Conferences and other business events are considered the most important marketing medium, shows a global survey of chief marketing officers done by the Economist Intelligence Unit.  

This is good news for us, conference organisers. We are pleased that marketing people view events as a key channel to reach out to their customers and other target groups cost-effectively. The survey findings prove that conference sponsorship and attendance is a sound marketing investment that brings good returns.  

The Economist Intelligence Unit asked chief marketing officers around the world which advertising mediums are the most important in meeting their companies' key marketing objectives today. Conferences and events are a clear leader mentioned by as many as 45% of respondents. Consumer/business magazines stand second with 33% and TV third with 30% of respondents. Newspapers and online content sites were mentoned by 24% of respondents.  

The survey was conducted in early 2008 and its respondents included marketing executives from all over the world: mainly from Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America but also from Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.  

The findings of the survey and its report is available from the Economist Intelligence Unit website.