GDS International's iStrategy Melbourne Event Brings Leading Speakers & Cutting-Edge Content to Crown Convention Centre on November 22-23

MELBOURNE, Australia, August 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

GDS International's iStrategy Digital Marketing Conference is delighted to announce its expert keynote speakers and panellists for its Melbourne event - a two-day foray into the exciting, fast-paced world of digital marketing - being held at Crown Convention Centre, Melbourne, on November 22-23.

Widely regarded as the nation's 'Capital of Culture', Melbourne is the perfect next stop on iStrategy's Australian 2012 tour, following a hugely successful Sydney event in February. With its links to both culture and research, Melbourne is steeped in the new connected ethos and is at the cutting-edge of innovative digital marketing.

iStrategy is pleased to offer a full speaker line-up that includes some established thought leaders and innovators within the digital space. Opening the conference is Simon Mainwaring, author of We First, a philanthropic book that asks the question: how can we make a better future with the aid of technology? We First was a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestseller. Also speaking is Austin Bryan, the Global Head of Digital Communities and Eco-Systems at SingTel Optus. Austin brings 30 years' experience in the digital space, starting his illustrious career at American Express, then working across Europe, Asia and Australia before heading up Optus' Digital Media division in Sydney, where he leads the design, build and delivery of globally relevant rich media digital products, services and apps that allow people to connect, communicate, discover, sync and share.

Other speakers include Liam Walsh, Director of Sales, Facebook; Darren Pearce, Director Communications, Tennis Australia; Andrew Knott, VP Digital APMEA, McDonald's; Emily Amos, GM Customer Engagement, Woolworths; Sarah Richardson, General Manager, Loyalty, Research & Social Media, Myer; Harry Lowe, GM Digital Marketing, Telstra; Craig White, President, MOL Global; and Jodie Sangster, CEO, ADMA.

iStrategy Melbourne will be the fourth conference on Australian soil, and has already built up a reputation as a pivotal conference for those digital marketers and entrepreneurs who understand that a successful business needs cutting-edge digital marketing strategies.

"iStrategy is a great conference. Every time I attend the event I find more and more interesting topics. I find more time with my peer group. I find the calibre of the conference to be among the highest globally," says James Miner, SVP for Digital at ESPN. World-renowned digital native Gillian Muessig is another huge fan: "iStrategy Sydney was absolutely brilliant. It brings together marketers from the world's biggest brands and they come together to talk about not just marketing issues, but technology and business issues too. I find it very valuable."

Richard Owen, VP of Conferences for GDS International - the company behind iStrategy - is excited at what he feels will be the most successful iStrategy event ever. "At iStrategy, we pride ourselves on producing market leading events with clear, actionable takeaways, delivered by the best digital speakers in the world," he says.

"As well as top speakers, iStrategy Melbourne will be an intimate conference with 500 top digital brand marketers in attendance, offering up unique networking opportunities to give those in attendance the most compelling, engaging and relevant conversations going on in the digital industry today."

iStrategy Melbourne takes place at the Crown Convention Centre on November 22-23, 2012. For more information, please visit: http://www.istrategyconference.com/events/melbourne

About GDS International

GDS International is one of the most innovative events and media companies worldwide - and a globally renowned producer of business-to-business summits, conferences, online information and advisory group gatherings. Founded in 1993, GDS International specialises in meeting the B2B marketing needs of our clients. Having a strong presence in mature industrial sectors but a finger on the pulse of emerging markets - as well as up-and-coming B2B business verticals - means we are perfectly placed to capitalise on the exciting developments brought about by the advent of a globalised economy. Our value proposition is simple: we deliver tangible business results from world-class events.

http://www.gdsinternational.com

Contact:
Helen Hawkins
helen.hawkins@gdsinternational.com
+44-1179-261-422