Speaker Request Packet

The iMedia Brand Summit: February 6-9, 2005
Bonita Springs, Florida

The purpose of this document is to provide those inquiring about speaking and panel opportunities with the most up to date, focused information possible, so that you (a) have a solid understanding of the event, (b) understand our program needs, (c) understand the criteria we use in selecting speakers and (d) can best prepare for further discussions about speaking opportunities for this event. If you or one of your colleagues are interested in pursuing one of the opportunities outlined below please contact:

Rebecca Weeks, Content Director, iMedia Summits
iMedia Communications
310-486-9021
rebecca@iMediaConnection.com

You will need to include in your email the following three items:

• Executive bio
• List of previous speaking engagements
• Proposed topics

The following pages will provide you with all you need to know about the planning and execution of this event. Specifically, they include the following:

• The iMedia Summit Series Mission Statement
• Our Approach to Content Creation

Mission of the Events

The iMedia Summit Series is built around a simple but effective formula: Secure a group of 75 high-quality invitees who are “buyers” (either marketers, advertising agencies, or some of each) and then offer access (networking, shared content, recreation, meals) to an even larger group of “sellers” (media company management and sales executives) and other interested parties (advertising technology companies, research vendors and others) amid a relaxed setting in a beautiful location. Focused “selling time” is provided to six “presenting sponsors” during the breakfast hour, and there are brief moments of acknowledgement of sponsors at events like cocktail parties, dinners and recreational events. Aside from these, all content at the Summit events falls under the direction and control of the content producer, iMedia Communications, to assure rich, high quality content that is independent of sponsor and attendee influence.

Our Approach to Content

iMedia Communications acts as the content producer and the advocate for attendees and seeks to provide them with the highest quality content and ideas.

• Editorial Independence. Unlike conferences where “stage time” is allotted to sponsors in exchange for their financial commitments, iMedia Summit events are known for their rigorous commitment to providing great content – regardless of the source.
  
• Driven by pre-selected topics. While we publish an open call for speakers and papers, we do not look to those interested in speaking to set the agenda for us. iMedia Communications selects topics for panel discussions, table discussions, keynotes and presentations… and then recruits speakers.
  
• Drawn from Committed Attendees. Though we receive dozens of speaking inquiries from those who “will come if I can speak or be on a panel,” we select our speakers and panelists (with the exception of keynotes) from among our invited guests and registered attendees. This approach assures that we’re drawing speakers from those who understand and are committed to the success of the events. We believe that the Summit experience is valuable enough, in and of itself, that “stage time” should not be the determining factor in attending. It’s an approach that has served us well, not only in building a strong community of iMedia attendees, but also a quality base of speakers and panelists.
  
• Interactivity. Whenever and wherever possible, we strive to make our content highly interactive. Panel discussions each include a primary moderator who is encouraging panelists to “mix it up” and a secondary moderator who is roving the audience with a microphone, soliciting questions. We also encourage networking and interactivity through assigned seating at meals and general sessions and by providing stimulating discussion questions.
  
• Output focused. Whenever possible, we try to gather the knowledge shared in our presentations and discussions. This means that all presentations are made available online immediately after the conference. It also means that discussions are recorded by their moderators and summaries are offered shortly after the event, either online or by e-mail to the participants. We see the Summits as key events in the evolution of the online medium, and believe we have the responsibility to record and report on them.
  
• Panelists. We select panelists based on the potential value of their contribution to the Summit, and measure that potential across several different factors. In order of diminishing importance, they are: Influence, expertise, point-of-view and panel/speaking experience. Wherever possible, we will select panelists who carry significant influence in the interactive or traditional advertising marketplace. Also, it will be our bias to feature as many advertisers and agency representatives on panels as we possibly can; feedback from our paying attendees indicates that they like to hear from those who hold the purse strings. This means that there will be very few on-stage opportunities for media company executives.
  
• Case study presenters. Case studies will, in nearly all cases, originate from specific advertisers and ad agencies. Sometimes these case studies will revolve around a program the advertiser or
  agency has created with a specific media vendor, but we will encourage presenters to come forward with ideas that are replicable across many sites and vendors whenever possible, so that the concepts have relevance to a broad cross section of attendees.