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Archive for February, 2009

News February 2009

Posted in Jobs on February 17th, 2009

Barbie’s 50th birthday

Barbie enlisted the help of several top designers to put on a runway show at New York Fashion Week.

BARBIE is 50, but looks as young as the day she was squeezed out of the mould. Now Mattel’s indefatigable plastic blonde has added a new string to her bow: New York fashion model.

To celebrate a half-century of Barbie-ness, New York Fashion Week tipped its trilby to the uber-doll on Saturday with a Barbie 50th anniversary parade featuring designs by big names including Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger and Diane von Furstenberg.

A line-up of 51 models – many sporting the same glassy-eyed look as Barbie – showed off outfits ranging from a sequined swimsuit to an extravagant gold-beaded and white-ostrich-feather creation. It was a fitting tribute to the doll who cost $US3 when she made her debut in 1959. She has been shaping – or warping, if you listen to the critics – little girls’ notions of the ideal woman ever since. It now takes 50 designers and 12 hairdressers – slightly less than Victoria Beckham requires – to keep her looking at her best. Supermodel Heidi Klum was among the audience on Saturday when Barbies of every nationality strutted their stuff.

There were gasps of admiration as Patricia Field, the costume designer behind Sex And The City and The Devil Wears Prada sent her Barbie down the catwalk in a one-legged, black and silver jumpsuit. Ken, the virile, yet anatomically incorrect man doll, who made headlines worldwide when he "took a break" from Barbie in 2004, was also represented at the parade. He strode down the catwalk in a black velvet jacket with jeans; a look described as "so Ken" by assembled fashion watchers.
In her 50 years on the planet, Barbie has had 100 different careers and 40 pets.

Her 50th birthday bash will continue at London Fashion Week, which opens on Friday.

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News – February 2009

Posted in News on February 4th, 2009

A LIST Guide Australia 2009 – Limited Copies Left

Overwhelmed by the response to the recent launch of A LIST Guide Australia 2009, the limited remaining publications are selling quickly. If you have colleagues or friends who would benefit from a copy of Australia’s most stylish and comprehensive selection of the country’s finest venues and event suppliers, please forward on this email. Purchases can be made at the link below or contact the Team on (02) 9360 2335 for details. www.alistguide.com.au

FULL STORY

A LIST Guide is a landmark event management resource, which is the A-Z Guide for organising events in Australia. To complement the stylish and comprehensive online guide to the best event venues, suppliers and activities available for your next event, a new national publication has just been released. A LIST Guide Australia 2009, which features all of the information on the website, can be purchased online for $49.95 plus postage and handling (incl. GST) but be quick as there are limited copies remaining.

VENUES

The exclusive venues represented in A LIST Guide have been selected on a strict architectural, historical, cultural and gastronomical criterion. These include fine dining restaurants, historical treasures, cultural icons, waterfront landmarks and architectural masterpieces such as art galleries and museums. All A LIST Guide venues have the capacity to deliver high-quality corporate events. A LIST Guide answers all the important questions such as how many guests can fit, if there is catering available, whether there is parking onsite and much more.

SUPPLIERS

The suppliers are tried, tested and guaranteed to deliver with each business being amongst the most established and respected in their field. Whether it be caterers, florists, audio visual technicians, theming stylists, guest speakers, photographers, printers, graphic designers or anything relating to an event, A LIST Guide has the most comprehensive selection of professionals for you to choose from.

ACTIVITIES

The activities represented in A LIST Guide are exciting, engaging and memorable. Whether it be for staff or clients, there is something suitable for every kind of event or occasion including cooking classes, food and wine tours, sailing adventures, surfing lessons, drumming activities, horse riding, ten-pin bowling, shopping excursions and much more.

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PR consultancies optimistic for 2009

The PRCA PR Leaders’ Panel has highlighted a general optimism among PR agency managing directors. Over 60% of respondents believed that, relative to 2008, their consultancy turnover would remain the same or grow in 2009. The industry experts were also optimistic about profit margins, with almost 50% believing that they would either maintain or grow their margins this year.

Francis Ingham, PRCA director general commented “Many clients have become more cautious about committing budget in the current climate. We are seeing the lag from pitch to conversion to commencement increasing and a shift from retainers to project work. However all of this should be put in context and the PR industry has performed fantastically over the last five years in spite of inconveniences such TUPE” Jonathan Choat of Nexus PR commented “Excessive caution is the death of spontaneity and robust marketing, both of which are as important now as when the economy was growing. Companies who invest in their reputation and profile will see it pay dividends.”

Francis cautioned clients against trying to drive down the price agencies quote “Clients who find agencies are willing to drop their rates should question why the agency is willing to do so and whether the quality of work will be affected. Before taking on a consultancy you should request confirmation that it is a well run and viable business. PRCA members have to go through the Consultancy Management Standard, for example, ensuring that their business models are sustainable.”

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Communicate to Survive and Prosper

While there’s a temptation in difficult times to put up the shutters and wait it out, history has shown that smart businesses do just the opposite. Having advised the corporate sector on when and how it should communicate for more than 30 years and through a number of economic cycles, it is apparent that increased strategic communication with staff, business partners, customers and the wider market will not only aid survival but assist in securing new business and building a strong platform for success during the inevitable upturn.

During past weeks, smart businesses immediately impacted by changes to the global economic landscape would have been listening hard to their customers and communicating regularly with their staff, showing firm leadership to their internal stakeholders and demonstrating affinity with their marketplace. So what are the keys to successful communication in difficult times?

Listen. Understand what your staff, your customers and your competitors are feeling and doing. Use your front-line staff (sales force, service staff) as a source of information. Ask them to note any feedback from customers and clients and provide a mechanism for them to share this information with you and your team to help shape future decisions for your business. Consider undertaking formal research to gauge market sentiment and identify new market opportunities.

Be consistent. The most important component of any communication strategy is consistency of message. Make sure you say the same things to staff, customers and the marketplace so that your organisation is seen to be thinking clearly and acting resolutely in what can often be a confusing environment. Consider controlling your message through direct communication to stakeholders via email, direct mail, newsletters and your website – as well as through the media.

Communicate regularly. A regular presence in the marketplace – and ongoing reminders of support for your customers and business partners – will position you as a constant in what can be a difficult and changing environment, building trust in your brand and relationships for your business.

Communicate leadership. By strongly promoting your people, your products, your business partners and your corporate successes through events, strategic sponsorships, community support and targeted promotion you can show your business is ’getting on with it’. Many of your competitors may not be as focused as you are, so you’re likely to be heard in clear air. Consistent, strategic communication will build your business’s brand and trust, now and when the good times come again.

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LinkedIn faces new rival: Smarta

A new networking site for entrepreneurs called Smarta.com has appeared, in direct competion to business networking site LinkedIn.Smarta, the brain child of entrepreneur Shaa Wasmund, aims to help small businesses fast track their way toward becoming more profitable and efficient. Such is the interest in the site, it is being backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Vodafone and commercial law firm Mishcon de Reya. Even Bebo founder Michael Birch has decided to invest in it as well.

The site claims to let users set up a new business in just 30 minutes and features short video guides and special reports that provide practical advice on all aspects of starting and growing a business.Users will be able to create profiles and connect and interact with other business owners, similarly to other social networks such as Facebook, but they will also be able to access a Q&A forum where they can get answers from other entrepreneurs and experts and receive free professional advice from financial and legal services companies.

Wasmund promises Smarta will have a new approach that is needed for entrepreneurs and small businesses.“Smarta.com will allow users to tap into the brains, experience, and ideas of the entrepreneurial community. Irrespective of background, the site will help you think, create, and grow ideas, empowering people who never thought they could realise their dreams and ambitions,” says Wasmund.

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Steamy Kylie ad wins cinema gong

Eight years after it steamed up movie theatres around the world, the Agent Provocateur ad featuring Kylie Minogue has been named the best cinema advertisement in a public vote.The poll, which was launched by cinema advertising sales house Digital Cinema Media (DCM), gave voters a choice of 10 adverts chosen by a panel of experts.

The raunchy 2001 short called Proof, features the singer riding the machine in Agent Provocateur underwear. The commercial, created specifically for cinema, was banned from being shown on television, mainly because it depicts Kylie riding a red velvet rodeo bull to show that Agent Provocateur is ‘the most erotic lingerie in the world’.

At the end she challenges the men in the audience to stand up and be counted.Agent Provocateur beat off competition from brands such as Guinness, Diet Coke and Canadian beer company, Carling.

“Cinema is about engaging and entertaining the audience, and this ad pulls off both elements perfectly in a fun and cheeky way,” says Fleur Castell, marketing and research controller for Digital Cinema Media.

Top Ten Cinema Advertisements:

1.Agent Provocateur ‘Proof’ (2001)
2. The Orange Gold Spot (2008)
3. Maxell Tapes ‘Break the Sound Barrier’ (1982)
4. Dunlop Tyres ‘Tested for the Unexpected’ (1993)
5. Ford Puma ‘Bullitt’ (1997)
6. Diet Coke ‘Break’ (1994)
7. Bacardi ‘If’ (1991)
8. Guinness ‘Surfer’ (1999)
9. Carling Black Label ‘Dambusters’ (1990)
10. Sony Bravia ‘Balls’ (2005)

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Jobs – February 2009

Posted in Jobs on February 4th, 2009

Consumer Technology Public Relations Consultant

Hill & Knowlton is a leading global PR and communication consultancy, advising and implementing strategic communication programs for top-tier organisations across a diverse range of industries.We are seeking a consultant to join our energetic team. The ideal candidate will have 3-4 years experience in a consultancy with demonstrated success in managing accounts and clients, media relations and event management.

You must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, a variety of writing experience, enjoy the technology sector and have proven experience in working on consumer tech communication programs. It is highly desirable for the candidate to have familiarity and a passion for digital communication.

The successful applicant will be working on one of Australia’s leading consumer technology brands and will need to be passionate, confident, creative, highly motivated and enjoy working as part of a team.

Interested applicants should forward a copy of their CV to the Talent Director, Hill & Knowlton, Level 12, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 or email careers@hillandknowlton.com.au.

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GRADUATE ADVERTISING COORDINATOR OPPORTUNITY

Exciting Career Progression, Excellent Starting Salary, Energetic & Supportive Advertising Team, Salary: $35,000 – $40,000

This is an amazing opportunity for a recent university graduate to kick start their career in the advertising industry. This is a fresh and dynamic company which offers its employees exciting career progression. The company is looking to fill the role of an ‘Advertising Sales Coordinator’. Your primary objective will be to coordinate all aspects of sales, from generating potential client lists, contacting these companies, developing and maintaining client relationships, closing sales and managing customer accounts. You will also develop proposal presentation mock ups, attend sales meetings and conferences as required, and assist to develop marketing collateral.

To be considered for this role, you must be a team player with a positive attitude. You will also need to be extremely proactive with plenty of energy and enthusiasm, have an eagerness to learn about the company and the industry, be interested in media and advertising and have extremely good communication skills. It is also important that you’re confident and hard working and are passionate about working with people and meeting their needs.

You will receive in-house training for this role, as well as attend ProGrad training over the course of your first year.

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Events Marketing Manager

Empyrean Group is a newly established company currently renovating an iconic Northbridge venue into a state of the art multi use Corporate Function Centre.

We are seeking a well qualified, self-motivated, reliable, presentable and experienced individual who can devise and execute various calendar events throughout the year. You will have significant experience in creating events and actively sourcing both corporate and community business. Your role will require you to develop various concept ideas, source entertainment and communicate to the media and public.

You will head all promotional work and devise various marketing campaigns. You will be a strong communicator with a marketing flair and will bring these skills to develop and manage all projects. This is a role with a high level of responsibility as you will be a key contributor to the growth and success of the business.

The successful applicant must be able to work flexible hours and contribute to the front of house team during the operation of the business and as a host to the various functions/events.

This is an incredible opportunity for the right candidate, flexible salary and benefits. Send email to patrick@empyrean.net.au

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Alumni Events Coordinator,Queensland University of Technology

Contact Name and Title: Julie Mannion, Alumni Relations Manager, (07) 3138 4013 or j.mannion@qut.edu.au

Salary Range: $47 743 to $53 848 The Alumni Events Coordinator is responsible for the organisation of events associated with University alumni, as directed by the Alumni Relations Manager. These specifically include the annual Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony; Doctors of the University Luncheon; Career Mentor Scheme Reception; and local and interstate events (with ongoing liaison with some Chapter members) as well as other corporate events.

Prior to submitting your application please review information regarding immigration requirements, workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity, non-smoking policy and relocation available at
http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/jobs/information.jsp.

After the closing date, you can check the status of the recruitment process. QUT is an equal opportunity employer and employer of choice for women.

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Manager, Events & Member Services Hudson, Package circa $55kThis leading organisation is looking for an experienced, highly professional event coordinator to help roll out their major events and sponsorships.

You will have experience in the planning and delivery of a range of corporate events, including conferences, information sessions and boardroom lunches, and will have experience managing these events from end-to-end. You will possess strong project management skills; demonstrate a sound record in the expectation management of major sponsors as well as having excellent relationship skills and the drive to deliver excellence.

With proven ability in event development and implementation you are a self-starter who will be able to hit the ground running to quickly impact the success of this organisation. You will be able to negotiate and manage all contracts and purchases for supplies and services in relation to member events with a view to making all events self funded. You might also have had experience in obtaining sponsorship and grant funding from industry and government.

As a results oriented and deadline driven professional, your experience in managing several large projects, simultaneously, will ensure your success in this role.

The right candidate will also be a flexible team player and have the ability to work unsupervised, as well as the ability to look into the finest detail. Demonstrated experience in developing strategies and building relationships with key stakeholders both internal and external is essential. Tertiary qualifications in event management or marketing would be looked upon favourably.

Like to know more?

To submit your application, in strict confidence, please apply online using the appropriate link below. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Belinda Mitchell or Kirsten James in our Adelaide office on +61 8 8223 8800

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GENERAL MANAGER-MARKETING

Exciting New Role Creating new frontiers Strategic and Commercial Location: Gold Coast

V8 Supercars Australia is responsible for the marketing, promotion and staging of Australia’s premier motorsport category and series, V8 Supercars. V8 Supercars Australia continues its success with the addition of two signature events at Sydney’s Homebush Precinct and the sporting-hungry North Queensland City of Townsville, with several countries wanting to stage a V8 Supercars event.

From humble beginnings in 1997 as a two-person team, the category continues to capture the hearts and minds of all Australians, young and old. Now Australia’s third most viewed sport behind cricket and AFL, it further includes three of the country’s largest single sporting & entertainment events.

The organisation now has an exciting opportunity that will complete the leadership team, based in South East Queensland and reporting directly to the CEO.

Specifically charged with managing a dynamic group of professionals, you will handle the full portfolio of marketing, communications & sales responsibilities ensuring alignment with brand and corporate image objectives. This role gives you exposure and responsibility of managing and improving relationships with high profile sponsors, media, and most importantly the fan base. Your clever, innovative and high impact programs, with your hands-on involvement will result in greater consumer and fan awareness. You will be measured by the ability to increase TV audiences, ticket sales and overall profitability of the business.

Having worked for a high profile brand, you have created and personally implemented premier marketing strategies, due to thorough research and consumer insight initiatives, effective planning and stakeholder engagement. Tertiary qualified, with demonstrated success in complex commercial negotiations and the management and development of staff is also a must. Although not essential, there will be a preference for those who have demonstrated all of the above requirements in sports, entertainment or consumer industries. Great success in this role, will come from your ability to demonstrate genuine passion and excitement in leading the V8 Supercars brand, to new frontiers.

To apply, please email your resume quoting Ref. 2481 to apply@ccg.com.au. Confidential enquiries welcome to Margie Ireland-Sharman, 07 3221 6288

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