ESOMAR Telecoms Conference 17/10/2000 The topics under discussion at the ESOMAR Worldwide Telecommunications Conference between October 22 and 24 in Berlin include convergence, the e-service evolution, new techniques and innovative applications. As communications companies address a fast-changing and turbulent environment, success will depend critically upon correct identification and understanding of the impact of new technologies and services on customers, plus correct prediction of their levels of acceptance and the revenues this will generate. In this challenging environment, market research is in a crucial position to guide successful strategic decision making. This worldwide event aims to discuss and identify ways forward for all involved in marketing and marketing research for the telecommunications industry, as well as convergent industries such as TV, broadcasting and ICT. The event opens with a workshop ‘Making Market and Competitive Intelligence Work’. This is designed to provide delegates with practical ways of surveying the market and competitors, crucial in an industry characterised by a growing plethora of competitors and new entrants. The keynote speakers at the conference are Martin Sandelin, Senior Vice President Corporate Marketing at Nokia and Guido Weishaupt, Director Business Development at T-Online. Each day also features a comprehensive panel session. Speakers in the eService Evolution session include Karen Riddell, Head of Market Intelligence, Corporate Clients Division, British Telecom, Sarah Ball, Director, Prodata Partners Ltd, Lars Forsström, Director Retail Programme, TELIA and Luisa Bordoni, Vice President Worldwide Vertical Markets, International Data Corporation, Italy. In the Rapid Changes, Reflective Techniques session, the line up of speakers includes Dirk Huisman, Chairman and Marco Hoogerbrugge, Research Director, SKIM Analytical, Netherlands and Cam Davis, Manager, Nortel Networks, Canada. In the Convergence Strategies session, featured speakers include Michael Spohrer, Managing Director, GfK AG, Margarita Crespo, Senior Research Executive and Cecilia Denis, Commercial Manager, DEMOSCOPIA S.A., Spain and Doris Pozzi, Group Manager Market Research, Telstra, Australia.