Direct Marketing 2006

This past week has been quite a ride when it comes to Marketing, especially in Dubai!

The best minds - arguably - in marketing around the world had come here to lead sessions during the Direct Marketing 2006 Conference organised by IIR Middle East.

From a marketers' point of view, it was an event a long time coming. Some may argue that last year's event was good enough, but this was a follow-on event with great topics, experienced speakers and market-required workshops.

What marred the entire event was the absolute lack of any direct marketing company attending save one! What is wrong with Dubai? Are the advertising, branding, identity and marketing agencies all gone wankers? Or are they just arrogant?

After working in marketing for 8 years in Dubai, I feel its the latter.

Some of the people I spoke to a couple of weeks prior to the event had a total disregard for any direct marketing event, let alone this one. Their attitude was one of 'we don't need a conference we're doing great ourselves. We don't need someone to tell us what to do!' and even worse: 'Direct Marketing still has a long way to go here, its too early to spend money on such things'!

What is Dubai to do? Sheikh Mohammed, help!