Second training conference provides update on planning process
Dubai - The second OMD Academy, the media network's twice-yearly training conference, concluded recently in Dubai after three days of grueling teamwork.
Nearly 60 participants from the regional network, covering the GCC and the Levant, interacted with two senior network directors. Simon Francis, strategic planning director at OMD Europe in London, and Paul Coleman, head of strategic planning at OMD International based in Paris, guided the audience through exercises that brought the media network's proprietary planning process to life. This proved particularly useful to new employees, who got a first hand experience with the architects of the process.
"We have conducted similar seminars across the world and we have found a great deal of talent and enthusiasm here," said Simon Francis. "The team totally embraced the process and have demonstrated both depth in thinking and creativity in the application of Checkmate," added Paul Coleman.
The third day saw a presentation by Philippe Dominois, a director at London-based European Media Management (EMM). EMM is a consultancy assisting advertisers with their media management, advising them on media pitches, reviews or audits. Every year, EMM conducts a survey of its clients on industry and media issues. These results were shared and discussed in a bid to identify areas of service improvement.
"Checkmate is a real binding tool, one that unifies our network across the world," commented Elie Khouri, regional managing director. "International clients who use OMD in various countries have described how valuable and helpful this process is to them. It's important everyone in OMD becomes an expert with Checkmate, particularly as our team is expanding across the region. This is what this session was designed for."
"Beyond the learnings the OMD Academy delivers, these sessions have the added benefit of strengthening the link between teams and offices," added Christine von Hoerde, the director in charge of the OMD Academy. "We work well together and enjoy each other's company. This translates into effective communications and seamless regional coordination, a real plus for our clients."
Besides the two bi-annual network conferences, the next one being scheduled for November, the OMD Academy provides a full curriculum for employees, partner agencies and clients.
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About OMD:
OMD is the leading global media specialist network, with a presence in over 80 countries. OMD belongs to the OMNICOM Group, the world's largest communication group that also owns three agency networks, BBDO, DDB and TBWA. The first-ever Gunn Report for Media named OMD as the world most awarded media network. The media specialist employs more than 4,300 experts globally and works for 15,000 companies.www.omd.com
For further information,please contact:
Eric Mirabel
Regional Marketing & Communications Manager
Tel: +971 4 390 4235
E-mail: e.mirabel@omd.ae
© Press Release 2005
