unCover the issues that will most seriously affect your
digital marketing business in 2009.
You’re in a business that is creatively driven, but software-based. Talent
is short, yet demand is on the rise. You’ve chosen to lead in an industry
that’s still being defined. You’re taking on more risk than general agencies
or your clients understand. You have to innovate, even invent, just to get
your projects done. Want to know how other digital agencies are handling
these issues?
Join us in a casual setting around couches and cappuccinos, any time during
the MAX conference. We won’t be pushing new features or tools. We won’t be
selling anything or touting any one agency’s agenda over another. We’ll be
there to discuss what matters most in our industry today.
We'd like to hear your thoughts on what you feel the most important challenges
and opportunities are facing the interactive industry – and how we can help
be an effective voice in this rapidly evolving space.
Session Descriptions
Session One – The Economy: What’s the outlook for the Digital Marketing
business?
SoDA will unCover the effects our current economy will have on Digital advertising
and marketing:
- Will this economic downturn stifle growth in this burgeoning industry?
- Is Digital advertising/marketing the most cost-effective platform?
- While the overall pie is getting smaller, is the increase in Digital
spending more than enough to offset that trend?
- Are Digital agencies and startups still able to raise the capital necessary
to drive growth?
- What affect will this downturn have on the M&A front? When
can we expect the inflection points?
Session Two – Ethics and Issues: The Dark Side of the Digital Agency
business
SoDA discussions will unCover the critical issues that challenge our businesses:
- Contract and payment terms that work against the industry as a whole
- Managing scope creep in a particularly complex medium
- Indemnification: Innovation vs. Risk
- Getting proper credit for digital awards
- The market for talent and the poaching threat
Session Three – Education: Developing Talent
for the Interactive Business
SoDA will unCover the bind Educators are in while being pressured to prep
talent for this market:
- What is the right model for digital training?
- Is the curriculum current and relevant?
- Are there enough universities providing proper training? How
can we help them?
- Do agencies expect too much of recent grads? Are they ready for work?
- Tools vs. Theory, Internships and more
Session Four – Masters’ Class: a Special Multi-Agency Session
Visit with Designers and Developers from top shops around the country
who sit together to discuss the best work in their field.
Session Five (Debate) – Rich Media vs. Standards: Is Flash right
for your site or your client?
SoDA will unCover the newest views on the long-standing debate around
Flash in a discussion about choosing the best technology for your site and
your client:
- Rich media, custom look and feel, animated navigation or UI by-the-book?
- Rich brand experience or quick access to content?
- Download times, deep linking and searchability
Session Six (Open Floor) – What’s wrong or missing?
Open discussion and frank conversation about what YOU think the digital advertising and communications industry should be talking about!
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