Forrester: - Making Leaders Successful Every Day

Fueled by cheap devices and pervasive access, individuals are increasingly taking cues from one another rather than from institutions ¿ a phenomenon that creates chaos for traditional brands, sellers, and media outlets. Consumers now expect to participate in product development and marketing so that their own needs and expectations can drive the innovative process. Armed and empowered, consumers will continue to disengage from disconnected companies and give new life and marketshare to niche firms that embrace brand participation.

Podcast: Consumer Forum Preview
Principal Analyst and Research Director Christine Overby says companies that have successful Social Computing strategies share a common four-step process that starts with their customers and maintains a clear focus through execution. Listen to the podcast now.

Whether you are looking for advice on business, marketing, media, or B2C technology challenges, Forrester's Consumer Forum 2007 will provide specific answers to critical issues confronting consumer-facing companies today. This Event will tackle questions such as:

• How are social technologies ¿ such as blogs, social networks, and user review sites ¿ changing consumer behaviors and attitudes with respect to brands, content, and interactions?
• How does Social Computing appeal to the psychology and aspirations of consumers, and how does that vary around the world?
• Which social technologies hold the most promise for creating meaningful connections with consumers?
• When are consumers willing to establish a relationship with firms via social media and technologies?
• What are examples of brand communities that strike an appropriate and sincere tone, voice, and connection with consumers?
• Which companies have best harnessed the power of consumer communities and input?
• What tools, technologies, and skills will companies need to succeed in this new social structure?
• How do companies monetize the value of a participatory brand experience?
• How will Social Computing evolve over the next decade, and what radical implications should brands expect in the coming years?

Who Should Attend?

• Senior-level business and strategy executives who set objectives for driving consumer sales and profitability.
• Ad agencies and marketing services companies that support brands and next-generation experiences.
• Executives who lead eCommerce, bricks-and-mortar, and other user experience initiatives.
• Brand managers, merchandisers, and planning executives charged with understanding the needs and behaviors of their consumers.
• Technology executives responsible for integrating channels and systems to better serve consumers.

Why Attend?

• C-level keynotes from Fortune 1000 companies.
• Role-based and industry breakout sessions, such as Web channel design and strategy, direct marketing, interactive marketing, retail, travel, consumer products, media, consumer electronics, and healthcare.
• One-on-one meetings with more than 30 Forrester analysts.
• Peer networking with 600 attending executives.