The Influentials, business conference MTV, 'Oprah' and 'Business Sunday' collide

Part MTV, part 'Oprah' and a whole lot of 'Business Sunday', The Influentials is a dynamic new breed of business conference coming to Melbourne (11 July) and Sydney (12 July). Some of the world's most influential elite will take part in the events, which blend talk show tactics with animation, sound and film to address global trends affecting Australia's business landscape. The Influentials will provide business leaders of today and tomorrow with the insight they need to succeed in a changing world.

Major drawcards of The Influentials include keynote addresses by one of the world's top TV producer Mark Burnett (of global reality-TV smashes 'Survivor' and 'The Apprentice'), Sir Bob Geldof (musician, businessman, humanitarian, lobbyist, and Malcolm McLaren (provocateur extraordinaire of popular culture). They will be joined by a high profile MC and a who's who of homegrown leaders and stars from the business, media and entertainment industries, such as Bob Isherwood, Worldwide Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi. More names to be announced.

Audiences of 1000 in each city will be introduced to a new way of assessing the corporate landscape, their colleagues and themselves. The Influentials concept contends that there are six main forces (both good and evil) at work in every workplace. These forces have been personified as the leader, villain, superstar, rebel, guru, and celebrity, and they will be given life at the events. Known as the Avatars of Influence, the characters will interact with the live stars of the events via five large plasma screens, to demonstrate how these forces encourage or discourage success in business.

For many who attend The Influentials, it will be their only chance to be in the presence of and gain valuable insight from some of the world's greatest speakers.

"Anticipating the impact of trends on your organisation and acting on them is a key responsibility for CEOs and senior executives," says Keith Bick, director of Red Carpet, the organising body for The Influentials. "Designing the future you want rather than accepting a fate that's determined by others is what distinguishes you as a highly competitive and successful business leader."

On The Influentials' high production levels, Bick says there are two objectives: "We're aiming to enhance audiences' learning and change thought processes - but we also want people to have a fantastic time doing it."

"Through this fresh approach and intense focus on value for CEOs and senior executives, Red Carpet is reinventing corporate business conferences".

Following the Australian events, The Influentials will to Auckland, New Zealand on 14 July 2006.

THE INFLUENTIALS

Melbourne: Tuesday 11 July 2006 at the Melbourne Town Hall. 9.00 am - 4.00 pm
Sydney: Wednesday 12 July 2006 at the Sydney Town Hall. 9.00 am - 4.00 pm
Website: www.theinfluentials.net

Registration prices, (inc. GST): Arena Seating: $795
Individual at corporate tables: $1,500 (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and non-alcoholic drinks included)
Corporate table of 8: $11,880 (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and non-alcoholic drinks included)

Key note speakers' topics:

Mark Burnett: The new reality: Embracing risk, challenging the status quo and leading with compassion
Sir Bob Geldof: Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility: The inspiration & the passion. Achieving the impossible in the parallel worlds of music, business, political and humanitarian advocacy

About Mark Burnett: The genius behind the wildly popular Survivor' series, and a driving force behind reality TV, Mark Burnett is the hottest producer in television. His entrepreneurial spirit has helped pioneer the success of the reality drama series and bring it to mainstream audiences worldwide. Burnett's latest projects include the smash hit reality series hosted by Donald Trump for NBC, called 'The Apprentice', NBC's primetime reality series 'The Restaurant' and the widely acclaimed 'Rock Star: INXS'

About Sir Bob Geldof: Musician turned businessman turned political campaigner, Bob Geldof has done more than any other person of his generation to raise the issue of third world poverty onto the G8's agenda. Using his experiences in the show-biz and music industry he has inspired and motivated people and, as importantly, politicians, all around the world to move towards making poverty history. He has great insight into the socio-political arenas as well as leadership and motivation.

About Bob Isherwood: The Worldwide Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi, Isherwood is completely dedicated to world changing ideas. Hence he is the driving force behind Saatchi & Saatchi's Award for World Changing Ideas, of which previous judging panellists has included; Buzz Aldrin, Laurie Anderson, David Byrne, Baz Luhrmann, Lou Reed and Dr Edward de Bono. Bob also presents the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors showcase at the Cannes International Advertising festival.

About Red Carpet: New Zealand based Red Carpet specialises in developing prestigious corporate event brands. Acclaimed for its world workshops and conferences, Red Carpet has earned a reputation for delivering innovative and high value experiences built around a formula of inspiring, informing and entertaining attendees. www.redcarpet.co.nz