Paul Squirrell, director of thenetworkone, says, "These companies don’t own the individual cars or guest houses in their network, but simply bring clients together with businesses in a global network of need versus service."
"This is what we do at thenetworkone: we put clients in touch with agencies of all disciplines in different parts of the world, depending on [their] needs. We [also] create bespoke global networks on-demand," Squirrell adds.
thenetworkone has accredited 1 200 independent agencies across 109 countries globally. "We all know that the beauty of working with an independent agency is that you get the benefit of working with a company that has an innate culture and vision that has been cultivated from the ground up," Squirrell says.
"There’s often little hierarchy and no one is being dictated to by a leadership team in New York, London or Paris; everyone is working toward a common purpose. Sure, our service isn’t necessarily cheaper, but it can certainly yield a more effective, faster and hands-on approach that many clients are yearning for," he adds.
The 2019 IMC Conference will take place on Wednesday, 14 March at Fox Junction in Newtown.
"This year’s theme of stripping back marketing to its roots really spoke to us. We believe in working with the best independent agencies who thrive on that grassroots approach," says Squirrell.
"In an increasingly globalised world, many international businesses are looking to work with agencies who can create great work that resonates locally as well as delivers against global objectives. They want a good local team of specialists who live and breathe the market they are wanting to tap into," he adds.
thenetworkone not only focusses on putting clients in touch with agencies, but also helps independent agencies find partners that have expertise or skills that they need.
"Networking is what we focus on ... putting people in touch with each other in order to yield the best result. We strongly believe in a sense of community, focussing on cultivating a spirit of working together and expanding views as we go along," adds Squirrell.
Squirrell says that by being a part of the exciting conference, he will be able to meet new independents and marketing clients. "I don’t think that African agencies get nearly enough exposure on the global stage that they should."
"I want to raise visibility for thenetworkone, as well as the partnership with the IMC Conference, and be able to take back information I learn on the day and say this is the exciting stuff happening in South Africa at the moment," he adds.
IMC Conference CEO, Dale Hefer, has a long-standing relationship with thenetworkone, which started when she was a member while running her independent agency, Chillibush. "I have always been a thenetworkone fan, and I am delighted they are part of the conference," she adds.
For more information on how to register, or to apply for one of R70 000 worth of bursaries, visit www.imcconference.com. You can also follow the IMC Conference on Facebook or on Twitter.