DMA 09

Direct marketing's share of total US advertising spending will reach 54.3% for 2009, increasing by 1.6% over last year's total, according to statistics released by the Direct Marketing Association for its DMA09 conference. Direct marketing ad spend will increase 2.7% next year, reaching $153.3 billion in total, according to the group's predictions.

On October 19, Equifax and Strongmail announced at DMA09 they are partnering on a tool that enables marketers to target consumers not only by demographic and behavioral data, but also by social media influence. The tool has direct integration with blogs and social networks, including Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

The economy will be top of mind for attendees at this year's Direct Marketing Association annual conference in San Diego, but direct marketers also see advantages and opportunities