Friday 1 February
Dexter House, London EC3N 4QN

Ever wonder why you're brilliant at marketing but find it hard to close a sale? Or why doing all the wrong things with agents can sometimes be the most effective business tactic?

English language centres can get useful advice on these common questions, as well as crucial information on growth markets and using social media at the English UK Marketing Conference in February. Why not book now to be sure of your place?

"We've listened carefully to feedback from previous years, and we know people want more information on growth regions, more help with digital marketing, and to see new faces," said Huan Japes, English UK's deputy chief executive for professional services.

He added: "We're really pleased with this year's programme, which combines specific advice for the ELT sector as well as more general sessions including a fantastic opening plenary on marketing without a budget."

One of the more thought-provoking sessions may come from Patricia Seabright, a consultant who has been working closely with Cambridge English Language Assessment for the past five years.

She says that few companies are good at aligning their marketing and sales departments, adding: "In the world of English language this is complicated by the fact that culturally in education, sales is not a popular concept; not with customers or even sometimes with business development people themselves.  So to be commercially successful, organisations need to have both sales and marketing working effectively and seamlessly, just as a relay team do."

Entrepreneur Richard Richardson, who transformed Harry Ramsden's from a Yorkshire fish and chip shop to an international chain, will start the day by explaining his idea of "marketing judo" – using the weight of your opponent to your advantage. And the day will close in equally quirky style as Adrian Liley, head of sales at British Study Centres, explains how doing business "the wrong way" can be the right way with many agents.

Elective sessions will cover marketing in many countries, including China, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Libya, Mexico, Chile and Japan, as well as different facets of digital marketing and social media. There will also be a networking reception at the end of the formal presentations.

Click here to visit the 'training section' of the English UK website for more information.