Forum is not a slap in the face
David Benady’s article about the Millennium Marketing Forum (MW July 30) looks at the issue from the wrong perspective.
Obviously the marketing of the millennium is a unique project of which no one has any previous experience. We have only one chance to get it right – the millennium can’t be relaunched!
The MMF was, therefore, set up to act as a sounding board for ideas as well as a way of the New Millennium Experience Company receiving additional input on a variety of issues. This is a very public project, and the NMEC is not arrogant enough to shun the views and ideas of respected professionals.
The MMF will sit for 90 minutes every two months, so to suggest that M&C Saatchi’s advertising will be “vetted” is incorrect. It will not be a formal part of the NMEC’s marketing process, and there is absolutely no likelihood of advertising being stalled to await the next meeting.
Moreover, to suggest that the MMF represents a “slap in the face” for M&C is mischievous. M&C is a key strategic partner of the NMEC and is encouraged to provide input, advice, ideas and support in a wide range of marketing issues – far beyond conventional advertising.
Everyone connected with the marketing and creative professions should want this project to succeed – worldwide commercial recognition will reflect very favourably on the professional standards of this country.
Sholto Douglas-Home
Director of marketing & communications – designate
NMEC
London SW1
