6th Thought Leaders International Conference on Brand Management

In conjunction with a Special Edition of the
Journal of Business Research 

April 18-20, 2010
USI Universita della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
www.brand-management.usi.ch
 
After five highly successful, thought provoking conferences, the 6th Thought Leaders International Conference on Brand Management will be setting even higher conference standards when it takes place from Sunday, April 18 to Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in Lugano, Switzerland. At our previous conference in Athens a notable international conclave of scholars and practitioners presented and debated leading edge research that will have a significant impact on the management and research into one of the most valuable intangible assets, brands.  

Established as the forum for shaping thought leadership about brand management, the international orientation will continue with the hosting of the conference at one of the most stunning settings in Europe.  Lugano is nestled between the towering peaks of the Alps, sitting aside the vast lake at the confluence of European routes. The outstanding beauty of the location will be enhanced by the intellectual gravitas of this university which in Swiss tradition abhors boasting, but rather rejoices in stimulating intellectual curiosity and advancement of paradigm challenges. Lugano is easily accessed by regular short flights from Zurich or regular short coach trips from Milan. Flight costs should be lower as the conference starts on the late afternoon of a Sunday.  

With Prof Leslie de Chernatony as Chairman and Dr Leif Hem as Vice Chairman an international steering committee has been constituted to ensure a continuation of the tradition that academics and practitioners from all continents present refereed papers of a consistently high quality. In addition their remit is to ensure that the friendly and supportive environment of previous conferences is maintained. Historically attendees have come from countries in the northern and southern hemispheres, ranging from some of the most senior researchers in brand management with several decades experience to doctoral students, as well as practitioners with valuable insights. 

This international conference seeks to engender the advancement of knowledge about brand management amongst scholars by disseminating new research and by encouraging the evolution of new research themes. It wishes to reflect current work and as such no stipulations are made about the aspect of brand management being researched. An eclectic perspective is being sought. This international conference also aims to narrow the gap between academia and commerce by having presentations from internationally renowned practitioners whose significant senior experience is regarded as being at the cutting edge of application.   

Following the tradition of our earlier conferences where people such as Wally Olins of Saffron Brand Consultants and Adam Morgan of eatbigfish, amongst many others, gave Keynote Presentations, there will be thought provoking Keynote Presentations by international brand practitioners. Parallel tracks of double blind refereed papers will enable authors to gain constructive comments about their papers and extend their knowledge horizon from other researchers. 

Conference Fee

The fee includes:
- All conference sessions
- Conference folder and CD
- CD with ISDN-numbered conference abstracts
- Access to online conference material
- Welcome reception (April 18), networking lunches and refreshments (April 19-10) as well as the dinner party on Monday, April 19, 2010 

General fee
Academy of Marketing members
EUR 380  

Non-members
EUR 420 

PHD student fee
Academy of Marketing members
EUR 250  

Non-members
EUR 300  

Lugano Travel Information

By Plane 
The quickest way to get to Lugano from most places abroad, will be flying into Lugano’s small international airport (Agno) via Zurich or Geneva with Swiss International Airlines or Darwin. Not only will you experience one of the most scenic flights ever with a view of the Matterhorn – it is also totally stress free to check in and out at this little airport. If you book your flight well in advance, Swiss offers good prices from all major European cities. 

The major international hub for Lugano is Milan Malpensa Airport. All major European airlines (over 70 in total) operate direct flights to Milan Malpensa Airport several times per day, including low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Easyjet. Shuttle busses run regularly between Malpensa and Lugano, making for a trouble-free journey. The shuttle trip takes 50 minutes (round-trip fair EUR 35). Information on low-cost airline connections: www.flylc.com 

By Train
Traveling by train in Switzerland is easy and reliable, thanks to one of the world’s best railway systems.Lugano lies right on the North-South axis with trains running between Milan (40 minutes to 1 hour) and Zurich (2 hours 30 minutes) every hour. If you want to experience a picturesque journey fly into Zurich and take the train to Lugano. Swiss Railways for information on international and national train connections: www.sbb.ch

By Car
Lugano is served by the motorway axis that directly connects Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Online maps: www.ch.map24.com or www.viamichelin.ch 

Accommodation

Official Conference Hotel Hotel Lido Seegarten****
We have negotiated a very special conference rate (40 percent off the normal rack rates) at the Hotel Lido Seegarten, which is a favourite with conference participants. It is located right on the shores of Lake Lugano and just a 10-minute walk from the University where the conference takes place.

Single room: CHF 130 (approx. EUR 85)
Double room: CHF 190 (approx. EUR 123)

Rates include breakfast. The booking must be done directly with the hotel. In order to secure the special rate, you must mention “Thought Leaders Conference”.

Hotel Lido Seegarten****
Viale Castagnola 24
CH-6900 Lugano
Switzerland
Phone + 41 (0)91 973 63 63
Fax: +41 (0)91 973 62 62
E-mail [email protected]
www.hotellido-lugano.com

Alternative Hotel Options
Hotel Rosa** is a simple, but clean and friendly place just 50 meters from the Hotel Lido Seegarten (official conference hotel) and a 10-minute walk from the University. Rates include breakfast.

Single room: CHF 90 (approx. EUR 57)
Double room: CHF 135 (approx. EUR 85)

Hotel Rosa**
Via Landriani 2/4
CH-6900 Lugano - Switzerland
Phone +41 (0)91 922 92 86
Fax +41 (0)91 923 42 70
E-mail [email protected]
www.albergorosa.ch

You may also want to explore other hotels on www.lugano-tourism.ch or any of the popular travel websites.

Contact

Thought Leaders International Conference on Brand Management
Jennifer Hayes
Conference Manager
Via Giuseppe Buffi 13
CH-6900 Lugano
Switzerland
Phone +41 (0)58 666 4605
Fax +41 (0)58 666 4739
E-mail [email protected] 
Website www.brand-management.usi.ch