More than 500 advertising professionals expected at ADASIA 05 conference

By Yvonne Cheong, Channel NewsAsia

More than 500 advertising professionals, mostly from the region, will be coming to Singapore to attend ADASIA 05, a premiere advertising conference starting November 20.

Organisers said the economic spin-off in tourism dollars alone would be over S$40 million.

And this is on top of the millions worth in deals they expect will be inked.

India will be the next big advertising market to tap into, that is if the numbers are to be believed.

Some 140 Indian marketing professionals have signed up, making up the largest delegation the conference has had.

Eric Teng, Deputy Chairman, ADASIA 05, said: "The advertising and marketing sector grows in tandem with any growing economy. It shows that they are all very serious and they see ADASIA 05 in Singapore as a huge opportunity for them to communicate that message across. They come in big numbers to demonstrate the strength of their delegation, the strength of their economy and how serious they look at themselves."

The speakers to look out for include creative legend Neil French, who made news recently for a remark which put down women ad professionals.

Mr Teng said: "The Neil French remark was made half the world away and it was purely on a different subject. We're talking about Neil French talking about what he's really good at, what he's world renowned for, that is his creativity."

While the event is a premier one for the industry, it is keeping its doors open to at least 300 students.

Organisers are hoping that more media students will sign up for the ADASIA conference at their discounted rates as this will be an opportunity for them to learn from the best in the industry and possibly meet their potential employers.

ADASIA 05 will also hold its largest exhibition ever, showcasing some 65 companies from 8 countries.

Neil French has personally called the organisers to assure them that he will be speaking at the event.

A delegation from Pakistan will be arriving in Singapore on 18 November to join in the Creative Circle Awards and learn from their Singapore counterparts.

Students signing up for the ADASIA 05 conference pay S$500, of which S$350 will be subsidised by the government.

More details can be found at www.adasia2005.org.sg. - CNA /ch