This is an event worth talking about: The Mobile Marketing Association is having a Conference in Singapore- its first one out of Asia.

“MMA Mobile Marketing Forum Asia (April 28 & 29, 2009 Singapore)”

Within Asia, I have attended some international events on this front- like GSMA in Macau- and other events on mobile marketing- some as a speaker. As far as I can remember, this is going to be a one of its kind event in Singapore.  Some details below:

To take an excerpt from their website- this is what the Association (and the conference) is all about:

The Mobile Marketing Association’s Mobile Marketing Forum series brings the entire mobile marketing ecosystem together under one roof. In partnership with Informa Telecoms & Media, the series brings together leading operators, brands, agencies, content providers, entertainment and media companies from around the globe to drive the momentum for mobile marketing adoption. The forums deliver the best learning and networking experience of any event in the mobile space, complete with fully interactive agendas packed with the latest brand, operator and agency case studies designed to give you the most value from your attendance. Those new to mobile will learn best practices with real-world application, and those already engaged in mobile can learn how to deploy more advanced capabilities to enhance existing mobile initiatives.

You will hear from industry thought leaders who really challenge existing thinking and drive initiatives; you can expect powerful debate and well-facilitated interaction; you will meet new partners and business connections; and you can expect to leave each event with new ideas and perspectives that will change the way you do business.

I am moderating a panel discussion with some eminent panelists. The topic was decided by me- and the thought being that we from the marketing industry really need to come together to understand what are the factors that impact the adaptation of mobile marketing by marketers and advertisers alike. We would also be trying to tackle some problems and brainstorming on the possible solutions or fixes- specially wrt Mobile Marketing in Asia. The panelists are experts and senior industry professionals who have their fingers on the pulse of the market- and it will be interesting to explore what’s on their minds.

The topic?

Ubiquitous and omni-functional- they say it is what computers have become. Then what is stopping mobile from becoming a mass adopted marketing medium?

The panelists and their brief professional summaries:

• Emmanuel Allix: Regional Technology Development Director, GroupM

Emmanuel joined GroupM Interaction (a WPP media investment company) in 2006 as their Regional Technology Development Director for Asia Pacific. In this position, he is currently overlooking GroupM Mobile Advertising activities for the whole Region and has been working with various Telcos and Brands in the Region to build the Mobile Advertising Asian ecosystem.

Emmanuel is also an APAC MMA Board Member and is a regular speaker at various events including CommunicAsia, Media360 and AdTech.
Prior to joining GroupM, Emmanuel spent more than 10 years in the IT and Internet arenas across Asia and Europe. He founded and run one of the first Internet Website development startups in France back in 1996, creating and launching several Websites and online activities for major French companies. He also led KPMG Consulting France E-Commerce Strategy group for a year and a half and worked on various assignments for Butagaz, Peugeot, Manutan, and National Ministry of Education. In 2001, he joined Singapore Airlines to head their E-Commerce initiatives for nearly 6 years.

• Ranjan Reddy Vice-President- Sales Arena Mobile (NeoMobile Group)
  

Ranjan R. Reddy drives Global Sales and Asia D2C at Arena Mobile (Part of NeoMobile Group) and has spent close to 5 years in the mobile industry across various operating functions. He is the driving force behind Arena Mobile’s foray into mobile marketing. He set up Arena Mobile’s India operations from scratch in 2006; rapidly but steadfastly expanding into a regional role. He has led the team in delivering a cent percent profitability from year one and establishing successful partnerships with globally recognized brands and agencies like Nokia, Diageo, Singapore Press Holdings, ICICI Bank, Publicis Group, Perfetti Van Melle to name a few.

As he spearheads Arena Mobile’s global sales force and strategy in his new role, with a keen eye on the D2C play in Asia, Ranjan loves an out of the box approach towards growing business in the traditional or an inorganic fashion. A keen observer of the strides of the digital space as it emerges today; he has done his Bachelor’s in Mass Media from Concordia College, Minnesota.”

• Ryan Lim Business Director, Blugrapes Pte Ltd.

“Ryan joined Blugrapes in August 2008. With a focus on developing new business he combines technical know how with his personal experience as a Marketing Manager for Lenovo and Microsoft. Ryan’s job history also includes three years as APAC Product Manager with Nokia. His expertise in mobile technology was nurtured here whilst managing applications and services.

While Ryan was with Lycos Asia shortly after graduation, he founded and managed Singapore’s largest gaming portal known as Khabal Gaming. An NUS graduate, with a BEng in Electrical Engineering, Ryan is also a husband and proud father to two young children. ”

• and Mansoor Siddiqi: Director of Integrated Marketing, Coca-Cola India

Now here’s the deal:

If you are interested, you can ask me a question here or on email (shalabhpandey at gmail) or twitter (@shalabhpandey)- and I’ll make sure- if it is worth it- to ask the panel on their opinion- with your mention. So do give me a short professional summary too. Following the panel discussion, I hope to do a round up on the blog as well- and will mention your name and bio as well.

Shalabh Pandey