Santo Versace to Lead International Branding Session at IPREX Milan Meeting

Threats and Opportunities in the PR Industry Will Be Analyzed by Italian Sociologist Enrico Finzi

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Santo Versace, Chairman of Gianni Versace Group and the Altagamma Foundation, will lead an international branding session at a meeting in Milan (7^th to 9^th October) run by the EMEA group of IPREX – the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms.

“These regular meetings make an important contribution to the benefits which IPREX partners derive from the organization. They keep us in touch with the latest thinking across a range of important fields and, crucially, with each other.”

While Versace is well-known as one of the world’s leading international fashion houses, the Altagamma Foundation was established in 1992 to strengthen the global presence and growth of its member companies, which own some of the world’s most successful luxury Italian brands, such as Alessi, Ferrari, Gucci, Riva, Sanpellegrino, Zegna and of course Versace.

Engaged in communication, research, education, promotion, institutional relations and legal affairs, the Altagamma Foundation offers a unique insight into building strong international brands through alliances.

The Milan meeting will also include a Senior Management Masterclass, led by Enrico Finzi, a prominent sociologist with Astra Ricerche who works with leading national and international companies. Finzi will examine the threats and opportunities facing PR firms as they come to grips with the changing business landscape.

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "International branding is a field in which our partners have a deep professional interest, and we are delighted to have someone with Mr Versaces’ breadth of experience to guide our discussions on the subject.

“In addition, we look forward to Mr Finzi’s perspective on a PR industry which has changed significantly over the last decade and which will need to adapt further to client demands for increased cost-effectiveness and accountability.

“These regular meetings make an important contribution to the benefits which IPREX partners derive from the organization. They keep us in touch with the latest thinking across a range of important fields and, crucially, with each other.”

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world’s major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 69 partners have 90 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $135m. Its 1,270 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world’s most successful companies.