About the Conference

The Spring 2007 Globalisation Management Strategies Conference is designed to be different from all other global management conferences. It is not an academic conference for looking at new standardisation-adaptation research. It is not a localisation practitioner conference for looking at new localisation technologies, processes or trends. It is a conference that combines the best of academic theory and industry practice and that looks at localisation as a strategic management issue. Speakers and panelists have been carefully selected to address key topics. Based on the World Café model of participant interaction, instead of sitting through dry lectures, attendees will be expected to participate fully in discussions, creating a stimulating "mind-mapping" experience for all. This conference will gather a new cadre of professionals who wish to influence the way people look at international business.

The Conference addresses the issues of managing globalisation in the internet age. It focuses on six key areas with an emphasis on innovative practices that position companies for global expansion: Executive Management, Strategy & Planning, Global Marketing & Service, Distributed Operations & Technology Integration, Research & Development, and Cross-cultural Organisation & Human Resources Management.

The key to effective globalisation is bringing together in a coherent whole the concepts of research, strategy, technology, branding, creative concepts and marketing.

Mission:

The Globalisation Management Strategies Conference series will continue the mission of the original series, which is to provide a forum for discussing globalisation and localisation as an upper-level business management function. This unique conference will provide:

• Executive-level face-to-face participation
• Multidisciplinary globalisation experts sharing experience and advice
• Special emphasis on practices to position companies for global expansion
• Facilitated discussions and time to plan strategically

Unlike most events, this conference has the fundamental objective to combine theory with practice. Leading academic scholars will present alongside seasoned professionals to further knowledge of global business, with 100% of audience participation throughout the 2-day event.

Style and Focus:

This is a single track event, where presentations will be set up to encourage a high level of participation and interaction. This style is designed to ensure that the focus of the conference is on learning, networking and generating new ideas. Panelists and moderators will be appointed to help encourage lively debate, as well as to facilitate simulations and round table discussions.

As this conference is not designed as a sales event, vendors will be discouraged, but sponsors will be welcomed and their products distributed, as deemed necessary.

Audience:

GMSC anticipates the audience to represent a distinct group of both academic scholars and industry professionals who have an interest in global management. Other groups may include consultants, government officials, as well as independent research organisations, concerned with international business.

We look forward to a very exciting, stimulating and extraordinary conference, and hope that you will join us in Monterey in March.