Event Marketing Effected by Economy

Spending on event marketing will grow in 2009, but less than it has in the past. 

Last year, there was a growth of 15% from 2007's numbers. This year, analysts are projecting spending to equal about $9.83 billion, only a 10.6% increase from 2008.

L'Oreal Canada has been focusing more on getting to the consumer at the point of purchase: the retailers.

David Rich, a senior VP, said that his agency, George P. Johnson, has not lost any clients and actually may have some new business this year.

For the full story, go to http://adage.com/article?article_id=135038

Auto Industry Still Suffering

The sagging auto industry is not seeing a bright side any time soon.

It has been estimated that the industry's total sales in February were down 42% from what they were this time last year.

Mike DiGiovanni, an exec at General Motors, said that February was the worst month for the auto industry since 1982.

As a result of this continuing decline in sales, Chrysler is extending its "Employee Pricing Plus Plus" through the end of March, even though it was supposed to end this week.

For the full story, go to http://adage.com/article?article_id=135014

New Kindle iPhone Application

Kindle is a new e-book reader application that hooks up to the consumer's Amazon account and allows them to read the books they've purchased on their iPhone.

You can not buy books directly from the application yet, but you can by accessing Safari on the iPhone.

The author believes that this new "app" may increase e-book sales on Amazon.

Amazon is not trying to sell the actual Kindle device, but to become the prominent e-book supplier.

For the full story, go to http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=135023