IDM boosts B2B with 4th annual conference and two new qualifications
Released 19 January 2007: The IDM is taking major steps to give B2B marketing the recognition it deserves with some significant initiatives for 2007.
On 6 March the 4th Annual IDM B2B Marketing Conference, “Understanding the personal tastes of today’s business buyers”, brings together 14 of the most respected B2B marketing experts to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by B2B’s fast-changing landscape. The new year also sees the launch of two professional qualifications for B2B practitioners, believed to be the first of their kind in the world: the IDM Diploma and Certificate in B2B Marketing.
Both the conference and the qualifications were initiated and developed by the IDM B2B Council in a move to address the imbalance of B2B:B2C marketing training provision in the UK. According to research, although the volume of UK B2B sales far outstrips that of B2C, 90% of training is aimed at B2C.
Lisa Turner, Marketing Director for the IDM says: "The fact that our annual conference is always a sell-out speaks volumes about the need for relevant, up-to-date expert advice amongst today’s B2B practitioners. Business to business marketing is a distinct discipline and it’s time that this is recognised. The new IDM B2B qualifications will improve the performance and profile of B2B marketing and give practitioners the recognition they deserve."
The 4th Annual IDM B2B Marketing Conference takes place in central London with a first-class speaker line-up that includes Doug Richard, Chairman of Library House and BBC “Dragons’ Den” investor; and David Silke, EMEA Marketing Leader at Nortel. The programme includes advice on understanding the new breed of B2B customer; how to unlock the power of digital; and the top 5 trends for the future of B2B. View the full conference programme at www.theidm.com/b2bconference.
The new IDM B2B qualifications will bring the Institute’s prestigious qualifications portfolio to six and complements the IDM’s existing B2B short course programme. The qualifications will for the first time provide B2B practitioners with verification of the depth and scope of their knowledge and skills, and will help develop and promote world-class B2B marketing capability in the UK. Applications are invited now for the first Certificate intake in March. The Diploma intake is continual. Full details can be viewed at www.marketingquals.com/b2b.
Notes to Editors
For more information contact Juliet Hilditch at juliethilditch@theidm.com.
