13 Quotes From The Experts at ITP Live's Summit

“Influencer marketing budget is growing significantly and the way marketers justify that is with the use of data.”

Matthew Sliedrecht, Director of Marketing at Cleartrip, talking data on the “What To Do With All This Data” panel at ITP Live’s Summit.

“If you’re really trying to propel your content on LinkedIn, make sure your [network] is behind it as well and also sharing it.”

Nicki Wilson, Founder & Managing Director at Genie, on how to grow a following and become a LinkedIn influencer.

“With the Saudis, you really have to resonate with them, especially in terms of your custom, the way you speak, your family name. Something that makes them feel like ‘Wow, this guy represents us.’”

Fahad Sal (@mrfahadsal) Content Creator, on how to resonate with the Saudi audience when creating digital content.

“There’s a strong thirst for Arabic content in the region. Facebook, as well as many other platforms and broadcasters, are really investing in Arabic content.”

Sara Abu Zahra (left), Strategic Media Partnerships at Facebook, chatting with ITP Live’s Laura Kell (right) during “What’s New at Facebook”, on why broadcasters should consider sharing more Arabic content on Facebook Watch.

“I think the whole concept of gaming, if you don’t understand it, is like a movie and you’re the star. Every single person who plays the game is the movie star.”

Amr Nassouhy (@nsoo7y), gaming content creator, on why the region’s Millenial and Gen-Z demographics are obsessed with consuming gaming and Esport-related content.

“If you’re in B2B, I don’t understand why you’re not on LinkedIn… If you’re not there you’re missing out.”

Nick Vinckier, Managing Director MENA at Duval Union Consulting, on why you shouldn’t forget about your LinkedIn strategy.

“Now, authenticity is king. You can no longer fool people… You need to put yourself in the place of the viewer, and you need to empathize with the culture and the place that you’re in.”

Hatem Alakeel (@hatemalakeel) Fashion Designer at Toby by Hatem, speaking on the “How To Reach The Saudi Audience” panel.

“We believe, in the next couple of years, the gaming industry is going to foster even more talent from the region.”

Habib Chams, Founder & Manager at Digital Games Conference Dubai, on the potential of gaming, Esports and gaming influencers from the MENA region.

“It’s not about just consuming the content. It’s about experiencing both as a gamer or through the eyes of a gaming content creator.”

Ahmed Al-Nasheet (@DVLZGame) ITP Live Influencer and gaming content creator, on why gaming influencers are able to build loyal audiences and high rates of engagement on various social media platforms.

“I think the pre-process of how to approach the right message is still heavily reliant on having the right data set in order to really impact your message.”

Christo Van Wyk, Regional Director at Meltwater (India and the Middle East), on why data is so important to marketers who work with influencers.

“We have to have originals from this part of the world. We have to create content from MENA, for MENA and to create content from Saudi, for Saudi.”

Shafika Houcine, Senior Director of Digital Experience at OSN, on why it’s important to create original content for the Saudi audience.

“My investors, my business partners… I found them all on LinkedIn. The value LinkedIn adds to your business is huge.”

Dr. Sara Al Madani (second from the right), Board Member at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Serial Entrepreneur, talking on the “Mastering LinkedIn: Best Practices for Brands and Influencers” panel and why all entrepreneurs should be making the most of the platform.

“Snapchat is still thriving in Saudi Arabia.”

ITP Live influencer Abdullah Al-Jumah (@aaljumah, left) and Fahad Sal (right), on why the Snapchat should not be overlooked when targeting Saudi Millenials in influencer marketing campaigns.