, health, dietitian, public affairs, corporate and digital expertise.

Ms Cook said the food+life offer reflects growing demand from the food and beverage industry for integrated stakeholder communications.

BENCH PR Hires IDG Journalist

Wed, Jan 25 2012

BENCH PR has appointed Lisa Banks, ex IDG journalist, to work on the agency’s growing list of IT clients. She has been appointed to the position of senior consultant.

Banks was a journalist at IDG Communications until December 2011, writing for CIO, ComputerWorld and TechWorld. She will work from BENCH PR’s new Adelaide office.

Established in 2008, BENCH PR specialises in developing and implementing communications programs for technology and online businesses. In 2011, BENCH PR added The Attachmate Group, C3 Business Solutions, Zendesk, Xero and Lockbox to its client list.

“I’m excited to be working with Jocelyn and her team this year,” said Lisa. “BENCH PR is one of the few PR agencies that I respected when I was a journalist at IDG. They specialise in IT and have all worked in the sector for many years, so understand the technology, the different angles journalists want and most importantly what makes a good story. Jocelyn has given me the opportunity to work from Adelaide and I’m looking forward to working for some exciting clients in 2012,” continued Banks.

Prior to IDG, Banks spent 18 months in communication roles at Creative Territory in the Northern Territory and The City of Tea Tree Gully in South Australia.

“Lisa is a true professional, has an excellent understanding of the ICT sector and is an accomplished writer. She is also passionate about start-ups and challenger brands, which make up the majority of our client base, but most of all she’s good fun and no doubt will be a great asset to the team,” said Jocelyn Hunter, Managing Director, BENCH PR.

Hill & Knowlton to lead PR program for Bayer Animal Health portfolio

Wed, Jan 25 2012

Hill & Knowlton today announced its appointment by Bayer Australia as the communications agency for its Animal Health portfolio. The partnership follows a competitive pitch.

Hill & Knowlton will take responsibility for developing an integrated communications strategy including consumer awareness, professional education and social media platforms, to support Bayer’s companion animal products for cats and dogs.

Ms Reich Webber-Montenegro, Marketing Manager for the Bayer Animal Health portfolio, said: “The team at H&K completely understood our brands and provided us with excellent strategic insights, creative thinking and a communications program that can be truly integrated into our 2012 marketing activities.”

Ms Sue Cook, Managing Director at Hill & Knowlton, said: “Key for Bayer is their understanding that for Australians their pets are part of the family. Having a pet can be rewarding and fun, but it also means taking responsibility for their health. Animal health is a significant industry in Australia and Bayer is a leader in this field.

“We are delighted to have been chosen by Bayer to help support their companion animal brands, which include Advantage®, Advantix®, Advocate®, Drontal®, Kiltrix® and Profender® amongst others.”

The account will be led by Associate Director Polly Lutter and supported by an integrated team with consumer, health, creative and digital expertise.

Scholarship search for star standouts

Wed, Jan 25 2012

The road along the corporate ladder can be a difficult journey and to help female leaders of the future best prepare themselves behind closed doors is searching for the star candidate for its 2012 Luminaries Scholarship.

With the scholarship now in its second year, Program Manager Debra Long, said it was the perfect opportunity for women to expand their leadership and management skills in preparation for the next step in their career.

“The scholarship takes the form of an annual membership in the behind closed doors Luminaries Program run in South Australia and is valued at more than $5000,” Ms Long said.

“The Luminaries Program was created in response to a growing need by emerging women in leadership who are interested in moving into executive roles, to have a support network where they can discuss professional challenges, ideas and insights in a totally confidential environment and encourage each other to extend themselves further to achieve and succeed in their careers.

“The scholarship winner will join a group that is facilitated by one of SA’s leading businesswomen, Linda Bowes, and can draw on her experience working in senior management and chief executive roles in marketing, real estate, local government, the wine industry and the arts.”

Handing over the scholarship reigns is 2011 Winner Melissa Mailler, the Executive Assistant to Crows CEO Steven Trigg.

Ms Mailler said the past 12 months had been a life-changing experience full of learnings and opportunities which had helped to further her career and networks.

“I encourage professional women to put themselves forward and apply for this exceptional opportunity,” she said.

The group meets 10 times a year from February to November with each daytime session running for three hours at an Adelaide CBD boardroom.

As part of the eligibility criteria, applicants must be businesswomen currently working in a leadership or people management role and aspire to move into an executive management position and/or female business owners who are leading a team of employees.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm, Thursday, January 19 2012, with the winner announced at the behind closed doors “Back to Business” dinner on Thursday, February 16 2012.

More information on the scholarship can be found here.

Unicus launches brand new website

Wed, Jan 25 2012

Leading boutique investor and media relations, corporate and transaction communications firm, Unicus Group (“Unicus”), today announced it has launched a brand new corporate website: www.unicusgroup.com.au.

The new Unicus website platform incorporates the latest technology, innovative design, ease
of navigation and ubiquitous communications connectivity tools.

Unicus Managing Director, David Loch, said: “Our new website provides a simple, effective and interactive tool to connect with customers (both existing and prospective), referrers, intermediaries, financial and media community and other interested parties.”

“The new site also showcases our comprehensive and complementary communications solutions based on unique experience, sound judgment, creativity and tactical thinking.”

“On behalf of Unicus, I would also like to thank our graphic design and web development partner, HOOF, for their support, dedication and collaboration during this important development project,” David Loch added.

Prior to the recent formation of Unicus, the firm’s collective experience included the provision of strategic communications advice and counsel to over 50 ASX and overseas listed companies from high growth start-ups to large global companies.

For more information, please visit: www.unicusgroup.com.au
Connect with Unicus: Skype, Twitter and Facebook

Fr Bob leads the hunt for Australia's first Stay Smart Online Agents

Wed, Jan 25 2012

The Federal Government has launched its first ever national ambassador search to encourage Australians to Stay Smart Online.

Created by Porter Novelli Melbourne, the initiative will find two Australians to become the country’s first Stay Smart Online agents and be the face of National Cyber Security Awareness Week in June 2012.

The search will be led by 2011 Victorian of the Year Father Bob Maguire, who features in an online video trailer released today. The initiative will be featured on the competition entry site and supported online via the Stay Smart Online blog, Facebook page and YouTube channel. Launch activity nationwide will include street posters, stencil chalking, Avant Card postcard distribution and media relations.

Sphere Public Relations Wins Fast Growing Digital Agency Reborn

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Fri, Dec 2 2011

Sphere Public Relations, a boutique PR consultancy specialising in the technology, digital and travel sectors is pleased to welcome independently owned digital agency, Reborn to its portfolio of clients. Based in Sydney, Reborn is one of Australia’s fastest growing digital agencies, which specialises in lifestyle brands.

“It’s exciting to be working with such a dynamic and fast growing digital agency. We are looking forward to helping Reborn spread the word about the great work the agency is doing for its amazing portfolio of clients,” said Louise Roberts, Managing Director of Sphere Public Relations.

Sphere Public Relations and its team of consultants have worked with the digital industry for many years in Australia and the UK.

“We’ve had a great relationship over the past two years with global digital agency Reactive, which has recently taken its PR in-house, so this gave us the opportunity to work with what we believe is one of the digital industry’s most exciting agencies,” said Louise Roberts.

Co-founder and Managing Director of Reborn, Sabir Samtani said: “Reborn is entering an exciting growth phase for the agency and we are really passionate about the digital industry and the work we do for our clients, so we appointed Sphere PR to enable us to showcase this. We strive to get the best results for our clients, so we were really enthusiastic about working with a reputable PR agency that shared the same values.”

The Reborn account is being headed up by Louise Roberts, supported by Sydney based Account Director, Lara Dawson.

BENCH PR to represent Attachmate, Novell, NetIQ and SUSE

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Fri, Dec 2 2011

BENCH PR has extended its PR contract for Attachmate, Novell, NetIQ and SUSE, operating units of the Attachmate Group in Australia and New Zealand.

BENCH PR had previously worked with both Attachmate and NetIQ before the acquisition of Novell in April earlier this year. The Attachmate Group now consists of four distinct IT brands and BENCH PR will drive the PR program for all four business units across the ANZ region.

“We really enjoyed working with the teams at Attachmate and NetIQ and are thrilled to win the contract to support all four business units moving forwards. Naturally there has been a lot of change over recent months, but there are some exciting developments coming down the track and some fantastic opportunities for the group in Australia and New Zealand and across the Asia Pacific region,” said Jocelyn Hunter, managing director, BENCH PR.

The BENCH PR team for Attachmate, Novell, NetIQ and SUSE includes Jocelyn Hunter, Jessica Sealby and Michelle Bong.

The Attachmate Group is the last in a series of 2011 account wins for BENCH PR. Over the past few months the company has added Zendesk, Xero and Lockbox to its portfolio of clients.

Samsung Electronics Australia Statement - Lambro Skropidis

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Thu, Dec 1 2011

Samsung Electronics Australia has confirmed that Mr Lambro Skropidis has resigned from the company. Mr Skropidis has held the role of Head of Marketing, Corporate Marketing Division, and had been with the company since May 2008.

During his tenure the Samsung brand locally has grown by 55% in awareness terms, and by 140% in brand preference according to Samsung’s own research. It is now arguably the largest and most influential brand in the consumer electronics industry.

Samsung Electronics Australia Managing Director, Mr S.R. Yoon, expressed his sincere thanks to Mr Skropidis.

Mr Skropidis’ resignation takes effect from December 1, 2011.

Samsung has commenced an executive search in Australia and overseas for Mr Skropidis’ replacement.

In the meantime, all Corporate Marketing related enquiries should be directed to Jai Sanderson, Corporate Communications Manager.

Michelle McGrath joins health practice at Hill & Knowlton

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Nov 30 2011

Hill & Knowlton (H&K) has strengthened its award-winning health practice with the appointment of Michelle McGrath to its Sydney office.

Michelle McGrath joins Hill & Knowlton as an Account Manager, bringing with her over four years health and lifestyle experience in the UK, as well as digital communications expertise.

Michelle will support Melissa Chlad, Health Director, and other communications specialists on an extensive portfolio of clients and following several new business wins.

Prior to joining H&K, McGrath held the position of Account Manager at London-based agency The Communication Group, where she was responsible for strategic planning, media relations, copywriting , branding, marketing, and event management for a number of clients including Capio Nightingale Hospital, Preventicum Centre of Preventive Medicine, Dubai Tourism and the London College of Fashion.

Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Manchester, UK.

Melissa Chlad, Health Practice Director at Hill & Knowlton said; “Michelle is a very strong addition to our health division, bringing expertise in consumer health and health provider communications, as well as a strong digital communications skill set. With a range of existing health clients across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare provider and government sectors, we look forward to continuing to offer our clients the highest level of expertise.”

Samsung Appoints New PR Manager for Australian Business

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Tue, Nov 29 2011

Samsung Electronics Australia today announced the appointment of Richard Noble as PR Manager for the Australian business.

A senior communications consultant with over 12 years’ experience developing and implementing public relations strategies, Noble has worked across a broad range of categories in Australia and globally. Following a successful stint as Group Director for the Consumer Practice of Professional Public Relations working with Emirates, MasterCard and Dell, Noble has been developing corporate, consumer and internal communications strategies for a number of Australian businesses including National Australia Bank and Gloria Jean’s Coffees.

According to Jai Sanderson, Samsung Electronics Corporate Communications Manager, Noble will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s external communications strategy for Australia and managing the relationship with agency partner, Edelman.

Jai Sanderson said, “Richard joins the Corporate Marketing team at Samsung at a very exciting time, with a number of groundbreaking launches and announcements imminent. The communications experience he brings from a diverse range of industries will prove invaluable to the team’s strategic planning and campaign execution.”

Results of survey - State of Play: Social Media in Corporate Australia

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Fri, Nov 25 2011

In preparation for the Social Media & Communications Summit that took place in Sydney this month, SR7 and Thinque undertook a ground-breaking research project into the use of social media in corporate Australia.

The project identified and analysed the key trends, risks and opportunities shaping social media usage in Australia.

The State of Play: social media in corporate Australia 2011/12 Report has been compiled to follow the well-recognised SWOT approach to considering business challenges and opportunities. It covers strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with social media nominated by survey respondents.

The report provides participants and delegates with insights into the current trends amongst some of Australia’s leading corporations, government departments and NGOs in relation to the usage of social media and its integration into the business plans of various organisations.

Read the report.

Aussie brands branch-out to Chinese social media

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Fri, Nov 25 2011

More Australian brands are seeking to establish a presence on Chinese social media platforms according to Andrew Collins, director of online communications agency, Mailman. The Shanghai-headquartered company has recently opened an office in Melbourne due to an increasing demand among Australian brands looking to engage Chinese customers in Australia - and in China.

Mailman’s international clients include Citibank, American Airlines and Liverpool FC, with a growing Australian client base in the AFL and Victorian Government.

Commenting on the rise in Chinese social media campaigns, Andrew Collins said: “Australian brands are seeing the business benefits of engaging with customers on Facebook and Twitter and are now recognising the opportunity to do the same with their Chinese-speaking customer base on Q-zone and Weibo.

“With 235 million people on Chinese social media platforms, they are growing at a rate that surpasses many of their western equivalents - and in terms of scale they are among the most significant platforms in the world. More importantly, Chinese social media users interact and engage with brands much more than the users of Facebook or Twitter do,” Collins continued.

Recent statistics* state that almost 80 per cent of Chinese internet users believe a social media presence makes a brand more attractive and 81 per cent of Chinese youth check online comments before making a purchase decision.

“Most of the enquiries we get from Australia are from brand managers and digital marketers seeking advice on how to target the Chinese market. The first question is usually about which platforms they should use.

“The platforms are different and the language is different, but the rules of engagement are predominantly the same as what they’re used to with Facebook and Twitter,” said Collins.

Statistical snap-shot of Chinese social media:

There are currently 235 million social media users in China (a year on year growth of 33%):

Half are in their 20s
34 per cent log in every single day
27 per cent have created a profile on 5 or more sites
87 per cent have ‘friended’ or follow brands
The number of registered users on QQ, the number one Chinese instant messenger site is 636 million – roughly as many as the world wide audience of Facebook
481 million are registered on Q-zone (social network)
70 million are registered on renren (social network)
200+ million are registered on Sina Weibo (micro blog)
Facebook and Twitter do not exist in China

Andrew Collins said the biggest growth area is among brands that are targeting tourists or students from China: “The combined effect of a large Chinese population in Australia and the huge Chinese tourism and student market means Aussie brands can’t really ignore the opportunity to market to a high-volume and highly-engaged online audience,” Collins concluded.

According to ABS data, there are approximately 670,000 people of Chinese birth or descent living in Australia, in addition, Tourism Australia states the Chinese market was worth $3.26 billion in total expenditure in 2010 with the potential to grow to between $7.4 billion and $9 billion by 2020.

'Social Sofa' drives reality TV engagement

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Nov 23 2011

A newly launched research report has revealed ‘the social sofa’ has become the new norm for Reality Television viewers, with fans flocking online to communicate about reality shows and obtain information about them.

In 2011 people watched more television then ever and the online social media phenomenon that has occurred over the past two year has been a factor in influencing people’s viewing habits.

The report Reality Rules – Reality TV Viewer Insights Survey 2011 has found 67 percent of Reality TV fans use some form of social media whilst they were watching reality TV shows.

Reality TV expert Emma Ashton of Reality Ravings, and social insights specialist, and consumer psychologist Julie Houston of Nitty Gritty Research, have conducted Australia’s first survey examining Reality TV fans viewing habits and attitudes.

The Reality TV Insights Survey carried out online with over 400 viewers nationally found 38 percent of viewers interacted on Facebook, and 35 percent of fans were on Twitter whilst the show was screening.

Additionally, the study revealed Facebook and blogs remain at the top of the social media hierarchy, with more fans using both to discuss their favourite shows.

“Viewers clearly like the social nature of the format of reality TV, and people using social media during or after a reality TV episode are more likely to become an entrenched fan of show,” said Emma Ashton.

“These fans who are using ‘the social sofa’ are more likely to watch the shows more regularly, and get emotionally involved with the series and with the contestants” said Ms Ashton

The Reality Rules report also showed casting and editing of reality shows was crucial to a show’s success.

“Eighty-four percent (84%) of viewers said they found it easy to get emotionally involved with these shows, and 72 percent enjoyed seeing drama and controversy between contestants,”

“If Networks and Production Companies get the right mix of contestants which resonates with the viewer, as well a some drama either on or off screen, then they are well on the way to having a hit reality TV show,” Ms Ashton of Reality Ravings said.

Findings demonstrate that brand placement was extremely effective with 93 per cent of respondents admitting to being influenced by the advertising and information in the shows.

Ninety-eight percent (98%) of viewers made an association with brands aired during Reality TV viewing.

The top brands recognised during the survey (which was conducted in August 2011) were:

• Coles
• Qantas
• Handee Wipes
• Freedom
• Woolworths

“Advertisers are definitely getting more for their money by aligning with reality shows. This research revealed that a show’s sponsors were very well recognised by viewers, even well after the series had finished screening,” Ms Houston said.

“Reality TV viewers like the information they receive from reality shows, this would indicate they are more receptive to brand placement and lifestyle messaging then other formats.”

“With the high number of viewers interacting in the social media and online, advertisers need to rethink the advertising opportunity, extending it to a conversation with the consumer after the show has finished airing.

“Also innovation within advertising space is increasingly important as the research showed 68 percent of viewers fast forwarded through the advertisements and eight percent watched shows online.

“The more effective advertising within Reality TV will offer useful content and integrate well with the show rather than employ the traditional model which has been more about disrupting the consumer with a brand spruik and memorable tag line.” Ms Houston of Nitty Gritty Research said.

The full report on dedicated Reality TV insights research can be found at www.realityravings.com or www.nittygritty.net.au

James Griffin, recognised as NSW Young Business Person of the Year

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Nov 23 2011

Young entrepreneur, James Griffin, has been recognised with the Young Business Person of the Year Award at the NSW Business Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner at the Sydney Town Hall on Friday night.

Young Business Person of the Year identifies an inspirational young person aged between 18 – 30 years old who, through their own commitment and passion, has built a successful business. This award acknowledges young business leaders who demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic direction, and innovative ideas whilst providing inspiration to a new generation of upcoming young business people.

James Griffin was recognised with the Award for his achievements in building his company, SR7 Social Media. While at university, James recognised a niche opportunity to help business manage their social media reputation. Since starting the business in 2008, SR7 now works with national and global companies providing support and advice that is uniquely Australian.

“Congratulations to James Griffin on being recognised by his peers as the business person of the year,” said Eddie Reginato, Sydney North NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager.

“James has seen an opportunity in the tremendous change in the way we communicate through social media to provide a service to businesspeople trying to grapple with the new reality of communicating with customers.”

James Griffin said he was honoured to be recognised by the NSW Business Chamber as the Young Business Person of the Year.

“SR7 provides business with social media intelligence and that helps them to understand what consumers and interest groups are saying about their products and services,” Mr Griffin said.

“I’d like to think that this is encouragement to any young person who’s had a novel idea that with a bit of hard work and faith you can turn it into something that will sustain you.”

The Young Business Person of the Year Award was sponsored by NRMA BusinessWise.

Res Publica Appoints New Account Director

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Thu, Nov 3 2011

Res Publica has strengthened its senior team, hiring a new Account Director to join its consumer and lifestyle division.

Sarah Kittel will work across key clients including Lion, Popina, Unilever and Priceline. Prior to joining Res Publica, Sarah worked on a range of multidiscipline campaigns for major consumer and commodity brands in the United States including Campbell Soup Company, McCormick, Kellogg’s, Chiquita, National Pork Board and Milk PEP (Got Milk?). With strong experience in digital strategy development, Sarah has frequently combined the strengths of traditional and social media to deliver maximum results for a variety of campaigns.

Res Publica’s Director, Melissa Cullen, said “We’re always on the hunt for top talent so we are very excited to have Sarah join the Res Publica team and once again expand our consumer and lifestyle offering.”

State of Social Media Survey

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Nov 2 2011

In preparation for the Social Media & Communications Summit, SR7 and Thinque are undertaking a ground-breaking research project into the use of social media in corporate Australia.

The project will identify and analyse the key trends, risks and opportunities shaping social media usage in Australia.

This survey is an opportunity to participate in a landmark study into the use and application of social media by Australian businesses and governments.

The State of Social Media Survey takes only five minutes and your input is critical to providing a greater understanding about social media usage and behaviour in our market.

Please click here to participate in the State of Social Media 2011 survey. The survey closes midday on Thursday 3 November.

About the Social Media and Communications Summit

The Summit is for any business leader who is serious about building successful brands online and offline, taking a holistic view on future business opportunities, and wanting to steer an intelligent course in the constantly shifting social media landscape.

SR7 is also offering a special PRIA delegate rate of $995. Find out more.

Social Media Most Influential Channel for B2B

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Thu, Oct 27 2011

First Featured on B & T News and written by Miro Sandev

Social media communication has become the most influential channel for business purchases globally, ahead of face-to-face meetings, conferences, client entertaining or traditional trade advertising in most markets.

When it comes to leading influencers “Conversations with people from a
company/organisation on a social network” ranked highest scoring 15%, according to a global survey conducted by GlobalWebIndex.

The second ranked motivation was “direct mails”, scoring 13%. Among senior decision makers – those at senior manager level and above – conversations were level with “sales presentations”, both scoring 16%.

Conversations online now outrank advertising, direct mailings, webinars, conferences and corporate events while “Branded communities created by the company/organisation” are seen as more influential than corporate events / entertainment the report suggested.

Some markets still favour face-to-face meetings but in Australia, Spain, Argentina, the UK and Japan “online conversations” are most valued over “sales presentations” according to the research.

"Our research highlights the need for B2Bmarketers to have a sophisticated strategy for leveraging the right platforms, empowering their staff to participate and making contact with client decision markers,” said Brett Petersen, senior strategy consultant at GlobalWebIndex.

The research also revealed that B2B decision makers are the most socially active consumers for all markets and demographics. This underlines how fundamental social media has become to B2B marketing.

As of June 2011, global figures show that: 39% of decision-makers had used a micro-blog in the last month versus 22% for the average internet user and 60% had used a social network versus 50% for the average. And despite an already high level of social networking, usage is increased from 41% to 60% over the two years surveyed.

The research was based on interviews with 17,425 purchase decision makers in 27 markets from July 2009 to June 2011, across 14 categories and five different sizes of company.

King Gee and Public City Launch the New Workboardie

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Thu, Oct 27 2011

First Featured on marketingmag.com.au and written by Belle Kwan

Client: King Gee

Agency: Public City

Background

Contrary to what many clients and advertisers believe, the media aren’t sitting around hoping and praying for the launch of a new product to write about. It’s rare that the chief of staff of the Herald Sun will stop his or her busy newsroom, drop the story on the earthquake, turn a blind eye to the ousting of a prime minister, deem a scandal boring and replace them all with a story on a new range or workwear for tradies. Unless, of course, it’s worthy of public interest or seriously entertaining. The news media are often the primary target because it is this sector of the media that has the most influence on the public’s perceptions, opinions and desires.

The mainstream media are extremely powerful when it comes to framing, creating interest and, yes, driving sales in a short space of time. So when KingGee and Public City had the task of launching Workboardie, a dual work and surfboard short for tradesmen, it needed a story strong enough to warrant mainstream media attention and fun enough to inspire them that it could be a human interest story, not just a product shot for the product pages. This was new ground for KingGee at the time. The iconic brand had great resonance with the older tradie, but had lost ground with the younger tradesman in recent times.

The brand needed to build a connection with a younger target to grow and remain relevant to new tradies on the job. The Workboardie was designed for the young tradie who goes to the beach after work, and goes to work in his boardies. Boardies are seen on job sites during the warmer months, because they’re lightweight, comfortable and don’t require a change after work. But they’re not safe and nor are they very professional looking. The Workboardie was therefore built with the same toughness and durability of normal work wear, using a lightweight and quick dry fabric but designed as a board short.

Objectives

Tradesmen between the ages of 17 and 27 were identified as the target audience and the key message to communicate to this group was that the Workboardie was built for performance at work and life at the beach. KingGee’s business objective was to sell 6000 units from October 2009 to February 2010 through public relations only. The product was completely new for KingGee and therefore the budget was kept relatively small, to gauge the market’s interest before mass production. Therefore, another key objective was to give the range a strong foundation for growth. The challenge was to make this product newsworthy. Getting it into new product pages in men’s or tradie magazines was a given, due to its relevance to these sections. But how do you make it mainstream news, without losing focus on the product itself? The other challenge was to do so in a short space of time. Small budgets spread over long periods of time would not make the kind of noise that moves people.

Strategy

Content analysis on tradie-related stories, surf-related stories and the media that both audiences consume, showed little opportunity for a tradie work wear product story in the news. The Workboardie appeal was broadened to encapsulate blue collar and white collar workers – half the population. Credible content had to be created to link the product to the great Aussie culture, in great Aussie larrikin style, ensure the product’s credibility and tough credentials, and position Workboardie as legitimate work and surf wear. The tone of the approach was light – and all content was purposely created to ensure the story was taken as such.

Mainstream tabloids were the prime focus, considering the influence these newspapers have on television and radio. Together, they would elevate the importance and value to the vertical publications.

Execution

The program had three key phases:

create visual conduits for the message
study the differences in the summer lifestyle and beach behaviour of white and blue collar workers to illustrate the need for a Workboardie in Australia, and
encourage trial and seed to the public through giveaways.

Three visual conduits were prepared. First up was a full-size long surfboard, custom-designed to look like a tradie’s workbench on one side, and ‘surfie like’ on the other. The work board side posed the question, ‘What’s built for work and surf?’ This was used as a media send-out to the leading mainstream media, to commence negotiation of story angles. Second was an image of a toolbox with the product inside, on a surfboard, on the sand, at the beach. This was to assist with setting up giveaways, but also provided us with the inspiration for what later became our media kit: a bright red toolbox with all relevant information and product inside.

Finally, and to truly extend the larrikin tone through the release and into the media contacts, a professional image of each public relations consultant had a bikini top superimposed on it – again, demonstrating work and surf. The study formed the crux of the launch. It gave a reflection of Australians’ beach behaviour, from the perspective of male white and blue collar workers. It allowed for enough credibility and scope for an entertaining news story, with true relevance to the product, so as to not make it a pure product (and hence, to the media, boring) story. Tradies were researched on the day media interest was sought – subsequently the authenticity of the spontaneous interviews was genuine.

In this case, it made for a great yarn, and resonated exceptionally well with the varying audiences. Packaged together, the media kit became a visual conduit for the key message: work wear made for work and surf. The content gave it enough credibility to inspire the media to consider a story and each journalist’s individual take on it made for a very interesting read. Giveaways are the bread and butter of any product launch campaign. Supported by light-hearted ideas and given creative free rein, radio stations nationwide had a field day with promo concepts such as ‘tool of the week’ (to win a Workboardie) and ‘wise cracks’ (to win a Workboardie). We even challenged one radio announcer to wear the Workboardie with stilettos to work for one full day, after mispronouncing KingGee. If she could do this, KingGee would give away a Workboardie. Such ideas really appealed to radio – over 10 radio stations ran on-air giveaways, some for over 10 weeks.

Results

The campaign successfully engaged the key KingGee media with coverage spanning 105 different media (TV, print, radio, online). The key message was communicated in 100 percent of coverage and targeted to the core demographic. 80 percent of the coverage came out within the first four weeks of the campaign’s commencement. More than eight million people were reached through media activity over the course of the campaign. KingGee sold out of the Workboardie in the first two weeks of the campaign. Over the course of the campaign (October 2009 to February 2010) 10,819 units were sold, 45 percent more than initially forecast.

Top companies double their social media presence compared to last year

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Oct 26 2011

More than 80 percent of companies listed on The Wall Street Journal’s Asia 200 Index have a corporate social media presence, up from 40 percent last year, according to the 2011 Asia-Pacific Corporate Social Media Study by leading global public relations firm Burson-Marsteller. Showing dramatic growth, the top companies in Asia closed the gap with Fortune 100 companies, where 84 percent of companies use social media channels for corporate marketing and communications.

Overall, however, companies in Asia continue to use social media to ‘push’ news and information at users, rather than engage in discussions, with 33 percent of activity across Asia-Pacific focusing on basic media and influencer outreach, as opposed to engagement on substantive corporate topics such as Corporate Social Responsibility or Thought Leadership. Only nine percent of firms surveyed use corporate blogs for corporate marketing and communications, despite their value in helping explain complex topics.

“More often than not Australian companies are taking a ‘build it and they will come’ approach to social media, creating platforms and populating it with company information and news, without adapting content or tone, based on audience response. It’s for this reason that we’ve seen a low level of audience engagement in this year’s study,” said Carly Yanco, Head of Digital at Burson-Marsteller Australia. “Social media use has evolved significantly in the last two years and companies need to evolve with it. It’s not about the latest feature on your product or a new service offering, it’s about the benefits they provide and the reason people will want to know about it.”

Key findings from the study include:

• 81 percent of top Asian companies have a branded corporate social media presence, over double the figure for 2010 and in line with the 84 percent of Fortune global 100 firms
• 31 percent of companies use at least three social media channels, up from three percent in 2010
• 19 percent of companies still have no official corporate social media presence
• 30 percent of companies use social networks for corporate marketing and communications, up from 20 percent in 2010
• 28 percent of companies use micro-blogs for corporate marketing and communications, up from 18 percent in 2010
• 62 percent of social media channels surveyed were inactive, and the same percentage of companies do
not promote their social media channels on their homepages

“The fact that twice as many Asian multinationals are using branded social media channels this year compared to last underlines the opportunity for global corporate communications on digital platforms based in Asia,” said Bob Pickard, President and CEO of Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific. “Companies in Asia are approaching Western levels of adoption but there’s a long way to go when it comes to community engagement in cultures where ‘face’ remains more important than Facebook.”

The percentage of leading companies in Asia with dedicated video sharing channels is up 50 percent over last year to 12 percent. This is still below the global average of 57 percent as found by the Fortune 100 Social Media Check-up. Video is incredibly popular on the Internet and easily drives conversation, but the great majority of company video sharing channels are product marketing vehicles.

“To reach and persuade stakeholders today, it is not just the vocabulary and tone of corporate marketing and communications that must evolve,” said Bob Pickard. “More important, companies must adopt a mindset that puts listening and acting genuinely and transparently front and centre. And, they must understand how to deal with negative feedback expressed publicly that could resonate and escalate.”

View the Study on Slideshare
View the summary presentation on Slideshare

Industry veterans launch powerhouse event creation company

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Oct 26 2011

A new force in the Australian event production and creation sector has been unveiled this week with the launch of Newlight event creation. Having acquired the business interests of industry stalwarts, Videoplus & Showcorp, the Newlight team is able to draw on the combined experience of over 100 years, delivering a unique ‘one-stop’ event capability for its clients.

Showcorp and Videoplus have produced events, big and small, for its diverse client base across Australia and New Zealand. Both companies have executed some of the country’s largest scale events including most notably, the Singapore Airlines A380 Launch, the NSW Premiers Gala and Christmas Concert Series and the current outdoor emblematic pink building lighting campaign for October’s National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Newlight combines event infrastructure, state of the art technical expertise, creative event experience and delivery capability - all under one roof. Newlight CEO Bob Dewstow said the company was determined to provide fully integrated solutions for its customers under a single offering.

“We’ve brought together some of Australia’s most talented people in the events sector to build a true vision for Newlight that will deliver a vastly improved offering for our customers at all levels of events” Dewstow said.

Creative Director John Meillon Jnr, said the core vision of the new company was to help clients fully deliver on the vital purpose of their event – successful communication – and to execute this in the best possible way.

“A successful event is not just about technical know-how and production delivery, it is about truly conveying the desired message and achieving the outcome for the audience that the client is after - this takes understanding of the key objectives as well as creative execution” he said.

Whether it’s a small business meeting, a big team conference or a gala event, Newlight brings the same event creation vision to the project with an uncompromising capacity to deliver concept, production, technical and creative services.

The company intends to target corporate and government sectors as well as associations and charities across Australia and New Zealand working in cooperation with its network of partners and affiliates.

“We believe that there is more to an event than just bumping in, setting up and operating the AV gear. The communication outcome is paramount and we understand that every element of the production, from concept to delivery, the theme, the content, the ambience and the technical delivery is critical to success.

The key is effectiveness and Showcorp has been a leading brand in event production and Videoplus has been outstanding in its audiovisual delivery of effective conferences and events.”

Meillon said the amalgamation had allowed the company to consider the future of the events sector as a whole with renewed vision.

“An event is so much more than any one of its components, its an investment in an experience and the magic of showbiz puts the sparkle and the results into the ultimate audience response you are seeking – we are looking at all our customer events in this new light and intend to continue to deliver the very best in customer service and event execution that you will find in Australasia” he said.

Meillon said importantly for customers that would mean start to finish services, including post event follow-through to assessing effectiveness, thereby enabling them to continually improve outcomes.

Over the next 12 months Newlight will release several innovative tools to assist event organisers in maximising the outcomes of their events for both delegates and exhibitors. www.newlight.com.au

H&K strengthens health and public affairs offerings with senior hire

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Oct 26 2011

Hill & Knowlton (H&K) has strengthened its award winning Health and Public Affairs offerings with the appointment of Laura Ryan as Associate Director.

A former Federal Government senior adviser and Departmental campaign manager, Ms Ryan has wide experience in the political and communications sectors.

Her most recent role has been working with the Department of Health and Ageing in the communications team. Prior to this she was Press Secretary to the Hon Nicola Roxon, Minister for Health and Ageing, including during the last Federal Election campaign.

She has also served as Media and Senior Policy Adviser to the Hon Alan Griffin, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs; and Campaign Manager and Public Affairs Manager in the Department of Health and Ageing.

Prior to these roles she worked as a producer for ABC Radio in Canberra.

Hill & Knowlton Australia Managing Director, Sue Cook said Ms Ryan’s appointment would not only add depth to the company’s health communications team under the leadership of Health Practice Director, Melissa Chlad, but she would also be a valuable asset to the Public Affairs practice and also work across the business with clients on stakeholder engagement, issues management and media strategy.

“Laura has an impressive track record in effective media liaison and stakeholder relationship development to build improved public awareness of key issues, such as the national health reform agenda,” Ms Cook said.

Tasmanian senior communicator elected to peak national PR body

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Oct 26 2011

Senior Tasmanian communications specialist Nicolas Turner has been elected national president of the peak professionalbody of communicators, the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Nicolas Turner was elected at PRIA’s annual general meeting in Sydney last night.

Nicolas, who is managing director of integrated strategic communications consultancy Corporate Communications (Tas) Pty Ltd, is the third national president to have come from the statewide firm.

In congratulating Nicolas on his election, consultancy chairman Tony Harrison said the fact that he was the third national president to come from the consultancy was testimony to the quality of practitioners in Tasmania in general and from Corporate Communications in particular.

“We are obviously proud of the fact that our peers are recognising the communication strengths of our people and to have three national presidents from the one consultancy, is a particular achievement and unprecedented for PRIA,” Mr Harrison said.

The other former national presidents from Corporate Communications are the consultancy’s founder Greg Ray who is now living interstate and current chairman Tony Harrison, both of whom are Fellows of the PRIA.

“Nicolas’ elevation to head our peak professional body comes at a time when the communications profession is embracing new and exciting challenges with the rise of social media and greater emphasis on more targeted and strategic communications with key stakeholders,” Mr Harrison said.

Nicolas joined Corporate Communications almost 17 years ago after a career in newspaper journalism. He was appointed its managing director last year. Nicolas specialises in media liaison and crisis and issues communication on behalf of the consultancy’s client base. He also conducts its award-winning media training programs that are tailored for clients’ specific needs.

“There is no doubt that this will prove to be challenging times for our profession and the professional body,” Nicolas said.

“With the advent of new communication mediums particularly social media, the role of the professional communicator has changed. While we will never abandon the core communication principles of our profession, we are now adapting to the way social media is impacting on how messages are disseminated. Communication professionals are ensuring that social media is integral to the communication strategies we develop for organisations, businesses, governments of all levels, not for profits and individuals.”

“Now more than ever, communication must be professional, effective and above all ethical.

“PRIA plays a key role in all these areas and I will be using my presidency to enhance our professional body’s role and to ensure we continue to grow our member base so that all sectors can continue to be to confident that they are dealing with communicators who are governed by the highest professional standards and ethics,” Mr Turner said.

Communicado bolsters senior line-up

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Oct 26 2011

On the back of some new business wins Melbourne based Marketing agency Communicado has hired three new Account Directors across PR, Brand Activation and Digital services.

Glenn Hall joins Communicado bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the promotional division having worked across a variety of accounts including Parmalat, Kraft and Hisense.

Kate Hughes, formerly at Bullseye now heads up Communicado digital services with a strong emphasis on social media. With experience across a wide range of integrated digital campaigns in Australia and the UK, Kate has managed accounts including Zoos Victoria, APT and NAB.

Paul Houlihan joins Communicado bringing with him 10 years experience working in PR agency and in-house roles. Paul has extensive experience in consumer PR, having managed the public relations team for global videogame Publisher THQ Asia Pacific for 5 years. Paul’s consumer life style experience includes such brands as Disney, Nickelodeon, WWE and UFC.

EMQ & De Wintern create world's best crisis management team

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Tue, Oct 18 2011

Two of the best practitioners of crisis management, EMQ and The De Wintern Group (De Wintern), have announced a strategic partnership to offer a complete crisis and emergency management service. The two organisations have complementary skills and in-depth knowledge that ensures their clients get the best available crisis management expertise.

The EMQ team are expert technicians with backgrounds that span a range of industries including marine and mining engineering, and various branches of the military and police. EMQ specialises in crisis and emergency operational management systems, tools and training services and has helped some of the largest and most issues rich organisations in the world protect themselves, by empowering them to better manage and prepare for situations and crises that damage reputation. EMQ’s proprietary online platform, called EMQnet, hosts the crisis management systems of many large multinational organisations.

De Wintern manages the strategic communications component of crises management and the team are experts in reputation protection. Managing director David Van has managed some of Australia’s largest crises over the past twenty years and has advised on three Royal Commissions. De Wintern provides clients with reputation resilience by deploying proprietary crisis and issues management tools.

EMQ and De Wintern’s combined offering will facilitate complete reputational protection across clients’ businesses by helping them safeguard their reputation during their day to day operations and through their communications efforts.

“Our expertise is in the operational side of crisis management and we offer our clients complete protection in this space.However up until now we lacked the resource to provide clients with complete reputational protection through strategic communications,” said EMQ managing director, Gary Rigby. “Partnering with De Wintern allows us to provide clients with an end-to-end issues, crisis, and reputation management package, not only in the reactive stage but also in the proactive ongoing management of issues.”

“Every PR agency with a website seems to offer ‘crisis management’ but few have any real expertise and even those that do only offer the communications aspect of crisis management. Our partnership with EMQ allows us to provide the broadest and deepest expertise available,” said De Wintern managing director, David Van. “This partnership positions us in the market place as a leader in issues and crises management within Australia and across the globe.”

EMQ and De Wintern have worked across the table from each other on a number of different client projects and it was clear both organisations have the highest level of expertise available so it made sense to offer clients the best of both organisations,“ said Van.

“This is not just a loose referral arrangement but a true cooperative partnership designed to bring our clients true expertise,” said Rigby. “We will move towards a formal merger or some sort of JV once we see that this arrangement delivers real value to our clients.”

Currie Communications Announces New PR Global Network Affiliate

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Tue, Oct 18 2011

MELBOURNE–based Currie Communications today announced that The Conroy Martinez Group
has joined the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) as its new Miami, Florida member.

PRGN is the world’s fourth‐largest network of independent public relations agencies. Currie Communications is the Australian member of PRGN and The Conroy Martinez Group is the 41st agency to join the worldwide network.

“PRGN is pleased to welcome The Conroy Martinez Group to our flourishing network of independent agencies,” said Currie principal and PRGN president‐elect Mark Paterson. “It had been a mission for PRGN to have representation in one of the fastest growing regions of the U.S. The firm has tremendous expertise working with companies in the South‐eastern United States but also has great reach into Latin America. Their scope of capabilities and multicultural experience will provide a valuable contribution to the PRGN network.”

Headed by President and CEO C.L. Conroy, APR alongside Vice President Jorge Martinez, The Conroy Martinez Group is a bilingual, full‐service public relations, marketing and social media agency.

In its 21 years in business, the agency has conducted national and Florida‐wide, traditional, social media and marketing campaigns for such clients such as Coca‐Cola, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami Seaquarium, Fisher Island and many others. The Conroy Martinez Group has represented clients in a variety of industries, including health care, corporate communications, banking, service industry firms, entertainment, travel and tourism, business, real estate and retail.

Invitation to one of a national series of workshops

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Oct 12 2011

Presented in New South Wales by Associate Professor Catherine Sutton-Brady, University of Sydney and Mr Jeff Laurie, THINK Education

Thursday, 27 October, 2011
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Zofrea Room, Building C10A, Level3,
Macquarie University, North Ryde

Monday 31 October 2011
8:00 am – 9:00 am, Conference Room, Level 7, UNSW CBD Campus, 1 O’Connell St, Sydney

Thursday 3 November 2011
9:30 am – 10:30 am, Room 214/215, Level 2, Economics and Business Building,
The University of Sydney, Cnr Codrington & Rose Sts, Darlington

Wednesday, 9 November, 2011
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Room 37, level 3, Building EB, Parramatta Campus, University of Western Sydney
Cnr Victoria Road & James Ruse Drive, Rydalmere

Please choose the event most suitable to your calendar and RSVP for all events to Ms Heather Belchamber via email (hbelchamber@apm.edu.au) or Tel: (02) 89356050 to assist in catering.

About the workshop
Academic standards are one component of the new quality and regulatory framework which will be administered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The Australian Business Deans Council has formed a working party to develop proposed threshold learning outcomes for the Marketing discipline. The output will be a document specifying learning outcomes, which will be submitted to TEQSA for consideration in evidencing learning standards of Marketing degrees. In order to maximize the impact of this document, an important part of the development process involves substantial consultation with the Marketing community.

The discussion in the workshop will centre around three broad issues. First, the motivation and background that requires us to develop this document in consultation with the Marketing community. This discussion will include the likely role of TEQSA in regulating the education market, and the relationship to current regulatory frameworks and agencies (e.g. the Australian Qualification Framework). Second, we will discuss the core principles guiding development of threshold learning outcomes, the scope and nature of Marketing as a discipline, and the working party’s stated learning outcomes. Third we seek input from as wide an audience as possible, including educational service providers, graduate students and employers. An opportunity will therefore be given for participants to provide feedback, both within the session, and following the session by way of formal feedback mechanisms.

This workshop is one of a national series by the Marketing Learning Outcomes Working Party. Support is provided by the Australian Business Deans Council and each host university. The workshops are open to all providers of bachelor and coursework masters degrees including universities, private higher education providers and TAFE Institutes (or appropriate state-based equivalent). We welcome participation from employers, graduates and students in Marketing, and other stakeholders with an interest in learning outcomes for the Marketing discipline.

The draft report of the Marketing Learning Outcomes Working Party can be found at: http://www.marketinglearningoutcomes.com/online-consultation.html

This workshop is free of charge. Please forward this flyer to anyone who you believe has an interest in learning outcomes for the Marketing discipline.

About the speakers

Catherine Sutton-Brady, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Sydney Business School

Associate Professor Catherine Sutton-Brady is the Associate Chair of the Discipline of Marketing at The University of Sydney Business School. Catherine is also currently the Program Director for the Master of Marketing. She has previously held the role of Program Director for the Master of Commerce (2008-2010) and led a major review of this cross-disciplinary program in 2010. Her teaching is predominantly in international marketing and business to business marketing. Her research interests also lie in the area of business to business marketing and international marketing. She has published in these areas as well as in the area of higher education and assessment.

Jeff Laurie, Head of APM College of Business and Education, Think Education

Jeff is Head of the APM College of Business and Communication, a College within THINK: Education Group, which in turn is part of SEEK Ltd, a listed public company. Jeff has managed education businesses at several universities and previously held academic positions in Marketing at UTS, UNSW, UWS, Wollongong, the Australian Graduate School of Engineering Innovation, and the Bachelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education. A former Australian Trade Commissioner with a broad span of private and public sector marketing experience, Jeff brings a strong practitioner perspective to the Working Party, as well as representing the views of private providers from the education sector on learning outcomes.

You can find more information at http://www.MarketingLearningOutcomes.com

Publicity Queen to manage PR for George Clooney and Martha Stewart

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Mon, Oct 10 2011

Boutique public relations agency, Publicity Queen, has been appointed to manage the PR for George Clooney and Martha Stewart’s upcoming visit to Australia for the Global Leadership Forum.

Presenting at the one-day business event hosted by The Growth Faculty, Clooney and Stewart headline a remarkable line-up of speakers that also include Noble Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus; Richard Simmons who is known as the ‘CEO of hip hop music’; Jeff Taylor who founded Monster.com; and Michael Firtek who is the world authority on building and keeping reputations online.

Publicity Queen has been engaged to generate awareness for the inaugural event within the corporate market through leveraging, and in some cases redefining, the fame and prominence of each of the speakers.

The agency’s primary focus will be on managing the intense media interest expected in Clooney and Stewart as well as Muhammad Yunus, while also optimising other opportunities for the lesser known Simmons, Taylor and Firtek.

According to Sally Romano, PRincipal of Publicity Queen, the Global Leadership Forum and its supporting communications strategy, is an opportunity to provide Australian business owners and leaders with access to the powerful insights of these successful, international luminaries.

“We specialise in PR that helps entrepreneurial growth companies build their brands and boost their bottom-lines – I’m confident we can do that for The Growth Faculty with George and Martha’s help,” she said.

The Global Leadership Forum is being held at the Sydney Convention Centre on Monday 12 December 2011 with tickets available from www.thegrowthfaculty.com.au.

New consultants, new clients and a new home! News from DEC PR

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Mon, Oct 10 2011

5 October 2011, Australia – DEC Public Relations (DEC PR) is delighted to announce the appointment of three new PR practitioners coinciding with four new projects – The GPT Group’s Kitchen Garden Week, Queensland Cricket, onsport.com.au and Wyndham Hervey Bay Resort.

About the new team members

• Sophie Toskas takes on the role as Account Director. Sophie brings to the team best in class consumer PR experience having cut her teeth at Weber Shandwick and SLAM PR in the UK.
• Sarah-Ann Brittain joins the Agency as an Account Manager. Previously at Horizon Communications, Sarah-Ann has five years experience in the industry working across a range of consumer and B2B accounts in busy Sydney and London agencies.
• James Riordan makes his mark as Consultant working in the Corporate division. James comes to the Agency from Cox Inall Communications.

About the client wins

DEC PR has been engaged by;
• The GPT Group to handle PR activity for the inaugural Kitchen Garden Week, in celebration of its partnership with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation
• Queensland Cricket as the sport revamps and takes on a new market
• Australia’s first online sports marketplace - onsport.com.au, to launch its brand to consumers
• Wyndham Hervey Bay Resort, on the Fraser Coast, for its official market launch

DEC PR has also relocated from its Pyrmont premises to the CBD occupying level 4 at the sensational 10 Bond Street Sydney.

CP Communications Wins Hilton Worldwide Account

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Tue, Sep 27 2011

CP Communications will be responsible for driving strategic public relations for Hilton Worldwide across Australia, New Zealand and The Pacific, as well as implementing the hotel group’s first social media strategy for the region.

Senior Manager of Corporate Communications for Hilton Worldwide, Asia Pacific, Charlotte Seymour said, “We approached CP Communications to assist us in delivering a unified social media PR strategy for the Australasian region. We are looking forward to working with CP Communications, integrating everything from corporate communication and new hotel developments to targeting the leisure and tourism markets.”

While individual hotels will still be responsible for local media coverage and marketing, CP Communications will work closely with the corporate team to drive PR and social media opportunities from a regional level.

Director of CP Communications, Catriona Pollard said, “It’s a fantastic account for us to win as a growing agency, we are thrilled to be able to partner with such a reputable brand and are looking forward to achieving outstanding results across PR and social media channels.”

CP Communications has won a number of accounts recently including the Institute of Executive Coaching and Zintel.

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Expands to Australia

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Mon, Sep 26 2011

As part of its global expansion strategy, multiservice communications agency Waggener Edstrom Worldwide has invested in Buchan Consulting, a premier communications agency in Australia specialising in corporate and investor communications, stakeholder management, and business and economic policy.

“Buchan and Waggener Edstrom have been affiliates for over three years, so we are entering today’s deeper relationship with a solid track record of collaboration. Our companies have similar cultures and strong alignment in our core practices and value propositions, with complementary capabilities that meet increasing demand for services around digital communications and Social Innovation. With our combined team, we are now even more capable of meeting our clients’ needs in Australia and across Asia Pacific,” said David Ko, Executive Vice President, Waggener Edstrom Asia Pacific. “The Buchan management team, led by Tom Buchan, represents a proven leadership bench that will be crucial to our growth in this region.”

With offices in Melbourne and Sydney, Buchan has serviced the Australian market for 25 years. Its focus is on improving communication, understanding stakeholders, managing complex issues and analysing information to enable sound decision-making. It takes an integrated approach, drawing on practical experience and critical-thinking abilities to meet clients’ needs.

“Our longstanding business partnership with Waggener Edstrom Worldwide started in 2007 as a Global Alliance Network affiliate in Australia, and we are pleased that it now expands into a direct investment that will benefit clients through greater global reach and bolster our capabilities and digital communications resources,” said Tom Buchan, founder and principal, Buchan.

Today’s investment in Buchan comes on the heels of Waggener Edstrom’s recent expansion of its Global Alliance Network into Kenya and Belgium and last year’s opening of new offices in India and South Africa. Additional expansion in more international markets is planned for later this year.

With 16 offices and a network of affiliates servicing more than 80 markets around the world, Waggener Edstrom’s global expansion strategy is strong and active. Its multipronged approach to expansion ensures clients experience the same level of gold-standard quality, creative storytelling and global integrated influence, regardless of location.

More information on Waggener Edstrom and Buchan is available at http://apac.waggeneredstrom.com and http://www.buchanwe.com.au, respectively.

BENCH PR Wins Zendesk and Appoints New Consultant

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Mon, Sep 26 2011

BENCH PR has won new client Zendesk, providers of cloud based helpdesk software and appointed its third senior consultant, Zoe Palmer.

BENCH PR is tasked with launching Zendesk in Australia and New Zealand and educating businesses about how they can provide superior customer service using a cloud-based solution.

Last week, Victorian Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Philips opened Zendesk’s Asia Pacific Headquarters in Melbourne. Zendesk has over 1200 customers in the region, with over 700 in Australia and 200 in New Zealand.

“We’re really excited to be working with Zendesk. Founded in 2007, in a loft in Copenhagen, over 10,000 customers now use Zendesk from small businesses right up to global giants including Adobe, Xerox, MSNBC, Sony Music and Groupon. This account win demonstrates our commitment to the IT sector and our passion to support fast-growing technology and online businesses.” said Jocelyn Hunter, managing director, BENCH PR.

BENCH PR has also hired senior consultant Zoe Palmer who brings more than fifteen years of international PR and marketing experience with both consumer and business-to-business clients to the role. Before joining BENCH PR, Palmer was Director of PR at Merchant Marketing Group.

“One of our differentiators is our flat structure, which can be a challenge from a recruitment perspective, but is one of the key reasons why we have been successful at establishing strong and long term relationships with our clients. I’m very pleased to welcome Zoe to the team and know our clients will benefit greatly from her experience,” said Jocelyn Hunter, managing director, BENCH PR.

Established in 2008, BENCH PR specialises in developing and implementing PR programs for technology and online businesses. Clients include IFS, Synnex, Attachmate and NetIQ, C3 Business Solutions, Advanced Solutions International and Netsolutions. www.benchpr.com.au

Maverick Launches First Drive Through NRMA Businesswise 'Stress Test'

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Thu, Sep 22 2011

An initiative conceived and implemented by independent engagement agency Maverick in partnership with NRMA Businesswise has seen around 500 motorists participate in what can only be described as an Australian first, a drive through ‘stress test’ survey.

The survey results will be used by the NRMA in its campaign to better NSW roads for all member drivers, the results of which will highlight the biggest stresses to drivers on road, and will be utilised on the NRMA It! website to provide stress reduction tips to drivers.

The most stressful situation identified by the survey was when they break down during peak hour traffic – with over 78% of those motorists surveyed giving that the top stress marks.

NRMA brand ambassadors invited motorists to stop at the NRMA drive through stress test stations which were set up at seven locations across Sydney. Wearing video goggles to view different video scenarios, motorists stress levels were measured in response to a series of potentially stressful motoring situations.

Championing the campaign was local NRMA director, Dawn Fraser, who said: “This is a great initiative to raise awareness of hazards and stresses on the road. This is not only an engaging concept for motorists, but the results can also be used in a positive way to benefit our members in the future.”

-ENDS-

Notes to the editor
Hi-res image and interviews available on request

Media contact:
Lisa Hollinshead, Maverick PR, lhollinshead@maverick.com.au , ph: (02) 9957 9577 / 0420 793 046

About Maverick:
Maverick has been a pioneer of engagement marketing, across hundreds of campaigns, for scores of Australian and global clients, from strategic and creative development through to execution. Its work includes grass roots campaigns, experiential activations, custom entertainment, cause-related marketing, new digital platforms, PR and branded content. Maverick’s expertise in devising brand activation strategies is peerless, and the agency’s all-under-one-roof advantage of ATL / BTL experience and PR ensures an integrated approach to all campaigns. Fully independent, our clients have shunned the networks and sought out Maverick as ‘best-in-breed’.

Check out Maverick’s case studies at our new website www.maverick.com.au.

FPA launches campaign to target consumer advice gap

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Tue, Sep 20 2011

Sydney, 19 September 2011: The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has launched a national television, print and online advertising campaign to demonstrate the importance of choosing a professional, qualified financial planner by looking for a member of the FPA. The campaign is part of a 5-year $15 million strategy.

The FPA is Australia’s peak association for professional financial planning. It has over 8,000 members including over 5,600 Certified Financial Planner® professionals who have achieved the highest professional and ethical credentials in financial planning, recognised around the world. More than a quarter of FPA’s members have higher qualifications and experience than required by law.

The campaign, developed by Sydney advertising agency Banjo, compares the qualifications and experience of financial planners with doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and pilots with the strap line “not all financial planners are the same, always look for a member of the FPA”.

“Our brief was two-fold’, said Andrew Varasdi Managing Partner of Banjo Advertising. “The first part of this was to elevate financial planning as a profession in the minds of consumers and in doing so position the FPA and its members as the industry standard for financial planning.”

The campaign compares the qualifications and experience of FPA financial planners to other professions under a new position for the association – FPA. Best Practice.

The advertising, costing £2.5 million, will appear on free-to-air metropolitan, regional and national TV, with some pay TV coverage, in mainstream and regional newspapers and online throughout September and October. The campaign is also supported by a 6-month paid online search campaign to drive further activity to the FPA’s new website (www.fpabestpractice.com.au).

“Our industry has spent millions of dollars advertising the value of financial advice over the years. We believe that in a post-GFC world, we need to move on from that and it’s more important than ever for consumers to find advice they can trust. Given the complexity of the financial planning category, research played a critical role in identifying insights and in concept testing, the results of which were outstanding” FPA General Manager of Marketing, Lindy Jones said.

“Only 2 in 5 Australians seek financial advice. Consumers need advice but simply don’t know where to turn. The reality is that there are many thousands of highly qualified, professional financial planners in Australia. They are honest, they care, they love their clients and they are committed to their profession. This campaign is about connecting consumers with these professionals.”

The advertising campaign has been funded entirely from individual FPA member contributions. The FPA’s media buying strategy agency, Match, has developed a fully integrated offline and online campaign and delivered tremendous value, securing around $3 million of value for a $1.3 million TV spend.

“This project was a terrific challenge for us; promoting an unknown consumer brand to a specific target audience of consumers age 35 – 64 with $150,000+ of investible assets. We are particularly happy with the way the digital strategy, a new territory for the FPA has dovetailed into the press and TV campaign. We are pleased with the way the strategy translated into execution, delivering the FPA members real value for money.” said Match Strategy Director, Ian Czencz.

The campaign is being launched at a critical time for the Australian financial services industry. This week, the Government will announce the second tranche of its draft rules on ‘Future of Financial Advice’ reforms. The FPA has been at the centre of these discussions, urging the Government to use these reforms to increase consumer trust in financial planning and address the gap in Australians seeking professional advice.

THE FPA ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN: FAST FACTS

Where will you see the campaign?
• National, metropolitan and regional FTA and PTV, press and online
• Metropolitan vs regional split is 60:40

When will the campaign run?
• For approx 5 weeks from 18th September 2011

Media spend breakdown
• 65% – TV (national, including regional areas)
• 15% – Print (national, metro and regional newspapers and selected magazines)
• 5% – online websites
• 15% – Search Engine Optimisation (6 months of activity).

What did consumer testing tell us?
• 87% said the TV ad had a clear message which they understood
• 43% brand attribution, i.e. could recall who the ad was for
• 90% heard the message ‘Not all financial planners are the same’
• 90% heard the message ‘Always look for an FPA financial planner’
• 83% heard the message ‘FPA members work to higher professional standards’
• Top 4 positive qualities attributed to the FPA: qualified, educated, professional, experienced
• Favourable perception of financial planning – before seeing ads: 51%
• Favourable perception of financial planning – after seeing ads: 69%

ACMAâ��s Cybersmart program launches its first drama short film

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Fri, Sep 16 2011

When a group of high-school friends post a rumour about a rival, it sparks a chain reaction that leaves no one untouched, Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and police action follow – will these friends be Tagged forever?

That’s the premise behind the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s first dramatic educational film, Tagged, a 17 minute short produced by Melbourne’s Great Southern Communications (GSC), directed by Chris Benz and shot over seven days earlier this year in Melbourne at Brighton Secondary College and Northcote High School.

The ACMA is also executive producer, with GSC’s Simon Whitney producing.

Featuring a teenage cast, Tagged is aimed at an audience 14 years old and over.

The film is scripted by Damien Power, in consultation with ACMA staff. Damien is an independent filmmaker who was working for the ACMA when the concept for the film was developed.
Tagged is a drama for Australian teenagers that explores cyberbullying, sexting and digital reputation management. These themes are crucial to maintaining positive online behaviour and experiences while growing into adulthood.

Designed for classroom use, Tagged is a complete educational package that is complemented by flexible lesson plans. Supplementary character interviews provide additional material to help students engage with the cybersafety issues explored in Tagged. Through guided lessons, students are encouraged to reflect on how their online actions could have real life consequences.

Supported by the findings of its 2009 study Click and connect: Young Australians’ use of online social media, as well as feedback sought directly from students, the ACMA developed the Tagged resource with the aim of addressing cybersafety issues in a way that young people can relate to.

‘The goal with Tagged is for its teen audience to feel that the film is totally authentic,’ said GSC’s Christopher Benz ‘There are complex moral dilemmas for each character in Tagged, and there's a lot to like and dislike about each of our protagonists. This makes the film not only very real, but one in which we genuinely learn about human nature.’

Key cast are all Victorian and many are newcomers to acting on screen: Lisa Marie Shaw, Stephanie Mauro, Georgia Engels, Rowan Hills and Lucia Emmerichs.

‘The ACMA's production of Tagged stays truthful to today’s generation by showing the efficiency of technology and how anyone can end up being the bully,’ said Lisa Marie Shaw, who plays Kate, the film’s central character.

‘I loved working on the set as the director Chris Benz and crew wanted the cast's input on what we felt as youth was relevant to us and what was too farfetched. This allowed an insight for all team members to understand how much we really rely on technology in this generation and how cyberbullying is just as bad as verbal/physical bullying. Tagged is a snapshot of the problems in today’s high school when everything goes wrong.’

Tagged will be released online and officially launched by the Hon. Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on 23 September at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. A trailer is available at www.cybersmart.gov.au/tagged.aspx.

Tagged also follows on from the ACMA’s first outdoor campaign, It’s your life, which ran in June 2011.

For more information on the Cybersmart program, visit www.cybersmart.gov.au

Technical editors: Tagged was shot on the new Sony F3 HD camera using digi prime lenses and a variety of gripping gear including a number of stedi-cam sequences. It was edited in final cut pro and graded in da Vinci Resolve.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Emma Rossi, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7719, 0434 652063 or media@acma.gov.au

Porter Novelli Secures Hart

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Wed, Sep 14 2011

Sally Hart, most recently Director of Strategy and Planning at Hill & Knowlton, has joined Porter Novelli Sydney as Principal of the Consumer Lifestyle Practice to provide cover for Lisa Tantillo, who will be taking twelve months maternity leave from October.

Porter Novelli’s consumer lifestyle practice works with blue chip brands across all facets of consumer facing communications including Visa, Bupa, Australian Egg Corporation, PepsiCo, Bugaboo, Tourism Australia, V Energy drink and game developer THQ, among others.

Sally Hart said: “I am really excited to join PN, which is a company on the move, and building on the great foundations that Lisa has put in place over the past couple of years.”

Richard Muller, Managing Director Porter Novelli Sydney said: “There are few in Australia with Sally’s mix of experience, strategic thought, generous personality and leadership qualities. Without a doubt Sally will bolster our already recognised expertise in integrated consumer lifestyle communications. With her client experience spanning FMCG, tourism, beverages and a wide range of consumer products, we look forward to a long, fun and rewarding time with Sally as a senior member of the leadership team at Porter Novelli.”

Sally Hart has nearly twenty years’ experience in both the Australian and UK markets and was instrumental in building the consumer offering at H&K.

Evodia appoints Barbara Raffellini as Marketing Director

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Thu, Sep 8 2011

Australian-owned cosmetics company, Evodia has appointed Barbara Raffellini to the newly-created role of Marketing Director.

Forte Brands Holdings owns the natural and organic skincare, bath, body and home fragrance brands: Evodia Australia and Trelivings by Evodia which are already sold in major Australian department stores David Jones and Myer, pharmacies, gift and health stores, as well as a number of overseas countries.

Based in Sydney, Raffellini will report to Robert Henderson-Smart, the CEO of Evodia. Her appointment comes at a time of strong planned growth for the company which is finalising a substantial capital investment by Healthzone Ltd – a leading manufacturer and distributor of health, beauty and natural products.

Raffellini, an experienced marketer with international credentials, will concentrate her efforts on building the Evodia brand and accelerating the company’s expansion in Australia as well as New Zealand, Asia, Europe, South America and the US.

She commences her role at Evodia on September 19th, 2011.

www.evodia.com.au

CIPR and PRSA 'State of Ethics in PR' Tweet chat

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Mon, Sep 5 2011

CIPR CEO Jane Wilson will be co-hosting a 'state of ethics in PR' Tweet chat with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Chair Rosanna Fiske on Tuesday 6 September at 8pm.

The chat will run from 8-9pm and the hosts will take it in turns to ask participants questions on; the state of ethics in the profession, ethical dilemmas they have faced and what can be done by both organisations to improve ethics within the profession.

Jane Wilson CIPR CEO says:

‘I believe being a professional means a lot to most CIPR members but it is our Code of Conduct and commitment to ethics that defines us as a profession.’

To participate in the chat follow @PRSA or @CEO_CIPR from 8pm on Tuesday 6 September using #PRethics.

This Tweet chat is part of the PRSA's Ethics Month activities. Held for the past four years, Ethics Month aims to promote the critical role of ethics in PR practice.

For more information contact Emma Jane Edwards on emmajanee@cipr.co.uk or 020 7631 6915.

About the CIPR
The CIPR is the professional body for PR practitioners in the UK. With 9,500 members involved in all aspects of PR, it is the largest body of its type in Europe. The CIPR advances the PR profession in the UK by making its members accountable through a code of conduct, developing policies, representing its members and raising standards through education and training.

Weber Shandwick to Provide Pro-Bono Support for the 10% Challenge

Thu, Dec 08 2011

Thu, Sep 1 2011

Weber Shandwick is lending pro-bono support to one of the most concerning challenges facing future generations of Australians – sustainability and climate change. The agency will provide overall strategy, media and stakeholder relations support to The 10% Challenge – a program designed by Jon Dee, one of Australia’s most influential figures on environmental issues and founder of Do Something!. The Challenge has enlisted Australia’s top companies to reduce greenhouse emissions by 10% in the shortest possible timeframe – the impact of which will not only go some way to protect the sustainability of our environment, but also to improve the way companies operate.

“This is an issue about which we are all passionate and I am delighted to be partnering with Jon and his team in an effort to inspire Australians to share that passion,” said Ian Rumsby, Chairman, Weber Shandwick Australia. “We believe that the 10% Challenge will provide an opportunity for a stronger approach from the business community, as a whole. We’re committed to doing all we can to support the effort.”

With climate change and sustainability increasingly a part of the news agenda, Jon Dee has recognised the need to ensure the 10% Challenge receives as much awareness and support as possible, from both businesses and the general Australian public.

“Having worked with Weber Shandwick in the past, I am confident in their team as the ideal partner for this initiative,” said Dee. “The 10% Challenge is such an important step towards the betterment of our environment, and I know Weber Shandwick will ensure it receives the attention it deserves.”

Weber Shandwick will be supporting an announcement in the coming month regarding businesses that have signed up to the initiative.

For further media enquiries:
Pamela Klioufis
P +61 2 9994 4473
pklioufis@webershandwick.com

(originally posted on 1/09/2011)