We’re turning 30!

We’ve been helping our clients create, connect and communicate for 30 years

June 17th, 1991: The European Marketing Group is founded

EMG is founded by Greg Farrett and Willem van de Velde after they leave senior communications positions at GE Plastics. With ‘virtual offices’ in Brussels and London, the centre of EMG activities is a garden shed in Bergen op Zoom, sometimes referred to as “EMG Towers”.

Our IT infrastructure in 1991

In 1991, EMG’s equipment included two Apple Mac Classic computers (9-inch black/white screen, 4 megabyte + 3.5 inch floppy disk drive), a laser-printer and a coffee-table sized fax machine. The latter was seen as essential for fast communication with clients and suppliers, as there was no email. Soon afterwards we acquired a mobile phone – about the size and weight of a couple of bricks! Thankfully, in subsequent years, communication tools have become more powerful and efficient, allowing us to focus on the actual content of messages rather than on their transmission. 

January 1992

A cold winter and cramped conditions force the team to look for alternative accommodation. In 1992 EMG moves its offices to an ex-school building in Hoogerheide. Interestingly the building was used as an operational centre for the US Military stationed at the nearby airbase. Geopolitical events and East-West agreements saw a scaling back of US military personal in the Netherlands. EMG moved in like a shot and incorporated Dutch aviation history into our address – Olieslagerslaan.

EMG at K'92

EMG’s first K-show was held from Oct 29th to Nov 5th – it was a much longer show then. For me it began 3 days beforehand when I visited a warehouse in Düsseldorf holding 10,000 special editions of European Plastics News (EPN) which EMG had agreed to distribute to the top 30 hotels in the area. EPN, recently transferred into new ownership, wanted to make more of an impact at the show, but their main competitors Modern Plastics International (no longer with us) and K-Zeitung controlled the English and German language show dailies handed to visitors on entry. I came up with the bright idea of trying to reach the visitors before they got to the Messe. Remember this was pre-internet so no e-mail blast or social media posts.  I negotiated with all the major hotels to place EPN in their guest rooms and then delivered 200–500 of these special editions to each hotel. As a “guerrilla market” program it was so successful that it impacted show catalogue sales and take-up of the show dailies.

1993

Brigitta de Vries joins as a Partner, rolling in her own agency Bridge Communications, also based in Hoogerheide.

Events are my passion

Since the day I joined as the 3rd partner, I have been proud and happy to see compelling stories about our clients published in the press. BUT…..events are my passion. Turning an event into a 360° communications programme which makes the internal team feel proud of their company and creates business leads always gives me a special kick. Working against a deadline is when I really feel a close partnership with the client, forging friendships that will last a lifetime.

Luus van Hooijdonk

I started in October 1993 at The European Marketing Group, now better known as EMG and I retired in June 2013. In almost 20 years the world and EMG made huge steps in communications and computers. I remember the first server we had in the Hoogerheide office. Joke and I worked on our own Apple computer but at that time it was alreay a step forward to have a server on which we both could work and save the press releases. It was another I-Mac with a 32 or 36 MB capacity!

Luus at her farewell dinner party

The future is digital

The future is digital – and for us it started here. In 1994 we applied for our first email address: emg@zeelandnet.nl. We were not that keen on the Zeeland connection as it placed our global head office in a province beside the one in which we were located. But at least we were online.

Euro-Log

Our very first steps into high tech came with client Euro-Log. Originally established in 1992 by Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom and Digital Equipment, the EURO-LOG joint venture provided a platform for the integration of logistics data and processes for Europe using the recently introduced GSM service. EMG supported Euro-Log with newsletters, media relations, trade show activities, advertising and corporate events.

K1995, an inflection point that marked a hard lesson in planning

Prior to gaining our company email address we had always used courier services or fax to transfer texts between ourselves and our in-country translators which placed clear timing parameters on approvals and sign-off from clients. The immediacy of information transfers brought about by access to email caused us and our clients to let some of this discipline lapse. The consequence was that at 3.00 am on the opening day of the show Willem and I were still in our Hoogerheide office waiting for a number of multilingual press kits to be finalized before we left for Dusseldorf. But all ended happily as we negotiated access to the exhibition halls at 6.30 am delivered the kits to our clients stands. Then back to the boat for a shower and back again at 8.00 am suited and booted for our first dates with the media.

1998: Brigitta

One of the best moments working for EMG was K 1998 when we had a first 'full-on' media relations and exhibition management programme at the K show for a number of clients including AlliedSignal. Today I always look forward to the K-show as we meet so many old friends from both the commercial and the editorial world; and it is really great to see our Team in optima forma – working closely with up to 15 clients and partnering with the trade media to make it a communications success!

Work, party and be punctual

As a team, we work well: we help one another out and we are all working towards one goal; meeting client expectations. I particularly enjoy building up a media relations programme from scratch – from developing messaging to running successful global communications programmes for companies such as Clariant, Borealis/Borouge and Guardian - in Europe, the USA, from the Middle East and Asia to LatAm. On the other hand, as a team we also party well – especially at the end of major trade shows, or during our own events, such as our recent EMG 25th anniversary trip to Barcelona.

It is said that punctuality is the politeness of princes. However, once in a while, things go very wrong. I remember arriving at the airport, carrying my husband’s passport instead of my own. So, after a different flight and train journey, I finally arrived 5 hours late for my first official appointment at a new client. My contact person explained to the group that I had been delayed in Brussels and had to switch airlines. Everyone around the table nodded – yep, airlines, always a problem….

I enjoy working at EMG ever since I joined in 1999.

The first big change was when we moved in 2000, from an old school into a brand new building which needed to be finished, completed and decorated. I was given the job of arranging and overseeing this as I had had some building experience at my previous job. We assembled a “Decorating Team”, and with input from all our colleagues we “delivered” an open, attractive and modern office environment that is still good to work in.

Of course, much has changed. We have consistently grown – from a small team to the global business we are today. For me, in my financial role, the biggest impact was the investment in an ERP Software package, Maconomy/Deltek. Since we adopted Maconomy/Deltek in 2009, we have made tremendous strides forward in our finance and project administration. Working on more than 500 projects a year, for a growing number of clients, means that we are constantly seeing increases in the numbers of timesheets, expense-forms, vendor invoices, purchase orders, sales invoices, clients POs etc. In addition, our clients are increasingly looking for more administrative/financial details.

One thing that has not changed is the “open” environment. From colleagues to Board level, everyone is always willing to help and offer support. I am proud to work at EMG and I hope to go on for another few years.

Nancy van Heesewijk

I have been with EMG for more than 20 years. During this time, I have seen the company evolve from a small group of people who communicated mainly by phone and fax to a sustainable, international business with offices abroad and partners around the globe. The work we do is varied and involves quite a lot of travel.

People often think that working for a large multinational offers more experience, greater challenges and better career prospects. However, EMG gives me the opportunity to grow with the business, expand my knowledge and work with clients in a personal and flexible way. Best of all, because we support so many large companies, we get to see how they operate and “experience” their internal politics. All in all, every day is different – and every challenge is an opportunity to acquire new skills.

1999: riding the dotcom boom

Suddenly everyone was online and offering services. EMG got involved in many ways. Firstly by starting what was internally known as EMG Online – a service to develop both glossy and database-driven websites for our clients. And secondly by adding some very dotcom clients to our portfolio. Key amongst these were Spain-based MachinePoint.com – a website offering used plastics machinery and Omnexus.com – originally a web-based portal for plastics professionals. EMG first introduced Omnexus at K2001, where Paulien Boumans not only coordinated the stand and the hand-out of hundreds of catalogues but was also in charge of the specially selected cocktails for the daily Happy-Hour event.

2000: Henk Burgers

In 2000 we were joined by Henk Burgers, a specialist in graphics and print programmes. Having worked closely with Henk for a number of years (he was responsible for our very first business cards and stationery back in 1991) Henk’s experience enabled EMG to expand its activities in the development and placing of advertising campaigns for a growing number of clients.

Paul Woods

As a life-long IT-person, I have seen the world of communications change beyond recognition during my time with EMG. Back around the year 2000, my first trips across to the EMG offices would include carting this state of the art (and rather heavy) laptop. Note its emergency boot floppy disk, backup CDs and, for good measure, some spare dot matrix printer paper for printing out and debugging code. It does still boot its Windows 98 operating system which is impressive in itself but with no broadband, no wi-fi, and only an international call back to the UK via a 56k dial-up modem, there was certainly more screaming and less streaming!

Team event at sea...

A physically moving experience

Following a year of planning and preparation EMG has relocated to purpose-built offices in the historic market town of Bergen op Zoom. The company’s rapid growth, particularly over the past two years, has been the primary driving force behind the move. Significant growth in business – in revenue terms EMG is now ranked the 12th largest independent agency in The Netherlands – and an almost doubling of staff since the beginning of 1998, resulted in the need for more space, as well as a building better able to accommodate the integration of electronic technology – an increasingly valuable marketing communications tool.

Bergen op Zoom was selected as the location for the new EMG Building because it provided access to a more highly developed service infrastructure, while remaining within the same general area - Bergen op Zoom is less than 10 kilometres from EMG’s original office site. This has enabled us to retain the benefits of relatively low business rates and convenience for locally based staff, coupled with the continuing ease of physical communications with the main European commercial and industrial centres.

The move to purpose-built premises has also allowed us to revise and upgrade our internal operating systems and this will, over time, benefit clients and associates through improved service efficiencies that include the addition of enhanced IT capability.

EMG: CMS, CSS, CRM, ERP...

There have been too many highlights in my 20 years at EMG to pick the highest. Disregarding parties, Christmas dinners and the like, many of the milestones that come to mind relate to the online tools we have provided to our clients over the years.

When I joined EMG the FileMaker Pro List of Journalist database wasn't much more than a list of journalists and clips were cut, glued and photocopied to create phone book thick reports. Since those days a lot has happened: PressReleaseFinder, EMG's Media Information Centre and the EMG Portal are just a few tools I'm proud to be contributing to and I wonder what the communications world will look like when we celebrate our next anniversary.

The homepage of www.pressreleasefinder.com when launched in 2001

From paper magazine cuttings to digital internet clips

When I first joined EMG in 2001, we checked all the hundreds of magazines we received every month, photocopied any relevant articles in black/white and physically glued these copies onto a sheet of paper, ready to be sent to the client – by post.

Later on, as the Internet became more accessible to us, we would check around 20 websites every day to get additional digital clips. Subsequently we started using Google Search to further help us monitor media activity.

Today, we have a complete media monitoring system that allows us to offer our clients a range of possibilities – from standard clip to infographics and newsletters.

No two days are the same when you work at EMG. The job is well balanced between motivational incentives, being instructive, pleasant colleagues to work with; briefly: working at EMG is just nice.

2002

In 2002, EMG launched Eurocom Worldwide. 

Today, Eurocom Worldwide ranks among the largest independent PR & marketing communications networks with a unique specialisation on the global B2B and technology markets. They are a community of 500 enthusiastic and innovative communications experts that take great pride in their shared spirit across borders.

Ilona

Even after more than 18 years at EMG not one day is the same. The work is varied and interesting – and there is never a dull moment here in the office. I get involved in many different jobs, which make me a multi-tasker. I enjoy collaborating together as a team. Let’s celebrate the 30^th anniversary!

Moving into China

March 2003 saw EMG taking its first steps toward doing business in China. The SARS- coronavirus outbreak in 2002 and concerns around its ability to spread through contact created a ‘perfect storm’ in China. Research in early 2003 had shown that Polygiene, a new amino compound, could protect against the spread of the virus. So armed with brochures and press kit folders I set-off on mine and EMG’s first trip to Beijing. I encountered an immediate challenge at Schiphol when the check-in assistant explained that a Euro 3500 excess baggage charge was due on the three holdalls of print materials that had arrived too late to be shipped by courier. Euro 1000 later and some juggling of the load I was on the flight taking around 40kgs of the materials as hand-luggage. The rest is history as the press conference in Beijing was well attended and a follow-up press briefing took me to Shanghai where I met with DSM, GE and Trespa to discuss their interest in us setting up locally. We established EMG China in September 2004.

2004: Saskia

Working at EMG feels like working in a family business, not just with colleagues, but also with my own family. I remember how, when my children were younger, they came to the office, together with Marianne’s kids. We were going through a busy K-show preparation period and we did not have babysitters and our husbands weren’t home yet from their work. The kids took control of one of the office trolleys and staged an impromptu race in the office. None of our colleagues complained.

All in all EMG is a great place to work – and I appreciate the way we are able to balance our private and working lives.

First multi-client Pre-K press conference

As a major cost saving and efficiency improvement on individual companies organising their own separate press presentations, EMG offers the opportunity to join a multi-client press briefing in the run up to the K show. The event format, which guarantees the attention of the plastics and rubber industry's top editors, provides each company with a four-hour time slot - an allocation of three hours for press conference and one hour for one-to-one interviews and the hosting of informal discussions.
This professionally organised and co-ordinated event delivers the attendance of key editors and significant cost savings, through shared venue charges and editors' expenses, as well as full supporting and follow-up services.

While many things have changed – lunch has remained a constant

Over the past 12 years, I have seen some amazing changes in the way we work. When I first started at EMG, we used to send clients regular print-outs of their media coverage. Massive books, often in multiples, that had to be sent by mail. Today, the process is digital, fast and functional, with not a paper copy in sight.

One thing that has not changed is our need to eat. For me, here the buzz-word is “lunch”. On my very first day at EMG, I was treated to a so-called “petrol-station lunch” – a quick sandwich and drink eaten in the car whilst travelling to an appointment. Over the years, I have been involved in many different activities for a range of clients – and these have taken me to many different locations around the globe. But whatever I was doing, there was always lunch – in many forms. Mostly in busy trade show halls – grabbing a quick bite – usually pre-packed sandwiches with a best-before date of 2020 and beyond. When I spent some time in China during Chinaplas 2008, I was asked for my lunch-order promptly at 08.30 every morning. There was one particular lunch in a Luxembourg manufacturing facility that still gives me nightmares. Thankfully there have been some interesting lunch experiences too, the most memorable of which was in an outstanding 5-star hotel in Dubai.

An eventful business!

When I joined EMG, almost 15 years ago, there was an event planned to celebrate the 15th anniversary. What a great start: 2 days of teambuilding and entertainment here in Holland. Then 5 years later, a trip to London and 10 years later a trip to Barcelona. And now the 30th anniversary!

No matter what sort of event needs to be planned, EMG can do it! 

15 years: a piece of cake

This  year, EMG marks its 15th anniversary.  The company has built its success on its multi-cultural, multi-lingual approach. EMG staff understand that whilst marketing and communications disciplines are more or less similar the world over, there always has to be a local flavour to every message.

Greg Farrett: "We set up this business at a time when many companies began to see the opportunities offered by the single common market.  However, marketing and communications managers soon realised that single market did not mean "single message".  At EMG we understood the value of retaining the central corporate message, whilst allowing country sales forces to deviate from the central message - up to a point."

"Our first key business expense was a fax machine, which at the time cost around 10.000 guilders.  We had to buy one, because we knew that without it, we simply could not communicate effectively.  Although we still have a fax machine in our office today, we predominantly use email to communicate with customers and suppliers.  And so do our customers."

 

Joke Harteveld

It was a sad day for EMG in 2007, when Joke Harteveld died. Joke joined EMG as soon as Greg realised that he had to type his own correspondence, probably during our second week of operations in June 1991. Correspondence, bookkeeping and admin – Joke did it all. Always cheerful and ready to pitch in, she helped us collate and staple press releases, stick photographs and slides and copy-type translations that came in by fax in the days before computers and printers learnt to do most of the boring jobs. Joke also introduced the not-so-healthy Friday gourmet lunch: chips from the take-away across the road from the office.

Joke was very much part of the early EMG days – and some of the longer serving EMG people can still be heard quoting some of her more humorous sayings today, especially when things go wrong.

2007: Brigitta

I vividly remember the celebration event for SABIC after they acquired GE Plastics. We managed to create a feeling of belonging for the employees, an opportunity for dignitaries to meet the SABIC board, involved the local and national press as well as the chemicals and plastics press. From briefing to completion we only had a turnaround time of 5 weeks; including arranging temporary meeting facilities and catering for 2000 people on-site; safety, security, logistics and etiquette surrounding board members; organise plant tours as well as video and PPT presentations on the day and as a memento of the event. EMG pulled together as a team to create success for our customer in such a short time and with so many different angles and details.

All those hotels...

Finding accommodation during big trade shows can be challenging. At EMG we have probably seen it all, and we don’t have a reputation of being too picky. However, there was one time we actually walked out: It was on the night before the SPS show in Nuremberg that we finally met our limits: The “hotel” was located in the suburbs. The room was like a prison cell, but that was not the worst. To reach it, you had to step over a dozen Polish truck drivers who were sharing an awful lot of beer. You had to pass this jolly bunch not just to get to the room, but every time you needed the toilet – or wanted to take a shower (more a closet in the corridor). It took us less than 10 minutes to decide that we would be better off saying farewell to free drinks and what could have been an interesting night, for the sake of a good night’s sleep and to the benefit of our client. So we jumped back into our car and embarked on a quest to find a more comfortable roof over our heads. This was not easy in fully booked Nuremberg – but we did it.

A serious business – but sometimes we play plain silly

At EMG, most of the time, we are hard at work for our clients. But we do have some lighter moments too – especially during “funny” team events. For example, in 2009 we staged the “EMG Way to Wintersports”, when we turned our main meeting room into a “snow-filled” arena and played wintersports games on the Wii.

Every day is interesting

In my job I am able to work with many different high-level, international people and companies. We have access to top management executives, something which is pretty unique, and this makes every day interesting. I particularly enjoy promoting EMG through networking – I prefer face-to-face discussions and I enjoy the mix of working at the office and travelling. I also genuinely enjoy the company of my colleagues. Not only the mixed cultures/experiences they bring, but also a pleasant atmosphere.

Some of my personal highlights include being invited to a Michelin star restaurant in Cologne, as a reward for a successful K show, travelling through Korea, customer parties in Orlando and Chicago. Particularly memorable (maybe not in a good way) was my first trip with Paulien to Italy, during which she broke her laptop at airport security, we almost missed the plane and I lost my car keys.

The EMG Family Day

EMG has a long tradition of organising the annual EMG Family Day. In 2009 the destination was Bergen op Zoom!

2010: Stephanie Wakkee

Since joining EMG in 2010, I have worked on more than 60 tradeshows, conferences and/or events for our clients. I particularly enjoy working on tradeshows to support our clients – the work is varied: from media relations to coordinating the stand design/build; to also handling the stand management on-site.

If I have to pick one highlight, it would have to be my first K-show in 2010. I didn’t know what to expect and found out that it was really, really hard work but also lots of fun, sharing time with clients and especially with EMG colleagues. I can still recall a few funny conversations. Oh – one other highlight for me was a ski trip that was part of a K 2013 planning meeting in Austria. I found that skiing was not really my thing, but the apres-ski definitely was!

K 2010: Follow The EMG Way

Walking around Düsseldorf visitors of K 2010 may have noticed the "Follow The EMG Way" signs drawing attention to our best practises programme: The EMG Way™. A sustainable type of graffiti created by cleaning specific surfaces with a high pressure water pump.

Delivering value for clients and a song for Europe

I remember when colleagues Paulien, Suzanne and I were supporting two of our clients (AFA and Avery Dennison) at Interpack in Düsseldorf in May 2011. At the same time, Düsseldorf was hosting the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. One night, after a long day at the exhibition, we went out to grab a bite to eat and have a drink in the “Altstadt”. The streets were flooded with people all dressed in their country’s colours, waving flags and getting ready for the second semi-finals. Quite an experience, especially when the Dutch candidates came on (3JS – ‘Never alone’) and Suzanne started singing along in the middle of the bar. A perfect example of how we at EMG like to mix business with pleasure I would say. Sadly, the Netherlands didn’t make it through to the finals that year – in fact, they finished last in their semi-final - although it definitely wasn’t for a lack of enthusiasm on Suzanne’s part!

Marking 20 years of effective business communication

EMG was established in 1991 - twenty years ago. At that time, many industrial companies were actively coordinating their pan-European communications activities - and were looking for an agency that could operate in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural environment. EMG was established to be that agency. Since those early days, EMG has come a long way.

Today we support clients all over the world and help set their communications agenda. Some of our first projects were to promote clients who had just obtained ISO 9001 certification - often a first in their specific industry. And while ISO 9001 is no longer hot news - there are still plenty of topics, products and solutions to discuss. For example, in the chemical industry REACH today is one of those topics. We can ask ourselves are regulatory affairs a threat or opportunity? And how do we communicate about this?

Sinterklaas at EMG: rolling dice to win the ugliest present on the table

You should have been there...

EMG strengthens and extends Asian partner network with EMG Asiacom

EMG has consolidated its long-established relationships with local partner agencies in Asia with the formation of the regional EMG Asiacom network. The network provides local PR and communications expertise for key markets in the Asia Pacific region including China, Singapore, India, Japan, Korea and Australia.

EMG’s history of working with local agencies in Asia extends back more than 15 years. In 2004 it established its own presence in Asia with the opening of its Shanghai office, followed by Beijing in 2007. Over the past 8 years, the company has built a reputation as the leading B2B/industrial agency in China and today involves a team of over 25 local professional communicators.

Building on this local presence, and its operation in Singapore established in 2005, EMG has worked on strengthening its local partner relationships and forging a cohesive regional capability that offers clients a singular point of contact with proven B2B and industry know-how that can deliver across the region. Regional programmes are managed through EMG’s proprietary online tools and integrated into clients’ global structures as required. Programmes can be managed from Europe, Singapore or Shanghai as best suits the clients’ needs and structures.

“Our mission is to develop a genuine pan-Asia competency that delivers effective business communications for our clients,” says John Gallagher, International Development Director at EMG. “The Asian market is paramount in our global clients’ priorities, and with EMG Asiacom, our network of proven, quality professional PR practitioners, we are able to provide a comprehensive, flexible and scalable solution that delivers to EMG’s high standards.”

I love progressing Press Releases

When I started working at EMG, it was quite a challenge. Many different systems to get used to: On-line database for clients and media contacts we call the Portal and MIC; Pressreleasefinder (admin); Maconomy for timemanagement; and I couldn’t get the hang of it. Nowadays most of these systems are part of my every day job. And, I like the entire process revolved around press releases, from scratch till their moment of glory.

Wealth of Information

I started at EMG in 2013 on April 1st, and this isn’t a joke. I succeeded Luus who retired as Media & Clipping Assistant. What I particularly like is researching new media for our Media Information Centre - finding publications that might be interesting for one or more of our clients - especially when it is hard to find details or publications about a specific subject. I am always very happy when I manage to find the right information. Nowadays you see a change as digital media and social media are getting more and more important every day. So you can get more information via these channels. Media also give more information about website visitors and impressions and magazines are available both in print and digital format. The main challenge right now is the sheer volume of data out there. Effective marketing communications in 2020 and beyond requires careful monitoring of a multitude of sources, and the means of cutting through the noise that comes with it.

It is nice to see EMG is a company where employees stay for a long time. And no wonder. EMG is a very socially responsible employer. I have experienced that myself when both my husband and I were ill for longer periods. All the support we received and still receive is unbelievable. I am very proud to be working for EMG and I hope to continue working with EMG  and with my colleagues with pleasure for many more years!

EMG's Steps for Schools campaign raises €7,500 for a school in Sierra Leone

EMG issued a global challenge to get fit and raise money to support Schools for Salone, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives by building Schools in Sierra Leone. The campaign, which ran for 31 days (September 20th – October 21st), was designed to promote an active lifestyle, and to raise funds and awareness for Schools for Salone - specifically to give the fundraising effort for the Gbumbeh Primary School a strong start.

“We’re very pleased with the results of the campaign. Two hundred and forty (240) people registered from 21 countries – from right across Europe to North America, China, India and Brazil. Our team reached out to their network of customers, friends and family and they responded,” said Brigitta de Vries, Partner and Account Director, EMG. “We watched people really make an effort to take 7,500 steps per day to reach the campaign target of 230,000 in 31 days! Helping to build a school was a strong motivator.”

“We are so pleased with EMG’s Steps for Schools campaign. Not only did it raise significant funds towards the total needed to build the Gbumbeh Primary School, it helped to create awareness, which is vital to our ongoing efforts to build and sustain schools in Sierra Leone,” says Cindy Nofziger, Executive Director, Schools for Salone. “Gbumbeh is a very poor village, and this campaign has given them hope. Our goal now is to continue the fundraising so we can turn hopes into a school.”

Schools for Salone and the Gbumbeh Primary School

Schools for Salone is a non-profit organization that partners with local villages in Sierra Leone, West Africa, to rebuild the schools devastated in the ten-year civil war that ended in 2002. Since 2005, Schools for Salone has built 15 schools, and 2 libraries. The Gbumbeh Primary School is one of the schools waiting to be built. It is located in the Selenga Chiefdom about 14 miles from Bo, the second largest city in Sierra Leone. The village has a population of about 1,000 people and children from two nearby villages also attend the school, which is a one room mud hut with a tin roof. The overcrowded classroom makes teaching and learning difficult.

The approximate cost to build a school is €40,000.00 ($55,000.00).

Watch the video from Gbumbeh Village Chief, Swari Sandi.

Watch the video from Schools for Salone Board President, Mr. Don Mooers Jr.

Year of the horse marks 10 years EMG China

2014 marks a momentous occasion for EMG – it is 10 years since we set up our operations in China! In this year of the horse, decisiveness is key, and one of the best decisions we ever made as a business was expanding into China. Since then we have cantered and often galloped our way into pole position as the country’s leading B2B specialist agency – a true thoroughbred in our field.

The past 10 years have been a truly amazing ride. Since first opening with 2 people in the corner of a shared office back in September 2004, we have grown into a 25 person operation with offices in Shanghai and Beijing. (We still occupy the same corner of the Majesty Building in Pudong, but now we take up over half of the entire floor as well.)

“My first visit to China was actually for Chinaplas 2004, a few months before we opened up our office, to carry out some early reconnaissance and meet with prospective clients,” reflects John Gallagher, International Development Director at EMG. “The show then was a far cry from the world class event that takes place in April this year. The growth and the internationalisation of this one industry event have been phenomenal, and the show remains a mainstay of our business, each and every year. And EMG’s growth and development over the past 10 years has been a mirror reflection of Chinaplas in many ways.”

The rise of WeChat

As of 2015, WeChat rises as the mainstream social platform for B2B business in China. EMG starts to deliver quality WeChat service helping clients building up WeChat from “zero” to “one” and gains good business results.

You could argue that China is the global market to have most embraced the social media revolution and that nowhere is a more targeted B2B strategy warranted. But with western social media outlets unavailable to Chinese consumers, it is WeChat that has become the essential platform to domestic communications rather than LinkedIn. 

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Time flies when you are having fun

Time flies when you are having fun. It has been a year since I joined EMG and it has been great, with lots of “experiences” and no doubt more to come… I am proud to be part of an incredible team where space is given for growth and fresh happiness on a daily basis…what more do you need?

Barcelona 2016

We all had a great time. See for yourself by watching the video and a collage of some of the highlights.

EMG China moves West

EMG China moved to its new offices on the Puxi or west side of Shanghai, located in the new Futureland Building, in the vibrant and emerging business district of Putuo.

The move to Puxi provided us with a newer, more modern office location and facilities, improved staff accessibility, as well as proximity to clients and the new National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai’s Hongqiao district, which is set to host more and more industry events.

EMG China also strengthened and expanded the team with Joe Cui who joined as Senior Account Director. Previously with Newell Public Relations, Joe brought with him over 12 years of communications know-how and a depth of local and Asian experience across a variety of B2B sectors including technology, food ingredients and materials.

Joe Cui, Senior Account Director, EMG China

2018: Belinda

Since I joined EMG in 2018, I already got involved in many different jobs.
I’m proud to be part of a team where everyone puts his best foot forward to make it all happen.

I am excited to see what the future holds for EMG!

In any given moment we have the option to step forward into growth.

Agility is essential in marketing communications. There is such a digital transformation taking place that you need to keep your skillset up to date.

I have been exploring the potential of new channels of communication, including video, podcasts, and infographics.  As well as learning to apply specific digital tricks to increase efficiency and results. This knowledge also provides me with more time to focus on specific details and thereby improve overall quality.

My adventure at EMG began in September 2018 when I joined as management assistant. Some of my fond memories are:

• K 2019 (Social influencer, visit at the show & pre-fun)
• Joining EMG’s Marcom team in 2020
• Producing EMG's Podcast: create connect communicate

New Content Strategy Director

With trade media and B2B communications changing, I was honored to be chosen as EMG’s Content Strategy Director to help our clients successfully navigate into all forms of content marketing.

2019: Carolyn

I joined EMG in 2019 as an Account Executive and have been supporting our clients with global marketing communications programs. I enjoy learning from a wide array of industry experts on how to implement comprehensive marketing communications strategies. At the same time, I’m bringing understanding of digital marketing into the frame.

Quote: “Great communication begins with connection. Create a story that resonates with your customers.”

EMG announced the appointment of Rikke Wivel as its new CEO - Company co-founder Greg Farrett takes the role of Chairman

I was really excited to be joining EMG and ensuring that the course towards being at the forefront of global industrial technology marketing communications continues. EMG is known for its excellent team of innovative, creative and strategic people. Our clients appreciate EMG for our close working relationships and for having a pulse on what is happening in their highly technical industries. We have some long-standing partnerships in place that we cherish and exciting new clients in the portfolio.

During my first months at EMG I met all my new colleagues to discuss our vision and strategy. These are changing times and we are continuing to change with them. Today, we’re living and conducting business in a cross-platform disciplinary world, where the lines between our professional and private lives are blurring. As a result, the marketing landscape has evolved into one that features diverse opinion leaders, messages, and content types. Getting your message across today involves creating great stories, truly connecting with the people you want to reach, and communicating with integrated international campaigns. It’s about looking far beyond words alone. 

EMG celebrates 30 years

Over the years we have always kept close the same core principles that started it all. We use our marketing expertise, with local industry insights and a deep understanding of our client’s needs as a recipe for success.

In our 30s we’re far from being grey – with our multinational team and global reach we’re still as excited as ever to be in industrial communications.