The Direct industry has mobilised and made huge progress in the last three months since the "kick-off" meeting at the end of November 2005. A number of working sub-committees have been formulated and each is vigorously addressing various aspects required in the significant task of setting up a new industry body for direct marketers and annual awards to recognize excellence in the industry, says Michelle Perrow, Direct Marketing Industry Co-ordinator.
A Section 21 Company has already been registered, the Direct Marketing Association name has been secured and an interim Board has been appointed. The Board comprises:
Pat Muthui - FNB Direct Channel (Chairman)
Darryl Joubert - Intimate Data (Vice Chairman)
Ilona Hilditch - Alexander Forbes Direct
Cobus du Plessis - O'Keeffe & Swartz
Ian Geary - Computer Facilities
John Rollason - Independent Trustee
Michelle Perrow - Lesoba Difference
Andy Quinan - Database Solutions
Steven Reiser - Baker Street Advertising
Christiane Duval - Umtheto
Thanks to Baker Street's Steven Reiser and team, the DMA identity has been created and already well received by Direct Marketers. The website is "under construction" and will be ready soon.
On the awards front, the Sunday Times Business Times has taken the "old Assegais" under their wing and a strong sub-committee of Creative Directors, lead by Lisa Christopher of Lesoba Difference, representing nine leading agencies in the country, is currently re-formulating the Direct Marketing Awards. A well structured, representative and transparent awards and modus operandi will soon be shared with the market.
The measurable, Direct Awards will combine with what was previously known as the TUSK Awards (IMM Marketer of the Year) and with the Raptors under the new brand "Marketing Excellence Awards". Sunday Times Business Times is currently formulating an Awards Panel comprising South Africa's leading Marketers and doyens of the Industry. This panel will be responsible for ensuring a quality process and experience for all involved in these awards.
The awards Gala Dinner is scheduled for 13 July 2006 and promises to be a memorable event being managed by Kirkpatrick & Associates. One Platinum sponsor is already in place - Vodacom - and others are in negotiation. A number of Gold sponsors such as Microsoft have already been secured and category sponsors are currently being engaged.
The call for entry packs will be in the market soon.
The next DMA Industry meetings take place on: (Johannesburg) at Hollard House, 22 Oxford Rd, Parktown on Tuesday, 7 March 2006, at 3pm; and (Cape Town) SAPO Cape Mail, Thursday, 9 March 2006, 3pm
For further details please contact Kathryn on +27 11 808 1600 or .
