The final whistle of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany on 9 July signalled the start of South Africa’s campaign to market the country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC), in partnership with the 2010 National Communication Task Team, is hosting a 2010 National Communication Partnership Conference on 15 August 2006 to bring together marketers, communicators and other interested stakeholders. The conference kicks off the campaign to mobilize South African thought leaders to articulate a consistent message to the world about our beautiful country, ensuring that we deliver the best World Cup ever held.

This one-day event is the first official 2010 World Cup National Communication Partnership Conference and is endorsed by the Presidency.

The Conference will be held in Bryanston, Johannesburg.  The day starts with inputs by a number of high profile speakers, followed by outcomes-oriented working group discussions.  A glittering gala dinner will end proceedings.

Yvonne Johnston, the CEO of the IMC describes the Conference, which will be held annually in the lead up to 2010, as "a unique event allowing all stakeholders to coordinate communication messages for 2010, to explore marketing opportunities and partnerships, as well as to study the key learnings from the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany."

The speakers and their topics will be:

• Danny Jordaan, CEO 2010 Local Organising Committee:
  Marketing opportunities for South African corporates leading up to 2010.
• Jack Trout, President Trout & Partners Consulting:
  Branding and marketing opportunities provided by a major event.
• Joel Netshitenzhe, Head of Policy Co-ordination and Advisory Services (PCAS) Social Sector, The Presidency:
  The Government's commitment to and expectations for 2010. 
• Mike de Vries, MD FC Deutschland GmbH, organising company for Land of Ideas campaign:
  German case study: Brand positioning campaign pre FIFA World Cup 2006. 
• Thaninga Shope-Linney, NEPAD General Manager Communications and Outreach:
  Africa 2010: A continental perspective and opportunities for Africa. 
• Yvonne Johnston, CEO International Marketing Council of South Africa:
  Brand South Africa's future strategy. 
• Wolfgang Grulke, CEO Futureworld:
  Global vision: Africa and South Africa in the 21st century.

ENDS

Issued by:      Meropa Communications

On behalf of:  The International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC)

                   Tumelo Kumalo

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