• by July 7, 2004

MediaPost, publisher of MediaDailyNews, MEDIA magazine, and other properties, Tuesday unveiled plans for its Forecast 2005 conference in New York. This year's event--the fourth in a series of annual conferences looking at the near and long-term implications for ad-supported media and how they will impact advertising budgets--will be held Sept. 22 in the middle of Madison Avenue's inaugural "Advertising Week," a weeklong series of events that focus on and celebrate the advertising business.

While Forecast historically has focused on big ideas and developments that are reshaping the advertising marketplace, this year's event purposely takes an even broader look, focusing on three broad areas that are undergoing rapid change: the consumer, media technologies, and advertising business models.

Topics to be addressed include how agencies and marketers will make contact with the consumer using the media mix in 2005. The conference will examine how technology, the economy, fragmentation, media proliferation, clutter, and new ad models will change the way agencies and marketers communicate and impact today's consumer. Media spending forecasts will be made from the discussion, along with original media research from Insight Express and MediaPost's Advisory Council.

"Forecast has a reputation for attracting the top names and minds from all sides of the media table to create a high-level industry think tank. The conference is renowned for its 20/20 foresight on market moves and media spending. When these esteemed market leaders make their predictions at Forecast and the research is out, you can take the information to the bank," said Ken Fadner, publisher of MediaPost.

The first Forecast event was held in October 2001. Attendees and speakers have included executives from leading brand advertisers and agencies such as Citibank, Sony, American Express, Carat, BBDO, Pfizer, Fallon, Hill Holliday, Starcom, and many others.

--MediaDailyNews Staff Report