An unprecedented line up of speakers including management, marketing and advertising gurus, besides global CEOs, communicated through a pan-Asia road show, has helped AdAsia 2011 organisers attract delegates to the Delhi convention scheduled for October 31 to November 3. For the convention that will deliberate on the theme of uncertainty, a full house seems to be a certainty.

Of the 1,200 delegates expected, around 800 are expected to be from India. The rest will come from across Asia and some other countries, explained Mr Madhukar Kamath, Chairman of AdAsia 2011 and Group CEO and MD, Mudra Group.

Around 400 advance booking requests have been received from delegates keen to avail of the early bird discounts, according to organisers. While the registration fee is Rs 40,000 for Indian delegates, it is $1,500 for the rest. The “early bird” fee is Rs 33,000 (Indian) and $1,200 (international) – one accompanying person can come in at Rs 10,000 and $500 respectively.

Speaking to reporters at the Mudra headquarters in Mumbai, Mr Kamath said, “Given that we can only accommodate 1,200 people in the conference, we will look to reach out to a wider audience through a Web cast, which is being considered as of now.”

The bi-annual event that India will host after 2003, has been promoted extensively through road shows in Phuket, Vietnam, Taiwan, Seoul, Pakistan, Indonesia, Japan, Kuala Lampur and Singapore. The road show comprised a delegation of organiser representatives pitching the event to members of the industry there. This delegation included Mr Kamath and ad veteran Mr Ramesh Narayan, whose role in the success of AdAsia 2003 is widely acknowledged.

“There are requests coming in from countries all over, including for instance the US,” said Mr Kamath. He added that in India, organisers are in talks with management institutes, among others, to make available content from the convention sessions.

Among sponsors at the 2011 edition of AdAsia are advertising agencies Dentsu and Hakuhodo, Indian publication groups Malayala Manorama and Mathrubhumi, and broadcaster Star TV.

There is room for further sponsors, including a presenting sponsor, noted Mr Kamath. Talks are on, he said, but added that the funds are in place for the show to go on.

gokul.k@thehindu.co.in

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