VI International Conference "Direct Marketing. XXI Century" in 2006

On the 14th-15th of September 2006 direct marketers from Russia, CIS, Eastern and Western Europe came together for the VI International Conference “Direct Marketing. XXI Century”.

In 2006 the key event of Russian direct marketing included not only a large conference with three parallel sessions, but also a compact exhibition. To the eye of a western participant the 20 exhibition booths would look insignificant, but this is a leap forward for the Russian direct marketing branch. It is only 15 years old and consists at the moment of some 500 companies. However, it is these companies that contribute to the yearly 55% growth of the branch.

This rapid development is what making Russian direct marketing so attractive for foreign investors, and this is what brought them to the Russian conference.

Being aware of the big interest from the West the organizers have created a special session for foreign participants. It covered all topics from the general state of direct marketing in CIS to quite practical tips regarding the start of a business in Russia.

Mikhail Kapatsinsky, the president of the Russian Direct marketing Association in 2005-2006 (chosen to be a DM-Person of the year 2006), spoke about the investment opportunities in Russian direct marketing. They are really amazing: fulfillment services, for example, are in huge demand, and the turnover is growing even faster than the market in general.

The participants found very useful also the presentation of Alexander Ivanov, President of the Russian Mail Order Association. He presented his view on the development of the ancestor of direct marketing, mail order, in Russia. The branch is booming as well, but, like with any other developing industry, the investors face here all kinds of challenges.

The possible solutions could be found in the speech of Evgeny Belyaev, Managing Director of the Russian daughter of Quelle, company “Mail Order Service” who told about the experience of this mail order concern in Russia.

A business in Russia has very high potential, however is not always easy. The questions of possible market entry strategies, economic, intercultural issues, as well as the topic of successful work in the conditions of bureaucracy and other possible obstacles became the theme of the presentation of Ulf Schneider, Managing Director of a successful consultancy “Russia Consulting”.

Igor Subow, the well-known expert from the Austrian Post, has presented the results of a new research and - again - proved with figures that the future of direct mail lies to the east from the Center of Europe.

The year 2006 is remarkable for the appearance in Russia a law on personal data protection. Its main points, controversies and its effect on the market were presented by Rashid Yangulov, a lawyer from the law office “Jus Aurem” who is consulting one of the world largest mail order brand in Russia.

The participants from abroad had the opportunity to learn about direct marketing also in the nabouring to Russia countries: the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The respective topics were covered by the head of OS-Direct DM agency Valentin Kalashnik (he presented the results of research of direct mail growth) and by Olga Utkina from the Kazakhstan DM agency “Asia Direct” (she disclosed the great opportunities of relatively low-competitive local market).

Russian participants could benefit from the speeches of home and international specialists. There were speakers from Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Poland, Austria and Belgium. Germany was represented by Heinz Fischer with his valuable speech about modern direct marketing trends and case studies from his famous archive.

The conference was concluded with DM Awards Ceremony: there were chosen best direct marketing projects in three nominations. The participants had the opportunity to study and benefit from the best Russian campaigns.

If you have questions regarding sponsorship, advertising or participation in the Conference-2007 please contact in English, German or Russian:
Liudmila Bolhovitina Т. +7 495 724 89 20, e-mail: contact@radm.ru