ASTECH InterMedia is pleased to present

the 16th Annual

Roundtable on Strategic Marketing

The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail (CO)

August 24 - 27, 2008

The Concept
As the media landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, a transformative business model for the newsmedia is emerging – a model that leverages the strength of the brand, growing digital assets, the consumer and business relationships maintained, and the unique data and communication resources of the publishing company.

To stay abreast of this evolution and its implications for your business, you need an environment that nurtures innovative thinking and expertise. The 2008 Roundtable on Strategic Marketing presented by ASTECH InterMedia is just the place.

For each of the past sixteen years, media professionals have looked to ASTECH to provide a forum for interactive discussion and debate of industry challenges. Emerging from these forums is the realization that these challenges are not challenges at all, but opportunities to revitalize and reengineer the industry, ensuring its growth and prosperity for decades to come.

This highly acclaimed event is designed to provide participants with an informal, interactive environment to encourage the enthusiastic exchange of ideas and experiences, and to nurture the development of a peer network of unparalleled value. An experienced international faculty of marketers, technologists and senior executives leads the sessions, but equally significant are the impromptu conversations that take place in the social hours and networking activities.

The Roundtable combines education, interaction, experience and research in tackling a diverse range of issues related to strategic, data-driven marketing and the transformation of the newsmedia.  Take a look at just a few of the sessions in store for Roundtable participants in 2008:

“Preparing for the Future: A Delicate Balance between Continuity and Change”
Dr. Paul Wang, Associate Professor/Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern University

Uncertainty.

It clouds not only the global economic picture, but it specifically challenges strategists shaping the future of the newsmedia.

In a half-day session dedicated to preparing for this uncertain future, Dr. Paul Wang will help senior executives build a framework for strategic planning and execution. Through lecture, interaction and brainstorming, participants will seek the optimal balance between continuity and change, connection and innovation.

Paul will help participants in defining a clear and productive vision, managing the uncertainty that can impede optimal investment. His objective: create agents of effective change within newsmedia companies.

“Modular/Sectional Pricing: A Workshop in the What, Why and How of Implementation”
Suzanne Raitt, Managing Director/Advertising Effectiveness, The Toronto Star

In her role, Suzanne Raitt works closely with the Star’s advertising team and clients to assist in producing optimized advertising strategies and implementing campaigns to increase the opportunity for improved results through advertising in Canada’s largest newspaper. One of the key initiatives, in which she has been an integral player, is the planning and implementation of modular advertising and sectional pricing.

Suzanne will lead a half-day workshop designed to provide those considering a migration to modular pricing with the knowledge and research upon which to base a solid decision – and to give those committed to the transformation with a definitive blueprint on how to get there.

“Understanding the Digital Savvy Consumer”
Mitch McKinnon, Account Manager/Print & Digital Media, Scarborough Research

From iPods to satellite radio, VOD to TiVos, consumers are accessing more delivery platforms than ever for information and entertainment. The Digital Savvy – those leading-edge digital consumers who are early adopters of technology – are of increasing interest to marketers, as their “first mover” status could portend the impact of technology on the general population.

But who are these Digital Savvy consumers? How do they differ from the general population? To what extent are they consumers of more traditional media? And what may their behavior indicate about the challenges and opportunities that marketers and media will face in the future?

Mitch McKinnon will present insights about the Digital Savvy from Scarborough Research’s national syndicated study. He will highlight their demographics, lifestyles, media behaviors and purchasing trends, and discuss the implications of this emerging consumer group.

Among the many other highlights of the 2008 event are sessions on:

• Business Critical Applications of the Marketing Database
• The Innovation Imperative
• Audience Development in a Fragmented Marketplace
• The Newsmedia Company as Infomediary
• Audience Growth through Niche Publishing
• Nurturing Non-Traditional Revenue Streams
• Building an e-Marketing Strategy
• Reorganizing for Transformation

The Faculty
The Roundtable is widely known for the quality and honesty of its faculty. The opportunity to interact with members in the relaxed setting of Roundtable sessions, group meals and events is unparalleled. Confirmed members of this year’s faculty as of July 22 include:

• Dr. Paul Wang, Northwestern University and The Media Management Center
• James Gold, New York Times Regional Media Group
• Suzanne Raitt, Toronto Star
• Shaun Higgins, Spokesman-Review
• Rob Rubrecht, Newspaper Association of America
• Maria Terrell, INMA
• Mark Medici, Dallas Morning News
• Kyle Reynolds, Houston Chronicle
• Greg Bright, Arizona Republic
• Jim Hart, Integrated Advertising Solutions
• Al Frowiss, ASTECH InterMedia
• Tom Ratkovich, ASTECH InterMedia

The Schedule

The Setting
Nestled in the heart of Vail Village approximately 100 miles west of Denver, the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail welcomes visitors with the charm and intimacy of a fine European hotel. Framed by spectacular 14,000-foot peaks, the Sonnenalp offers world-class services and accommodations. The resort features two restaurants, lounge, full-service European spa, live entertainment, elegant conference facilities and complimentary valet parking.

The Sonnenalp also boasts its own golf course, the Sonnenalp Golf Club, which has recently served as the host site for the Colorado Open.

The Details
Hotel Reservations: Roundtable participants can make their own hotel reservations by calling 866-284-4411. Please ask for a full explanation of the ASTECH conference rates.

Registration: In order to nurture a casual, interactive atmosphere, participation in the Roundtable is limited to 65 individuals. Download the registration form to ensure your opportunity to participate in this outstanding event.