IDM launches free events programme with a seminar on “The Next Customer Revolution”
Released 16 December 2009: The Institute of Direct Marketing is to make its knowledge & networking events free to its members for 2010. To launch the programme, the IDM Data Council will host “The next customer relationship revolution”, presented by business writer and personal data and consumer empowerment researcher, Alan Mitchell on Thursday 28 January.
Sponsored by DQM Group, the event examines the opportunities presented by the new technologies and new thinking surrounding Volunteered Personal Information (VPI). Mitchell, along with fellow speaker William Heath, will explain why re-writing the ‘data contract’ between individuals and organisations by handing customers control of their own data signals a new direction in customer relationships. It brings with it greater relevance, lower costs, improved ROI and increased competitiveness.
The decision to make the 2010 events programme free to IDM members comes as part of the Institute’s own customer relationship programme, which seeks to add value, while remaining in line with the IDM’s wider goal of promoting best practice standards to the marketing profession.
IDM Membership Director, Caroline Robertson comments:
“We’re delighted that we are able to launch our free events programme with such an important topic. It means that IDM members will have the opportunity to be the first to learn about the implications of VPI, and to find themselves at a distinct advantage over their competitors – without having paid for the privilege.”
Alan Mitchell adds:
“VPI represents the biggest change in direct marketing since the customer database was first invented. There’s more information about your customers in their heads than you’ll ever be able to gather in a traditional CRM database and now, new technologies mean customers can share this information with you. But only if they want to. Marketers need to understand the opportunities that VPI opens up – or they’ll be surprised at the speed at which their competitors leave them behind.”
The IDM 2010 events programme »
“The next customer relationship revolution: Volunteered Personal Information” »
Note to editors
For more information contact Juliet Hilditch on 020 8614 0229 or email juliethilditch@theidm.com.
