Thinkbox Sets Out Activity Roadmap For 2006

TV marketing body Thinkbox has announced its roadmap for 2006, pledging a renewed focus on research, with new initiatives and increased staff.

Plans for a major new research study, a dedicated Thinkbox TV lab facility, a programme of exclusive preview screenings, further Thinkbox Experience exhibitions and the appointment of permanent Thinkbox staff look set to propel the body throughout the next year.

The new activity will be funded through renewed investment of over £3 million from the UK’s eight commercial broadcasters – Channel 4, Five, GMTV, ids, ITV, Sky, Turner Broadcasting and Viacom.

Commenting on the plans, newly installed Thinkbox chairman (see

Thinkbox Appoints Justin Sampson Chairman Thinkbox Unveiled As New TV Marketing Body), moving towards the development of an executive during 2006.

Sampson will oversee Thinkbox’s transition to a stand-alone body in his position as chairman, alongside the original architects of Thinkbox’s marketing strategy, Ingram.

Ingram’s Elizabeth Kesses will be seconded to Thinkbox as the body’s marketing director to spearhead the next phase of its evolution.

An in-house operational team will be recruited by Thinkbox over the coming months, with a research strategist, content editor and website manager all operating out of Ingram’s head office to support the marketing body’s events, training and research timetable.

Next year will also see the creation of Thinkbox’s first TV lab, housed within Ingram’s head office. The lab will be open to advertisers through a dedicated programme of training sessions, roundtable meetings, technology briefings and TV immersion days, featuring emerging TV technologies and offering access to the latest innovations in TV marketing.

Thinkbox: www.thinkbox.tv