Jennifer Francis, Head of Press and Marketing, Royal Academy of Arts, UK and Chair of the 2008 Communicating the Museum Conference

"I'm absolutely delighted to work with Agenda and chair the 2008 Communicating the Agenda International Conference in a city that I know very well and love. The topic of "Communication Strategies" is one that I am particularly passionate about.

Strategic planning, audience segmentation and executing successful marketing campaigns is the lifeblood of all of our organisations especially in light of increasing competition for visitors. I hope to be able to preside over a great occasion where we are able to share knowledge and international good practice which will inform all our future campaigns."

Will Gompertz, Director of Tate Media, Tate, UK

"I'm delighted that the theme for the 2008 Communicating the Museum conference will be Communication Strategies. Whether an organisation is big or small, it cannot succeed unless it is clear about where it is going and how it intends to get there.
This requires the creation of a strategy; the most important skill for any professional to have and something you should never stop learning about".

Damien Whitmore, Director of Public Programmes, Victoria and Albert Museum, UK

"This is going to be a fascinating and valuable conference. It will provide a unique opportunity for communications professionals working in museums, to hear about the latest and very best new developments in cultural marketing and promotion. It will combine big picture presentations from major speakers from around the world, with smaller, focussed practical-workshop sessions on specific themes. And all this, with Venice as the backdrop".

Louise Hamlin, Head of Sales UK, The Art Newspaper, Italy-UK

"The theme of this year's conference will no doubt encourage a thorough exploration of cultural strategy making for institutions of all sizes internationally, in essence a "back to basics" approach to key strategies. Whilst expanding upon a number of key topics such as audience development and new media in particular with it's continually changing and evolving landscape it will be important to review developments even within the last 12 months and since last July's conference in Madrid.
Each year, as the conference grows to include delegates from across the world, Venice will play the perfect host not only for it's wealth of art and architecture but also it's geographical position of "east meets west. The Art Newspaper is delighted to be once again the official Media Partner".

Nigel Semmens, Head of Communications, The National Gallery, UK

"Attendance at Agenda's annual conference has become essential for anyone working in the field of communications at museums and galleries, and 2008 is no exception. There has never been so much emphasis on visitors' needs but the methods of reaching these diverse groups of people are ever-changing.
Strategic planning is essential for everything that we do, from targeting audiences to the launch of a new campaign, exhibition or building. The conference attracts key speakers and delegates from all over the world and it provides unrivalled opportunities for international networking. And all of this in Venice - one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Put this in your diary now."

Nathalie Mercier, directeur de la communication, Musée du Quai Branly

"Le thème de la confèrence de 2008 porte un important potentiel de cross fertilisation des méthodes et des savoirs faire reprèsentant ainsi une réelle opportunité d'accroître son champ de réfléxion au bénéfice d'une meilleure stratègie pour sa propre institution culturelle.
J'attends beaucoup de cette édition et je pense qu'elle est en mesure, au vue des intervenants et différents sous thèmes choisis, d'agrandir nos champs de perspectives stratègiques dans le domaine culturel".

Anne Sylvie Capitani, adjointe du directeur de la communication, Musée du Quai Branly

"Institutionnaliser une plateforme de rencontres et d'échanges des expèriences est une vraie plus value dans nos métiers dédiés à la communication des champs culturels.
Ainsi, un espace de convergence permet de remettre en perspective les concepts sur lesquels nous travaillons, de les diversifier et les enrichir. C'est un réseau constructif et performant qui se construit ainsi chaque année un peu plus".