Conference participants will discuss developments in the publishing industry as well as explore ways publishers can benefit from the fast evolving industry.
Ifra, the world’s largest organization of newspaper and media publishing houses, spearheaded the event.
The Philippine STAR, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Manila Bulletin, and the Manila Times have set aside competition to set up a common booth. Today’s event will have 37 exhibitors.
"We are like one team representing the local industry. We are happy to work as a team with no competition and no jealousy," Bernadette Cunanan, Bulletin public relations manager, said.
She said registered delegates reached 275 as of 11 a.m. yesterday, and the figure is expected to reach 400 today. She said last year’s turnout was a little more than 200 participants.
She said the local organizers prepared other activities that they hoped would make the stay of delegates in the country more enjoyable.
"This is the first time that the local committee, the Philippine committee, helped beef up the promotions campaign. We even held a press conference to promote the event and had a media plan," Cunanan said.
She said this was also the first time that representatives from journalism schools were invited to the event.
"This is also the first time that the media awards would be held at an open-air garden. Before these awards were so formal, so business-like and with very little entertainment," Cunanan said.
For entertainment, local organizers made arrangements with various performers, including The CompanY, Christian Bautista, folk dancers, and the Manila City Hall band.
"We want to showcase what is symbolic to Filipinos. We want them to experience our hospitality," she added.
Yesterday, Manila City Hall sponsored a golf tournament at the Intramuros Golf Course for participants. Non-golfers would be treated to cultural presentations and guided city tours on calesas and jeepneys.
Murdoch MacLennan, chief executive officer of UK’s Telegraph Media Group, keynotes today’s event themed "Reinventing for Today’s Business, Creating for Tomorrow’s Challenges." MacLennan will tackle the importance of harnessing new technology – including digital media – as well as the need for high ethical standards and quality.
"Without a doubt, the topics prepared for the two-day convention will provide insights for participants on ways by which they can deal with the evolving publishing industry," said Ifra Asia managing director Elaine Wong.
Moderators in today’s session include Ifra, Germany research director and deputy CEO Manfred Werfel; Singapore Press Holding’s Chew V. Ming; and Jo Christian Oterhals of Norway’s VG Multimedia.