Newsletter - Events
Localization World Bonn
Donna Parrish, Localization World
Localization World returns to Bonn this spring with a strong program, interesting keynotes, a filled exhibit area and a second installment of the hugely successful Rhine River dinner cruise.
A “headliner” keynote panel kicks off the conference with a discussion
of the state of localization today between Jim Fagan, Bowne; Bernhard
Kohlmeier, Microsoft; Mark Lancaster, SDL; Heinz Lueken, SAP; and
Michael O'Callaghan, Oracle. These key buyers and sellers of
localization will weigh in with their opinions on where we are and where
we might be headed.
The second day’s keynote speaker is Professor
David Arnold, whose topic is “Global Power Brands' and Marketing
Economies of Scale: Fact or Fiction?” Author of The Mirage of Global
Markets, Dr. Arnold will propose that future markets will be dominated
by global ‘power brands’ having the scale and marketing support to
out-gun local rivals, in terms of both consumer equity and distribution
presence. He will question the global power brand strategy and offer
qualified hope for well-managed smaller brands.
The conference
will be organized with three concurrent tracks of sessions:
Perspectives, Point/Counterpoint and Praxis. The conference theme:
“Double the Language Challenge” is echoed throughout the program as
different presenters and panelists discuss the effects of a larger
European Union and — let’s face it: a smaller world.
Sessions addressing the interests of particular industries include
marketing communications, automotive, medical and software. Central and
Eastern European interests are also emphasized.
The preconference
day features specialized workshops such as translation automation,
medical localization, .NET localization, and marcom.
GALA has a
strong presence at the conference, offering a pre-conference roundtable
and interesting vendor-only sessions during the conference.
As
with all Localization World conferences, care is given to provide ample
time and space for networking. In addition to the Rhine River dinner
cruise, there is an opening reception at the Old City Hall and plenty of
time during the days to meet and mingle.
Donna Parrish is the publisher of Multilingual Computing & Technology and co-producer of Localization World. She can be reached at donna@multilingual.com.